October 10, 2024

As part of the Administration’s ongoing commitment to clean water and environmental justice, President Biden announced a new deadline on Tuesday requiring all water utilities in the nation to replace lead service lines within the next ten years.

The new rule, issued by the Environmental Protection Agency, also pledges an additional $2.6 billion to be invested for drinking water upgrades and lead pipe replacements, supplementing the $15 billion in federal funding made available through the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

The EPA estimates that water utilities must replace about nine million lead pipes at a total cost of $20 billion to $30 billion over the ten-year duration.

The new rule also lowers the allowable amount of lead to 10 parts per billion, down from the current 15 parts per billion. If the water supply exceeds the new threshold, utilities will be required to make water filters available to the effected community.

Administration officials have stated that 99% of cities across the country should be able to meet the ten-year deadline, though some may take more time. Cities like Chicago containing a particularly large number of lead pipes would be permitted to go beyond the mark.

If you have any questions, please contact Kyle@utcanj.org.