There is no safe level of lead.

And yet, up to 22 million Americans and possibly more drink tap water served by lead pipes.

Now is the time to end this public health crisis so everyone can access safer drinking water.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) just announced a proposal to finally take big steps towards getting lead out of drinking water – requiring most lead pipes to be replaced within 10 years. But the proposal doesn’t require water utilities to pay for the full lead pipe replacements, allowing them to shift significant costs to individuals. The proposal also will let some cities get more than 10 years to replace their lead pipes if they have a huge number to address. The EPA should strengthen the proposal to ensure equity and that NO ONE has to drink from a lead pipe.

Urge President Biden’s EPA to finalize stronger regulations to help get lead out of drinking water equitably and as quickly as possible.

Lead is contaminating water in communities across the country – this is impacting you and people you know! Lead harms the developing brain, making it especially dangerous for children and pregnant people. It can also cause fatal heart disease in adults.

We need the EPA to finalize strong regulations that ensure replacements of all lead pipes in no more than 10 years, including in disadvantaged communities and areas most impacted by this health crisis. We also must require water utilities to cover the costs, so we’re not putting that financial burden on low-income homeowners, and to protect renters whose landlords are unlikely to pay the cost of lead pipe replacement.

Tell the EPA everyone deserves safe water – these regulations are critical for advancing environmental justice.

We know what we need to do at this moment: replace lead pipes. Not only will this help provide Americans with safer water and protect their health, but it will support local economies with the creation of good paying jobs.

Fixing this lead water crisis can’t wait – not when a generation of children are drinking contaminated water.

Get the lead out, EPA! Finalize strong regulations to help end this health crisis equitably and quickly.

Sincerely,

Erik Olson
Senior Strategic Director for Health, NRDC