Friend — the EPA has proposed updating its protections against lead in our drinking water. While the proposal is a great start, it could still leave some communities at risk of exposure to this potent neurotoxin for decades.

Here’s the problem: the EPA’s proposal includes a dangerous loophole. Their current plan mandates the removal of lead pipes within a decade, but it would give some cities with lots of lead lines up to 50 years to get the job done. That’s unacceptable, Friend.

There’s still time to urge the EPA to finalize stronger protections and to move more quickly to eliminate lead pipes in all communities. Protecting the health of children and other vulnerable groups is critical, and we need as many LCV members as possible to join our campaign.

It only takes a moment to help us reach 5,000 signatures demanding that the EPA move urgently to eliminate lead pipes that contaminate our drinking water. Please, add your name right now >>

Right now, up to 22 million people in the United States drink water delivered through lead pipes. Lead is a harmful neurotoxin, and communities of color and low-wealth communities are hit the hardest with higher rates of negative health impacts like cardiovascular disease, immunological deficiencies, developmental problems in children, lung cancer, and asthma.

The EPA’s proposed rule to finally get the lead out of our drinking water is a critical step forward, especially the proposed requirement for most lead pipes to be replaced within 10 years. However, it also includes a loophole that could extend that deadline to as long as 50 years in cities that have large numbers of lead pipes. That means that the communities most affected by lead contamination could be exposed to this toxin for decades to come.

This would be a disaster for families who live in these communities, and would further delay environmental justice, Friend. Everyone — no matter their race, income, or zip code — should have access to clean, safe water. With this proposal, the EPA has an incredible opportunity to eliminate harmful lead pollution in our water once and for all. We must push them to finalize the strongest rule possible as quickly as possible to ensure every community has access to the clean, safe water they need to thrive.

Support from LCV members like you will be crucial if we’re going to reach our 5,000 signature goal. Add your name right now to demand that the EPA finalize strong safeguards against lead in drinking water and act quickly to eliminate lead pipes from our communities >>

Thank you for joining our campaign for safe drinking water and healthier communities.

Onward,

Madeleine Foote
Deputy Legislative Director
League of Conservation Voters