Dear NRDC Action Fund Supporter,

Incredible news: The Biden-Harris administration released new standards to get dangerous lead out of our drinking water, requiring virtually all lead water pipes across the nation to be removed within 10 years.

This is a huge win for public health and our children that is decades in the making. It’s the result of the tireless work of community leaders in cities like Flint and Newark – and also NRDC and NRDC Action Fund supporters like you, who sent nearly 60,000 public comments to the Environmental Protection Agency in support of strong lead in drinking water standards.

Make no mistake: These lifesaving standards are also in large part thanks to President Biden and Vice President Harris — political leaders who have listened and acted when so many others would not. This victory is more proof that elections matter — and it’s more critical than ever that we elect officials this November who will follow through on the promise of these standards.

Learn more about this monumental victory to protect communities across the country from the dangers of lead-contaminated drinking water.

There is no safe level of lead. But currently over nine million homes in the U.S., disproportionately in low-income communities and communities of color, receive drinking water through a lead pipe.

Lead harms the developing brain, severely impairing mental and physical development, and is especially dangerous for children and pregnant people. In adults, it can also cause increased blood pressure, fatal heart disease, kidney impairment, and cancer.

While the final standards are a significant improvement, some gaps remain — most notably, water utilities are not required to shoulder the costs for full lead pipe replacement. That’s particularly disappointing given that the households disproportionately impacted by lead pipes are the ones that can least afford to pay for their removal. So, there’s more work to be done.

One of the best ways to ensure every lead pipe is replaced, no matter what a household can afford to pay, is simple: we need as many people as possible to vote for pro-environment leaders this Election Day.

Every vote counts — make sure you’re prepared to vote.

Thank you for fighting alongside us to ensure safe drinking water for all.

Sincerely,

Erik D. Olson
Senior Advisor, NRDC Action Fund