Water is essential for daily activities, but the infrastructure delivering water to our homes needs modernization. Many American households still receive water through lead pipes and service lines, posing a serious health risk as lead is a neurotoxin with no safe level of exposure.
To address this issue, the Biden administration is proposing a plan to require water systems to replace their lead lines within the next decade. The infrastructure law passed in 2021 includes funding for lead-pipe replacement and state-level improvements to drinking water.
However, utility companies are hesitant to support the proposal, raising concerns about the financial burden of the overhaul. This could impact households in need of updated piping, particularly those in low-income communities.
The EPA has been collecting data on lead-pipe systems, and their report projected over 9.2 million lead service lines in the United States. Florida stands out as having the highest number of lead service lines, while Alaska has the lowest. The majority of the nation’s service lines do not contain lead, which is a positive finding.
The EPA’s survey provides detailed information about the service lines, including the presence of lead piping or connectors. You can explore how your state ranks using the interactive map provided above.