Fehr Graham helps communities find funding, develop plans for replacement
The Biden-Harris Administration and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today a final rule requiring drinking water systems across the country to identify and replace lead pipes within the next decade.
This landmark decision strengthens efforts to reduce lead exposure in drinking water, requiring more rigorous testing and setting a lower threshold for action to protect public health. The rule also improves communication, ensuring families stay informed about lead risks, the location of lead pipes and plans to replace them.
To support this infrastructure overhaul, the EPA has announced $2.6 billion in funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, available through the Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Funds. An additional $35 million in grant funding will be available to help communities inventory and replace lead service lines. Additional federal funding is available. The EPA developed a website identifying available funding sources.
Since 2017, Fehr Graham has been a trusted partner for several Illinois communities, helping them navigate the Illinois EPA Lead Service Line Replacement Principal Forgiveness Program. Our team of experienced water engineers and funding experts has guided cities like Rockford, Crystal Lake, Forreston, Freeport, Du Quoin and Sycamore toward safer drinking water by helping them secure millions in funding to inventory and replace thousands of lead service lines.
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We've known for decades that lead exposure has serious long-term impacts on children's health. And yet, millions of lead service lines are still delivering drinking water to homes. President Biden is putting an end to this generational public health problem. With the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements and historic investments in lead pipe replacement, the Biden-Harris Administration is fulfilling its commitment that no community, regardless of race, geography, or wealth, should have to worry about lead-contaminated water in their homes. |
Michael S. Regan, EPA Administrator
Lead pipes, often found in homes built before 1986, can pose significant health risks. Lead exposure, even in small amounts, can affect nearly every system in the body. In children, lead can harm mental and physical development, slow learning and damage the brain. In adults, lead can cause increased blood pressure, heart disease, decreased kidney function and cancer. The EPA estimates around 9 million homes in the U.S. still rely on lead pipes to carry water into their homes. The Lead Copper Rule was introduced in 1991 and has been revised many times.
Read the news release here. Read the Fact Sheet here.
Replacing lead service lines is an essential step in protecting our communities, and Fehr Graham is here to help. With years of experience and a strong understanding of the regulations and funding opportunities, we can guide you through the process. Don’t tackle this alone. Contact us or give us a call at 815.394.4700. Read more about how we’ve helped communities replace lead service lines here.