On Oct. 8, the White House finalized a sweeping rule to combat lead in drinking water: The Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) mandate that all U.S. water systems identify and replace lead service lines within 10 years, while introducing stricter testing and lowering the action threshold for contamination.
The goal is clear: eradicate lead exposure risks and provide safe drinking water across communities.
Supporting this regulatory shift, the EPA has announced $2.6 billion in new funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aimed at accelerating lead pipe replacements across U.S. states. Nearly half of these funds are earmarked for disadvantaged communities, addressing the disproportionate impact of lead exposure on low-income and minority populations. Additionally, the agency is offering $35 million in competitive grants for targeted efforts to reduce lead levels.
This initiative follows decades of evidence linking lead exposure to serious health risks, especially for children. The EPA estimates up to 9 million homes are still served by lead pipes. The LCRI, coupled with historic federal investments, is designed to eliminate this legacy problem while stimulating local economies through infrastructure projects.
“Lead pipes are still delivering water to millions of homes—this needs to change now,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. The administration’s approach integrates regulatory action with significant financial support, aiming to fundamentally reshape water infrastructure and deliver results that benefit public health and economic growth.
