PHILADELPHIA — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that Virginia is getting more than $49 million from the federal government to help identify and replace lead pipes.
The project aims to advance safe drinking water by preventing exposure to lead in drinking water. According to the EPA, lead exposure can cause many serious health issues, including irreversible damage to brain development in children.
“The science is clear, there is no safe level of lead exposure, and the primary source of harmful exposure in drinking water is through lead pipes,” EPA Administrator Michael Regan wrote in a news release.
“President Biden understands it is critical to identify and remove lead pipes as quickly as possible, and he has secured significant resources for states and territories to accelerate the permanent removal of dangerous lead pipes once and for all.”
The project will be funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed in 2021 and available through EPA’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF).
“Across our region, states are getting boosts from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that will improve lives, strengthen communities, and protect our most vulnerable populations,” EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz wrote. “This funding brings us much closer to replacing all lead service lines throughout the nation.”
Both of Virginia's U.S. senators praised the funding.
“I’m glad that the Commonwealth is set to receive significant funding that will enable the identification and replacement of unsafe lead pipes that have disastrous impacts on health,” said U.S. Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA). “This funding will help to ensure that every Virginian has access to the clean, safe water they deserve.”
“Lead service lines harm the health and well-being of our communities,” said U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA). “I’m glad to have helped pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which is bringing these funds to Virginia to replace these dangerous lead pipes and protect drinking water.”
