By Trish Svoboda
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a $28.65 million investment from President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda to help Kansas identify and replace lead service lines, thereby reducing lead exposure in drinking water. This initiative, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and facilitated through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF), is part of the administration’s commitment to environmental justice and its Lead Pipe and Paint Action Plan.
The EPA and State Revolving Funds are working together to ensure that 40% of the benefits from certain federal investments reach disadvantaged communities. The funding is expected to replace up to 1.7 million lead pipes nationwide, providing clean drinking water to numerous families.
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan emphasized the critical need to identify and remove lead pipes as quickly as possible. EPA Region 7 Administrator Meghan A. McCollister highlighted the significant health risks posed by lead exposure, particularly to young children.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests $15 billion to identify and replace lead service lines, with 49% of the funds provided as grants and forgivable loans to disadvantaged communities. The funding announced will specifically aid in lead service line identification and replacement, contributing to the reduction of lead exposure from drinking water across all states and territories.
