This article is included in these additional categories:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is continuing its efforts to eliminate lead contamination, working with local, state and federal partners in New London, Connecticut. The city has received nearly $7 million from the bipartisan Infrastructure Act, which will allow for the replacement of 150 lead pipes and help create a lead pipe inventory. This effort is part of a larger plan to replace approximately 500 lead pipes in the New London Department of Public Utilities' distribution system.
Lead exposure: A critical public health problem
Lead contamination in drinking water poses significant health risks, especially for children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), lead exposure can lead to developmental delays, learning disabilities, and other serious health problems. The agency stresses that there is no safe level of lead exposure and emphasizes the importance of initiatives like the one in New London.
The bipartisan infrastructure bill signed by President Biden includes $15 billion nationwide for lead pipe replacement, including $100 million for Connecticut alone. New London has taken the lead in addressing this problem, securing $6,949,213, including $4,377,609 in forgiveness, to accelerate its efforts to provide residents with clean and safe drinking water.
New London: A model for replacing lead pipes
Under the leadership of David W. Cash, EPA's New England regional administrator, New London has made significant progress in eliminating lead contamination from its water system. Thanks to federal funding, the city is halfway through replacing 150 lead lines and plans to eliminate all 500 lead lines in the coming years.
“Protecting children and families by reducing lead exposure is one of EPA's highest priorities,” Cash said. “Thanks to federal funding and New London's initiative, residents no longer have to worry about what's in their water when they turn on the faucet.”
The city also benefits from participation in the Lead Service Line Replacement (LSLR) Accelerator program, which provides technical assistance to underserved communities. This program helps New London develop lead service line replacement plans, conduct inventories, and strengthen community outreach.
Federal funding strengthens local efforts
Local officials, including U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, welcomed the nearly $7 million investment. “This funding will remediate over 150 water mains that contain lead,” Blumenthal said, stressing the importance of protecting children and families from the “devastating harm” caused by lead exposure.
The funding reflects a larger federal commitment to environmental justice and health equity. EPA has committed to ensuring that 49% of the funds provided through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) will be awarded as grants and forgiven loans to disadvantaged communities that often bear the brunt of aging and dangerous infrastructure.
Combating lead poisoning nationwide
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that there are still about nine million lead pipes in use across the country and they pose a threat to public health.
Replacing lead pipes nationwide protects communities and is an important step toward achieving long-term environmental sustainability. The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) has indicated that removing lead pipes is one of the most effective ways to reduce lead exposure. In cities like Flint, Michigan, the devastating effects of lead contamination have clearly demonstrated the importance of proactive measures.
outlook
New London's lead service line replacement project serves as a blueprint for other municipalities in Connecticut and across the U.S. As the EPA, state and local partners continue to advance efforts to eliminate lead from drinking water systems, the city is setting a standard for how federal infrastructure funding can effectively address critical public health challenges.
Comments are closed.