Iowa seeks to remove dangerous lead water pipes | News

(KMAland) — Iowa receives federal aid to remove lead water pipes in the state.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is working with local water authorities to plan where to prioritize the funds.

As part of the bipartisan infrastructure bill, cities and towns in Iowa are reducing the number of dangerous lead water pipes.

Cody Smith, director of climate initiatives for the Iowa Environmental Council, said: even houses that were only built in 1988 are connected to the local water utility via lead pipes, which puts people at risk even in Iowa's major cities such as Des Moines and Council Bluffs.

“Especially for the most vulnerable groups, such as unborn babies or young children, there is an extreme and outsized risk associated with lead exposure from lead pipes,” Smith said. “This can lead to higher blood lead levels and developmental disorders in children.”

The state revolving fundthe primary source for water infrastructure modernization, has received more than $620 million under the bipartisan infrastructure bill.

According to the IEC, over 700 communities have benefited so far.

In addition to replacing lead pipes and modernizing water supply infrastructure, Smith said Iowa could also benefit from assistance with so-called diffuse source projects.

“This is runoff from agricultural fields and livestock operations that is causing nutrient contamination in source water,” Smith said. “And source water is water that is used for drinking anywhere in the state.”

Smith said these strategies could help farmers and local utilities reduce nitrates and other pollutants in the soil.

The Biden administration's goal is to replace all lead water pipes in the United States by 2031.