Walz highlights plan to replace lead pipes across Minnesota – ABC 6 News

(ABC 6 News) – Gov. Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan visited a Saint Paul home to highlight their $240 million proposal to replace lead plumbing across Minnesota.

Gov. Walz and Lieutenant Gov. Flanagan were joined by legislators, union officials and representatives from the St. Paul Regional Water Service Board, the Minnesota Conservation and the Coalition for Greater Minnesota Cities.

“No matter where you live, we make investments that improve your quality of life,” said Governor Walz. “Our proposal will fund local projects to identify and replace lead pipe statewide at no cost to families and homeowners. Minnesotans deserve to know where their water comes from and that it is safe and wholesome.”

“No amount of lead is safe for humans, and no Minnesotan should be exposed to lead through their drinking water,” Lieutenant Governor Flanagan said. “Investments in mapping and replacing lead piping are investments in the health and safety of all Minnesotans, especially our mothers and children. We can live in a state that provides safe, clean water for all.”

“Clean water starts with clean drinking water. Yet thousands of Minnesotans still get their drinking water from outdated and unsafe lead water pipes,” said Paul Austin, Executive Director of Conservation Minnesota. “A person’s zip code shouldn’t negatively impact their health. Investing in the inventory and replacement of these hazardous lines will help address the disproportionate burden of lead lines on our low-income neighborhoods and protect the health and well-being of Minnesota’s children.”

The Minnesota Department of Health estimates that about 100,000 water supply lines in the state carry leachate into the drinking water flowing through them. Exposure to lead can damage the brain, kidneys and nervous system. In children, lead can also slow development or cause learning, behavioral, and hearing problems.

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