EPA Announces Partnership with City of Muskegon Heights, Michigan, to Accelerate Replacement of Lead Water Pipes and Protect Public Health

EPA Announces Partnership with City of Muskegon Heights, Michigan, to Accelerate Replacement of Lead Water Pipes and Protect Public Health

Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Muskegon Heights is joining communities across the country who are accelerating replacement of lead service lines

September 20, 2024

Consuming lead in drinking water can cause serious health impacts, including irreversible harm to brain development in children. To protect children and families, the Biden-Harris Administration's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests a historic $15 billion to replace lead pipes and deliver clean and safe drinking water, including nearly $62 million for Michigan just this year alone. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law also allocated another $11.7 billion to the General Supplemental Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, which can be used for lead pipe replacement.

However, many underserved communities lack the resources to plan for lead pipe replacement and access federal investments. The technical assistance provided through the Get the Lead Out Initiative will help ensure that no community is left behind in the opportunity to replace lead pipes.

"President Biden's Investing in America agenda is driving historic levels of funding to replace lead service lines in communities like Muskegon Heights across the country," said Region 5 Administrator Debra Shore. "EPA is using every tool available, including regulation, funding, and this technical assistance initiative, to get the lead out of the nation's drinking water once and for all."

"Michigan knows all too well the dangers of lead pipes," said Sen. Debbie Stabenow. "This critical partnership between the EPA and Muskegon Heights will help identify and replace lead pipes so that families don't have to question whether their water is safe to drink. We're making important progress to protect our drinking water thanks to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act."

"It's not an exaggeration to say, this investment is saving lives," said Rep. Hillary Scholten. "There is no amount of lead level in the blood that is safe for children. Even trace amounts of lead exposure can cause irreversible brain damage that can hinder a child's life irrevocably. When we Get the Lead Out, we're ensuring every West Michigan child is afforded equal opportunity to grow up safe and healthy. Investments like these - made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law - will protect the Muskegon Heights community and children for generations to come."

"In 2018 Michigan enacted the strictest lead and copper rules in the nation," said Eric Oswald, Director of the Drinking Water and Environmental Health Division at the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. "We're grateful for this federal funding that will help cities throughout the state meet these aggressive targets for lead service line removal and we're looking forward to working with city officials and our colleagues at US EPA on the Get the Lead Out Initiative."

"The City of Muskegon Heights is pleased to be part of this initiative by the Biden-Harris Administration. There is no greater mission for those of us that serve in local government, than to ensure our residents are safe and healthy," saidMuskegon Heights MayorBonnie M. McGlothin.

"I am pleased to learn about this collaboration between the EPA and the city. Additional information, education and assistance is needed and appreciated,"said business owner and community advocate Marquis Childers Jr.

Under the Get the Lead Out Initiative, EPA will support the city of Muskegon Heights in identifying lead pipes, developing lead service line replacement plans, increasing community outreach and education efforts, and applying for funding. As a result of these efforts, Muskegon Heights will move quickly towards the goal of 100% lead-free pipes.

EPA estimates that there are about 9 million lead service lines still in use across the country. Communities wishing to receive assistance with lead service line replacement can request assistance by completing the WaterTA request formon EPA's WaterTA website.

Background:

Signed in 2021, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Lawprovided a historic $50 billion investment in drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, dedicating $15 billion to replacing lead service lines and another $11.7 billion to the General Supplemental Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. EPA is committed to ensuring every community, particularly underserved and disadvantaged communities, can access their fair share of this unprecedented investment through a robust portfolio of Water Technical Assistance (WaterTA) programs, such as the Get the Lead Out Initiative.

As part of the Administration's whole-of-government effort to tackle lead exposure, EPA will help communities remove the barriers to lead pipe replacement. Through the Get the Lead Out Initiative, EPA will develop tools and case studies to share information and best practices between the agency, state and Tribal programs, water system managers, and community leaders.