Idaho gets $28.6 million from U.S. lead pipe replacement program

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has set aside $28.6 million to identify and replace lead pipes in Idaho.

There is no safe lead exposure level for children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“Lead in drinking water is a public health crisis that must be addressed so people can trust what comes out of their tap,” Casey Sixkiller, administrator for EPA’s Region 10 that serves the Pacific Northwest, said in a news release. “This funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides Idaho a tremendous opportunity to make progress on eliminating a significant source of lead in drinking water. Permanently removing aging — and all together outdated — water infrastructure is a crucial step toward strengthening public health.”   

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funneled $15 billion to identify and replace lead pipes, the release said. The Biden administration announced last week the EPA would invest $3 billion annually through 2026 for the lead pipes initiative, with nearly 50% of funds directed to disadvantaged communities, CNN reported.

Funding announced so far for the lead pipe replacement program is expected to replace up to 1.7 million lead pipes across the U.S., the EPA said in a news release. Funds are available in the EPA’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund.