New EPA Rule To Remove Lead Pipes

Access to clean drinking water is a fundamental necessity, yet for many Americans, aging infrastructure and lead-contaminated pipes pose a serious threat to public health. Experts Chad Sidell, President of Corona Environmental Consulting, and Dan Tadesco, leader of the Community Water Systems division at BRDA, shed light on these issues and the solutions available to mitigate risks.

Lead Pipes in U.S. Water Systems

Chad Sidell emphasized the scale of the issue, noting that “EPA estimates as many as 9 million homes have what’s called a lead service line.” These pipes, which connect municipal water systems to homes, contribute lead to drinking water—a severe public health concern.

Research has identified that small water systems, previously thought to be less affected, are just as likely as large systems to contain lead pipes. Sidell highlighted the urgency of replacing these lines, stating that the risks they pose extend to every household connected to such infrastructure.

Health Risks of Lead in Drinking Water

Dan Tadesco underscored the gravity of lead contamination, pointing out that “no amount of lead is safe to consume.” The most vulnerable populations—children and the elderly—face significant health risks. Lead exposure can cause developmental delays, reduced IQ, kidney damage, and high blood pressure.

While these impacts are alarming, Tadesco noted that utilities and cities are committed to replacing aging infrastructure over the next 10 to 15 years. In the meantime, he stressed the importance of adopting interim solutions like lead-reducing filters to protect public health.

Immediate Solutions: The Role of Point-of-Use Filtration

Point-of-use filtration has emerged as a practical and effective measure to reduce lead in drinking water. Sidell shared findings from recent studies that highlighted the benefits of such systems, which deliver up to six times the public health benefits previously estimated by the EPA. He explained that implementing these filters can mitigate risks for all households, whether they are among the first or last to have their lead pipes replaced.

Tadesco further elaborated on the effectiveness of these systems, citing BRDA’s Elite Pitcher Filter, which is certified to remove 99% of lead from drinking water. BRDA is actively collaborating with over 200 communities to provide these tools to residents as cities work on replacing lead service lines.

Progress in Replacing Lead Service Lines

The EPA’s recent improvements to the Lead and Copper Rule mandate the identification and replacement of lead service lines within the next decade. While this initiative represents significant progress, the timeline means many households will remain at risk for years. Sidell reiterated the importance of using point-of-use filtration during this transitional period, ensuring communities have a safeguard against lead contamination.

What Can Residents Do?

Tadesco outlined two critical steps individuals can take:

Stay Informed
Utilities are required to notify residents if their service lines contain lead or if the material is unknown. Residents should read any letters from their utility and follow recommended actions. For further clarification, they can contact their utility directly via phone or website.
Use Filtration Solutions
Families can invest in lead-reducing filtration systems, such as the BRDA Elite Pitcher Filter, to ensure safer drinking water while infrastructure updates are ongoing. More information about these products can be found on BRDA’s website.

As communities work to modernize water systems and eliminate lead pipes, temporary solutions like point-of-use filtration will play a crucial role in protecting public health. These tools, combined with public awareness and proactive communication from utilities, can significantly reduce risks during the transition.

Reverse Osmosis and Water Conditioners

For comprehensive water safety, reverse osmosis systems and whole-home water conditioners offer additional protection. Reverse osmosis removes a wide range of contaminants, including lead, at the point of entry or use. Whole-home water conditioners ensure consistent water quality throughout the house, providing an added layer of security for families.

Source: Cincy Lifestyle On Youtube