By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
President Joe Biden took a significant step this week toward ensuring access to clean drinking water for all Americans, announcing a new EPA rule that mandates the replacement of lead service lines across the nation within ten years. Biden declared that his administration remains committed to “sprinting to the finish” in addressing environmental justice issues and securing clean water for historically marginalized communities.
Since day one, the president said his administration has prioritized the removal of lead pipes, with he and Vice President Kamala Harris committing to replace all lead pipes within a decade. The effort, part of the administration’s Lead Pipe and Paint Action Plan, doubles down on their focus on protecting public health, particularly in underserved areas. “No level of lead exposure is safe,” Biden emphasized, noting the devastating impacts of lead poisoning, especially on children and expectant mothers.
The NAACP recently released a report highlighting how unsafe drinking water affects Black communities disproportionately, using problems in Jackson, MS, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and other cities as examples. “Access to clean water is a fundamental human right,” the report stated, calling for immediate action from state legislators to enforce policies prioritizing clean water access in low-income and minority communities.
The report stressed that decisions on water infrastructure funding often occur at the state level, leaving marginalized communities vulnerable when funding priorities are misaligned. The NAACP urges lawmakers to “allocate funds for the modernization and maintenance of water systems” in areas that have suffered from long-term neglect.
Milwaukee and Nationwide Efforts
In Milwaukee, Biden declared that the city is progressing significantly thanks to a $30 million investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. With the funding, Milwaukee can replace its lead pipes within ten years instead of the previously projected 60-year timeline. The city also prioritizes disadvantaged communities in its lead pipe replacement efforts, partnering with other Midwest cities like Detroit to advance regional clean water initiatives. “Milwaukee is now a leader in the region,” Biden added, noting the city’s partnership with Detroit through the Great Lakes Lead Pipes Partnership, which aims to accelerate lead pipe replacement across the Midwest.
The Biden administration’s Lead and Copper Rule Improvements will mandate lead pipe replacement across the country, making this the first-ever national requirement. Since the rule was first announced, Biden has secured $15 billion specifically for lead pipe replacement, along with an additional $11.7 billion that can be allocated to drinking water projects and lead pipe removal. The funds will be directed, in part, toward disadvantaged communities bearing the brunt of lead contamination. “We are ensuring that every American can turn on their tap and drink clean water,” Biden said.
Beyond Milwaukee, cities across the United States benefit from Biden’s commitment to clean water. Detroit has accelerated its efforts, replacing over 8,000 lead pipes this year to replace all 80,000 lead pipes within a decade. With support from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the American Rescue Plan, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is on track to replace all its lead pipes by 2026. Similarly, Denver and St. Paul have received millions in federal funding, setting ambitious targets to eliminate lead pipes by 2032 and within a decade. “Lead poisoning is a major public health issue,” Biden reiterated, pointing to the irreversible harm it causes, especially in children.
Addressing Inequities in Water Access for Black Communities
The NAACP’s recent report highlights the persistent inequities in water access, particularly in Black communities, where outdated or poorly maintained infrastructure is often the norm. The report noted that industrial pollution and inadequate environmental regulations exacerbate water contamination in these areas. “Water filters and testing are typically not affordable for those who need them most,” the NAACP stated, emphasizing that low-income households face additional challenges in securing safe drinking water.
The Biden administration is also tackling toxic PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” which persist in the environment and have been linked to various health issues. Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the administration has allocated $10 billion to combat PFAS contamination in drinking water. The EPA has finalized a national standard to address these chemicals, a move that will protect an estimated 100 million Americans from PFAS exposure. Biden emphasized that his administration is “working to ensure that every community is protected from harmful contaminants,” underscoring the need for comprehensive solutions that encompass both lead and PFAS.
Building a Foundation for the Future
To further expand access to clean water, the Biden administration is also investing over $5 billion in Tribal water infrastructure, recognizing that half of Tribal households currently lack access to basic drinking water and sanitation. The administration has launched 900 clean water infrastructure projects for Tribal Nations to address this gap. “Every level of government—state, federal, and local—bears the responsibility to ensure access to safe drinking water,” the NAACP stated, emphasizing the need for a coordinated response to water quality issues.
In Wisconsin alone, the Investing in America agenda has brought $7.2 billion in public sector investments, including funding for high-speed internet, transportation, and clean energy initiatives. The investments include $1.7 billion to expand high-speed internet to 72,000 homes and small businesses, and $4.1 billion to rebuild roads, bridges, and transit systems, demonstrating the breadth of Biden’s commitment to infrastructure and economic revitalization.
The NAACP report also outlines key recommendations for state and federal governments, including establishing emergency response plans for water crises, enforcing water quality standards, and community engagement in water policy decisions. “The input and well-being of all communities must be factored into water policies,” the report emphasized, advocating for a more inclusive approach to public health and safety.
Securing Clean Water for All
Biden’s latest clean water initiative is part of a broader strategy to ensure that every American has access to this basic necessity. “The well-being of our nation depends on safe drinking water,” Biden said. The administration’s ambitious agenda aims to modernize water systems across the country, create jobs, and foster economic stability while addressing the long-standing disparities in water access that have impacted communities of color.
“Access to clean water is a fundamental human right,” the NAACP stated, a sentiment that Biden echoed in his commitment to replace every lead pipe and safeguard this essential resource for future generations.
