PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) – Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine announced a nearly $35.2 million federal fund on Thursday to replace lead pipes in Virginia.
According to a release, an estimated $35,159,000 in federal funding will go towards identifying and replacing lead pipes in Virginia, and to create good-paying water infrastructure jobs. The funding comes after the Biden-Harris administration issued a rule for lead pipes across the country to be replaced within the next ten years.
“Every Virginian should have access to safe, reliable drinking water,” Sen. Kaine and Warner said. “We’re thrilled this funding will eliminate dangerous lead exposure in the tap water of homes and schools across the Commonwealth all while creating good-paying jobs. We’re glad to have helped pass the legislation that made this investment possible and will continue to do all that we can to keep Virginians safe.”
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as of 2023, there are over 180,000 lead service lines still in Virginia, which can lead to long-term health risks to those who have been exposed.
Lead exposure in children has the potential to severely harm mental and physical development, slow down learning and irreversibly damage the brain. In adults, lead exposure can increase the risk of elevated blood pressure, heart disease and cancer, as well as decrease kidney function. The Centers for Disease Control states there is currently no known antidote to lead exposure.
In addition, the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) will require increased testing of drinking water, and improve communication with communities regarding the risks of lead in drinking water, the location of lead pipes and plans for replacing them.