Iowa is getting federal help to eliminate lead water pipes in the state.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is working with local water agencies to plan where to prioritize funds. As part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, cities and towns in Iowa are reducing the number of dangerous lead water lines. The Iowa Environmental Council’s Cody Smith says even homes built as recently as 1988 are connected to the local water utility with lead lines, which leaves people at risk…
The State’s Revolving Fund, which is the primary source for water infrastructure updates, has received more than 620 million dollars as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The I-E-C says more than 700 communities have benefited so far.
Beyond replacing lead pipes and updating water system infrastructure, Smith says Iowa could also benefit from help with what are known as non-point source projects.
Smith says those strategies can help farmers and local utilities reduce nitrates and other pollutants in the soil. The Biden administration has a goal of replacing all lead water service lines in the U-S by 2031.
(credit to Iowa News Service)
