Fostoria, Ohio, collaborates with EPA to accelerate lead drinking water pipe replacement

(UI) –U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 Administrator Debra Shore announced a collaboration with the city of Fostoria, Ohio, to help identify drinking water lead pipes, accelerate replacement and protect public health.

Fostoria is participating in EPA’s Get the Lead Out Initiative to move the nation toward 100% lead service line replacement. The Get the Lead Out Initiative will provide technical assistance to approximately 200 communities nationwide.

Under the Get the Lead Out Initiative, EPA will support the City of Fostoria in identifying lead pipes, developing lead service line replacement plans, increasing community outreach and education efforts, and applying for funding.

Consuming lead in drinking water can cause serious health impacts, including irreversible harm to brain development in children. To protect children and families, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests $15 billion to replace lead pipes and deliver clean and safe drinking water, including more than $184 million for Ohio just this year alone.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law also allocated another $11.7 billion to the General Supplemental Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, which can be used for lead pipe replacement.

However, many underserved communities lack the resources to plan for lead pipe replacement and access federal investments. The technical assistance provided through the Get the Lead Out Initiative will help ensure that no community is left behind in the opportunity to replace lead pipes.

“Being one of only 200 communities nationwide chosen for this program is a tremendous opportunity. This initiative will help us tackle the challenging task of identifying and eliminating every lead service line in our community over time,” said Fostoria Safety Service Director Eric Keckler. “We are truly grateful to the EPA for their support and expertise in helping us achieve this critical goal.”

 

 

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