Lead Pipes Still Threaten Millions | Charlotte News

Millions of Americans still drink water potentially tainted by lead because their local utilities haven’t completed required inventories of aging pipes — a critical step before replacing them by 2030. Over 6,300 water systems, serving more than 3 million people, are behind schedule, especially in older cities like Buffalo (45% lead lines) and Fredonia (28%). Lead’s devastating effects on children and adults make this delay dangerous. Many affected systems are tiny — mobile home parks or small developments — and the EPA is now stepping up enforcement after years of failed outreach. Utilities face a brutal timeline: starting in 2027, they must replace 10% of lead pipes annually — but without knowing where those pipes are, they’ll be forced to replace everything, costing $8K–$15K per line. The 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law provided crucial funding, but this is its final year — leaving many communities scrambling as national attention shifts from inventory to replacement. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/0293e2d5acfbcb8c