EPA partners with City of Dowagiac to speed up lead water pipe replacement process

DOWAGIAC, Mich. -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a partnership with the City of Dowagiac to help identify drinking water lead pipes and accelerate the replacement process to protect public health.

Officials say Dowagiac is participating in the EPA’s Get the Lead Out Initiative, a program funded by the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help move the U.S. towards achieving 100 percent lead service line replacement.

EPA officials say the initiative will provide technical assistance to around 200 communities nationwide.

"Michigan knows all too well the dangers of lead pipes," said Senator Debbie Stabenow. "This critical partnership between the EPA and Dowagiac will help identify and replace lead pipes so that families don’t have to question whether their water is safe to drink. We’re making important progress to protect our drinking water thanks to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act."

Consuming lead in drinking water can cause serious health issues, including irreversible harm to brain development in children.

Officials say the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is investing $15 billion to replace lead pipes, including around $62 million for Michigan this year.

Officials with the EPA say the law also allocated $11.7 billion to the General Supplemental Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, which can be used for lead pipe replacement.

According to officials, many underserved communities lack the resources to plan for lead pipe replacement and access federal investments. Officials say technical assistance provided through the initiative will help ensure no community is left behind in the opportunity to replace pipes.

Under the initiative, the EPA will support Dowagiac in identifying lead pipes, developing lead service line replacement plans, increasing community outreach and education efforts, and applying for funding.

As a result of these efforts, officials say Dowagiac will move quickly towards the goal of 100 percent lead-free pipes.

"Dowagiac has a rich history and is known for having beautiful older homes. As is the case in many communities with homes built after lead pipes were banned in the '80s, we have some of the more than 9 million lead service lines the EPA estimates exist in the United States," said Dowagiac City Manager Kevin Anderson. "We're proud to partner with the EPA on the GLO Initiative to help ensure our community is lead-free and continuously improve our infrastructure as we work to create tomorrow."

Communities wishing to receive assistance with lead service line replacement can request assistance by completing the form on the EPA’s WaterTA website.