(Des Moines) Representatives Zach Nunn (IA-03) and Emilia Sykes (OH-13) today introduced bipartisan legislation to ensure that federal funding for lead pipe replacement reaches the communities that need it most. The Safe Drinking Water for Disadvantaged Communities Act would require that the $15 billion allocated under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for lead service line replacement be distributed to disadvantaged communities as forgivable loans or grants.
“Families deserve peace of mind when they turn on the tap, and water safety shouldn’t depend on your income level or ZIP code,” said Rep. Nunn. “Right now, too many communities receive their water through unsafe, outdated pipes despite the availability of federal funds to replace them. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan, commonsense fix to make sure 100% of the dollars Congress set aside to replace lead pipes end up in the communities that need it most.”
Lead pipes can release dangerous toxins into otherwise treated, safe water. As pipes age and corrode, they contaminate the water traveling through them—posing serious long-term health risks for Iowans. Across the country, more than 9 million lead service lines remain in use—and in Iowa, an estimated 160,000. Any exposure to lead—especially in children—can lead to developmental delays, speech and hearing issues, and long-term learning challenges.
“Every American, no matter where they live, should be able to access clean, safe drinking water when they turn on the tap. Yet there are an estimated more than 9.2 million American households connected to water through lead pipes — including 809,000 lead service lines in Ohio — putting them at risk of dangerous lead exposure,” said Rep. Sykes . “I’m glad to co-lead the Safe Drinking Water for Disadvantaged Communities Act with Rep. Nunn to ensure low-income communities in Ohio’s 13th District and across the country can take full advantage of historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds to replace lead pipes and improve our water infrastructure. This commonsense, bipartisan legislation will create safer, healthier communities for all.”
Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, $15 billion was allocated to the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund for lead service line replacement. Nearly half that funding was intended for disadvantaged communities, but implementation has varied across states. The Safe Drinking Water for Disadvantaged Communities Act will require that 100% of lead pipe replacement funds under the bipartisan infrastructure law be distributed to disadvantaged communities in the form of forgivable loans or grants.
“Des Moines Water Works is grateful for the partnership with Congressman Nunn in addressing the financial challenges of replacing lead service lines,” said Amy Kohler, CEO and General Manager of Des Moines Water Works . “Protecting public health through the replacement of up to 20,000 lead lines in our service area is essential—but the cost is significant. Federal funding for these replacements would provide critical relief to our customers, helping avoid major rate increases tied to this important, federally mandated initiative.”
“Infrastructure is a core service delivered by all levels of government,” said Des Moines Mayor Connie Boesen. “This Act would provide access to critical funding for the replacement of lead service lines in the City of Des Moines, and communities across the country. Today is a great example of how we can all rally around a common goal, to positively impact the health and well-being of our residents.”
Rep. Nunn introduced the Safe Drinking Water for Disadvantaged Communities Act alongside Amy Kahler, CEO of Des Moines Water Works, and Des Moines Mayor Connie Boesen.
