In a new initiative to address the urgent challenges of water contamination and aging infrastructure, the Biden administration has announced a significant investment of over $5.8 billion. This funding, part of a historic $50 billion allocation under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is earmarked for upgrading the United States’ drinking and clean water infrastructure. The initiative aims to safeguard public health and preserve vital water bodies across the nation, with nearly half of the funding available as grants or principal forgiveness loans to ensure that underserved communities are prioritized.
The urgency of this investment is underscored by recent findings from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), revealing that about 70 million Americans are exposed to toxic PFAS “forever chemicals” in their drinking water. With only a third of the nation’s public water systems tested so far, projections suggest that over 200 million people, or roughly 60% of the US population, could be affected. These compounds, linked to a host of serious health issues, underscore the critical need for comprehensive water standards and robust infrastructure to mitigate contamination risks.
Vice President Kamala Harris and EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan, highlighting the administration’s commitment, emphasized that clean water is a fundamental right, irrespective of a person’s location or income level. The allocated funds will support a range of projects, from removing lead pipes to addressing the pervasive issue of PFAS contamination, thereby ensuring safer drinking water and more reliable wastewater systems across America.
The investment will also accelerate efforts in cities like Pittsburgh, where significant progress has been made in reducing lead contamination in drinking water. With initiatives like the removal of lead service lines and the introduction of protective measures against pipe corrosion, communities are seeing tangible improvements in water safety.
This approach aims to enhance the quality of life for millions of Americans and also sets a precedent for environmental justice, ensuring that future generations inherit a safer, healthier world. As the largest investment in water infrastructure in American history, this initiative marks a big step in the nation’s journey toward resolving long-standing public health challenges and bolstering the resilience of its water systems against the impacts of climate change and contamination.
