EPA collaborates with Dowagic, Mich., to identify, replace lead drinking water pipes

(UI) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a collaboration with the city of Dowagiac, Michigan, to help identify drinking water lead pipes, accelerate replacement and protect public health.

Dowagiac is participating in the EPA’s Get the Lead Out Initiative, a program to move the nation towards achieving 100% lead service line replacement. The Get the Lead Out Initiative will provide technical assistance to approximately 200 communities nationwide.

"In 2018, Michigan enacted the strictest lead and copper rules in the nation," said Eric Oswald, Director of the Drinking Water and Environmental Health Division at the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. "We’re grateful for this federal funding that will help cities throughout the state meet these aggressive targets for lead service line removal and we’re looking forward to working with city officials and our colleagues at US EPA on the Get the Lead Out Initiative."

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

"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."

 

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