Iowa receives federal aid to replace lead water pipes
(UI) — Iowa is using federal funds to replace lead water pipes across the state, aiming to reduce health risks associated with outdated infrastructure, according to Public News Service. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is coordinating with local water agencies to determine funding priorities.
The funding comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which supports the removal of lead pipes in cities and towns throughout Iowa. Cody Smith, Director of Climate Initiatives at the Iowa Environmental Council, noted that even homes built as recently as 1988 may have lead service lines, impacting communities statewide, including major cities like Des Moines and Council Bluffs.
"Particularly with the most vulnerable groups, such as unborn babies or young children, they have extreme and outsize risk related to exposure to lead through lead service lines," Smith told Public News Service. "That can cause higher levels of lead in the blood and lead to developmental issues for children."
To date, Iowa’s State Revolving Fund, bolstered by over $620 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, has supported more than 700 communities in upgrading water infrastructure. In addition to lead pipe replacement, the state is addressing agricultural runoff that contributes to water pollution, which impacts drinking water quality.
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