Maywood, Ill., to accelerate lead drinking water pipe replacement with EPA partnership

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

Maywood is participating in the EPA’s Get the Lead Out Initiative, which will provide technical assistance to approximately 200 communities nationwide.

Under the Get the Lead Out Initiative, EPA will support the village of Maywood in identifying lead pipes, increasing community outreach and education efforts, and applying for funding.

Many underserved communities lack the resources to plan for lead pipe replacement and access federal investments. The technical assistance provided through the Get the Lead Out Initiative will help ensure that no community is left behind in the opportunity to replace lead pipes.

“Water is vital to our health. It plays a key role in many of our body's functions, including bringing nutrients to cells, getting rid of wastes, protecting joints and organs, and maintaining body temperature,” said Maywood Mayor Nathaniel George Booker.  “I am excited to have the collaboration and partnership of the federal government to help us address this more than $100 million issues within the Village of Eternal Light.”

“I have two little lives I am responsible for and quality drinking water is crucial for children's health because their smaller bodies are more susceptible to the negative effects of contaminants in water, their developing immune systems are less equipped to fight off waterborne illnesses, and they may be more vulnerable to the impacts of pollutants on their growth and development,” said business owner Tori Garron of D&A Candy Corner, YOURS Gameroom and YOURS Bistro & Café.

EPA estimates that there are about 9 million lead service lines still in use across the country. 

 

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