Experts Say $15 Billion for Lead Pipe Removal Is Just 'Down Payment'

Engineering News-Record
Pam McFarland

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The $15 billion designated for lead service line replacements in the Senate-passed bipartisan infrastructure bill is woefully short of what is needed to address the problem, say several industry officials familiar with drinking water issues. The White House initially proposed $45 billion for lead line replacements but Senate negotiators, concerned about the bill’s swelling price tag, trimmed that amount to $15 billion. 

The package, which passed the Senate on Aug. 10, now moves to the House, where it faces significant hurdles. Some progressive Democrats have called for a more expansive bill, while more moderate Democrats have challenged the bill’s heft.