Report: Replacing all of Illinois' lead pipes will create over 6,000 jobs

KHQA
Jakob Emerson

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS/WRSP) — A new report from national business leaders and plumbing groups breaks down the cost of replacing every single lead-lined water pipe in the nation.

The report was conducted by Environmental Entrepreneurs and the United Association of Union Plumbers and Pipefitters. It shows that Illinois has more lead pipes than any other state in the nation, with just under 680,000 known, plus another 782,000 potential lead lines. Replacing them will create a lot of jobs, but it will also be very expensive.

That's why President Joe Biden’s infrastructure plan proposes spending $45 billion to replace every lead pipe in the nation within next ten years.

"Really it comes down to the financial resources,” Springfield Mayor Jim Langfelder said. “When you're talking about lead pipes, when you're talking about sewer issues, things of that nature, it goes really quick."