Biden to announce $2.6B in funding to replace all lead pipes throughout the U.S.

President Biden is announcing $2.6 billion in funding to replace all lead pipes in the U.S. within 10 years, with Milwaukee having 65,000 lead pipes. The EPA rule will require better lead testing and inventory of lead water pipes. Legal challenges may arise, but the administration believes it’s within the EPA’s authority. Lead exposure can cause intellectual impairment in children. Deanna Branch, a lead-poisoning awareness activist, is hopeful that the funding will be used to remove lead pipes in Milwaukee, where safe housing and healthcare clinics are still needed. Branch emphasizes the importance of removing shame from parents seeking help for lead poisoning in children and advocates for clean drinking water as a human right.