Urging Congress and EPA to Provide Additional Support for Lead Pipe Replacement Efforts
Adopted at the 93rd Annual Meeting in 2025
WHEREAS, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) proposed Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) include requiring public water systems to replace all lead service lines (LSLs) in the next 10 years with limited exceptions; and
WHEREAS, EPA has estimated that there are over 9 million pipes across the country that contain lead and/or galvanized pipe requiring replacement; and
WHEREAS, public water systems are already facing water infrastructure investment challenges, and unique local circumstances combined with competing priorities may impede the ability of some systems to accomplish this goal within the proposed time frame; and
WHEREAS, existing federal funding of $15 Billion provided by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act falls far short of the total compliance cost for systems, estimated to be $100 billion or more; and
WHEREAS, the portion of lead pipe replacement not covered by a grant is an unfunded federal mandate that is passed through to water system customers;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that The United States Conference of Mayors urges Congress to provide additional direct federal financial assistance to local governments to cover the full cost of lead line replacement efforts required by this mandate; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, The United States Conference of Mayors urges Congress and EPA to allow for longer compliance schedules; particularly in cases where system operators employ proper corrosion control to prevent direct human exposure, to provide additional flexibility for communities to navigate and prioritize other local priorities and maintain affordability for their citizens.