South Iowa News

Representatives Zach Nunn (IA-03) and Emilia Sykes (OH-13) have introduced a bipartisan bill aimed at expanding access to clean water by replacing toxic lead pipes in disadvantaged communities. The Safe Drinking Water for Disadvantaged Communities Act seeks to ensure that the $15 billion allocated under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for lead service line replacement is distributed as forgivable loans or grants specifically to communities most in need.

“Families deserve peace of mind when they turn on the tap, and water safety shouldn’t depend on your income level or ZIP code,” said Rep. Nunn. “Right now, too many communities receive their water through unsafe, outdated pipes despite the availability of federal funds to replace them. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan, commonsense fix to make sure 100% of the dollars Congress set aside to replace lead pipes end up in the communities that need it most.”

Lead pipes are known to release toxins into treated water as they age and corrode, which can pose serious health risks, particularly for children. In Iowa alone, there are an estimated 160,000 lead service lines still in use; nationwide, more than 9 million remain.

“Every American, no matter where they live, should be able to access clean, safe drinking water when they turn on the tap. Yet there are an estimated more than 9.2 million American households connected to water through lead pipes — including 809,000 lead service lines in Ohio — putting them at risk of dangerous lead exposure,” said Rep. Sykes. “I’m glad to co-lead the Safe Drinking Water for Disadvantaged Communities Act with Rep. Nunn to ensure low-income communities in Ohio’s 13th District and across the country can take full advantage of historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds to replace lead pipes and improve our water infrastructure. This commonsense, bipartisan legislation will create safer, healthier communities for all.”

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 provided $15 billion through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund for replacing lead service lines. Nearly half was intended for disadvantaged areas but has not been consistently implemented across states. The new legislation would require all funds dedicated by this law for pipe replacement be delivered as forgivable loans or grants directly benefiting these communities.

Amy Kohler, CEO and General Manager of Des Moines Water Works, commented on the partnership with Congressman Nunn: “Des Moines Water Works is grateful for the partnership with Congressman Nunn in addressing the financial challenges of replacing lead service lines,” she said. “Protecting public health through the replacement of up to 20,000 lead lines in our service area is essential—but the cost is significant. Federal funding for these replacements would provide critical relief to our customers, helping avoid major rate increases tied to this important, federally mandated initiative.”

Des Moines Mayor Connie Boesen also voiced support: “Infrastructure is a core service delivered by all levels of government,” she said. “This Act would provide access to critical funding for the replacement of lead service lines in the City of Des Moines, and communities across the country. Today is a great example of how we can all rally around a common goal, to positively impact the health and well-being of our residents.”

Rep. Nunn introduced this bill alongside Amy Kahler from Des Moines Water Works and Mayor Connie Boesen.