Water utilities are calling on Senate leaders to reject a proposal that would cut funding for lead in drinking water, warning that the shift could increase financial burdens on local communities.
The Senate Interior-Environment Appropriations bill would repurpose $250 million in funds that had been dedicated to helping cities get lead out of drinking water. First authorized by former President Joe Biden’s signature infrastructure law, the money would instead be directed to the Interior Department’s wildfire fighting office under the spending bill.
Lead is a potent neurotoxin considered unsafe at any level, yet there are still millions of lead water pipes in place nationwide. Given the high cost of replacing those pipes, reducing available federal funds could make it harder for utilities to prevent lead contamination and comply with EPA regulations, the American Water Works Association said in a letter this week.
“On behalf of our nearly 4,300 drinking water utility members, the American Water Works Association (AWWA) urges you to oppose repurposing $250 million in lead service line (LSL) replacement funding in Fiscal Year 2026,” David LaFrance, the trade group’s CEO, said in the letter.
