Biden and Harris Make Historic Investments in Clean Water and Lead Pipe Removal

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris announced historic investments in clean water infrastructure on Wednesday. The investments will provide funding to remove lead pipes, which have been linked to numerous health issues, from communities across the United States. The investment comes as part of the American Jobs Plan, a $2 trillion infrastructure plan proposed by the Biden administration. According to the White House, this plan is “a once-in-a-generation investment in America’s infrastructure that will create millions of good jobs, rebuild our country’s competitiveness, and position the United States to out-compete China.” The plan includes an estimated $45 billion for drinking water infrastructure improvements such as replacing lead service lines and other upgrades. It also includes an additional $56 billion for wastewater treatment systems and other upgrades. This money is expected to help improve access to clean drinking water for millions of Americans who currently lack it. In remarks delivered at a press conference on Wednesday, President Biden said that “for too long we have allowed our nation’s water systems to fall into disrepair… Today we are taking action to ensure that all Americans have access to safe drinking water — no matter where they live or how much money they make." He added that these investments would help create jobs while also protecting public health by reducing exposure to lead poisoning. Vice President Harris echoed these sentiments in her own remarks saying that “we must invest in our future so every family can enjoy safe drinking water free from contamination… This investment will not only improve public health but also create good paying jobs with benefits."