Federal funding allocated for the replacement of lead pipes in Illinois communities has not yet reached those in need, raising significant health concerns. Recent reports indicate that while Chicago has replaced approximately 14,000 lead service lines over the past five years, the city still faces the daunting task of replacing more than 412,000 remaining lines.
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, enacted during the Biden administration, allocated $15 billion for lead pipe replacements across the United States, intended to be distributed over five years. However, a group of Illinois congressional delegates expressed their frustration in a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), claiming that $3 billion earmarked for lead pipe replacements in the fiscal year that ended in September has yet to be disbursed to communities.
Lawmakers criticized the delay, describing it as a “dangerous politicization” of federal resources that jeopardizes the health of children and families. “Federal resources are not partisan tools—they are vital lifelines intended to serve all Americans,” the letter stated. It warned that withholding funds based on political considerations undermines public trust and puts lives at risk.
Illinois ranks among the top five states with the most lead service lines, and communities across the state are grappling with the high costs associated with removing these hazardous pipes. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, who played a pivotal role in sending the letter, remarked, “It feels like it’s targeting blue states or blue cities that might require more of this mitigation than other parts of the country.”
Lead exposure is a serious health risk, with potential effects including brain damage, cardiovascular issues, and reproductive problems. The EPA has stated that there is no safe level of lead exposure, further emphasizing the urgency of replacing lead pipes.
A spokesperson for the EPA mentioned that the agency is “actively working” on the allocations for lead service line replacements. Meanwhile, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has not responded to requests for comment regarding the disbursement of federal funds. The Chicago Department of Water Management reported receiving $14 million from the Illinois EPA for the upcoming financial year and has been approved for an additional $28 million for the following fiscal year.
Despite these efforts, the estimated cost for replacing lead pipes in the Chicago region could exceed $12 billion, with a statewide total projected at $14 billion. “Whatever amounts would come to Chicago would not be enough to do the entire job, but the federal component is vital to get the ball rolling,” Krishnamoorthi explained.
The high costs are evident in the city, where replacing a single lead pipe averages around $35,000. Federal regulations mandate that Chicago replace all of its lead pipes by 2047, yet city officials have raised concerns regarding the unfunded aspects of this federal mandate.
“This is impacting people’s health,” said Chakena Sims, a senior policy advocate with the Natural Resources Defense Council. She criticized the politicization of access to safe drinking water, calling it “an all-time low” and commended the Illinois congressional leaders for advocating on behalf of their communities.
As Illinois continues to confront the challenge of lead pipe replacements, the call for immediate action from federal authorities remains crucial. The health and safety of countless residents depend on the timely disbursement of these essential funds.
