EPA announces funding to North Dakota to ensure safe drinking water

Investing in America Agenda Allocates $28.65 Million to Replace Lead Service Lines in North Dakota

BISMARCK, N.D. (Valley News Live) – On May 2, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced $28.65 million from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to help North Dakota identify and replace lead service lines.

The money will help prevent exposure to lead in drinking water, which causes a range of serious health impacts, including irreversible harm to brain development in children.

“EPA is dedicated to protecting the health of all North Dakotans ensuring the water flowing into their taps is safe and reliable,” said KC Becker, EPA Regional Administrator. “Everyone deserves access to clean drinking water, and this lead service line replacement funding underscores our commitment to making that happen, especially in disadvantaged communities.”

The total funding announced through this program to date is expected to replace up to 1.7 million lead pipes nationwide, securing clean drinking water for countless families.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being – Preventing exposure to lead in drinking water contributes to the promotion of good health and well-being, particularly in children.
• Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – The replacement of lead service lines ensures access to clean drinking water for all North Dakotans.
• Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities – The funding prioritizes disadvantaged communities, aiming to reduce inequalities in access to clean drinking water.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests a historic $15 billion to identify and replace lead service lines.

The EPA is also releasing a new memorandum that clarifies how states can use this and other funding to most effectively reduce exposure to lead in drinking water. The agency has developed new outreach documents to help water systems educate their customers on drinking water issues, health impacts of lead exposure, service line ownership, and how customers can support the identification of potential lead service lines in their homes.

Conclusion

The allocation of $28.65 million from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to replace lead service lines in North Dakota is a significant step towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This funding will contribute to Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities). By preventing exposure to lead in drinking water and ensuring access to clean water for all, the EPA is prioritizing the health and well-being of North Dakotans, especially those in disadvantaged communities. The replacement of lead pipes will secure clean drinking water for countless families, aligning with the SDGs and promoting a sustainable future.

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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

   • Target 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
   • Indicator 6.1.1: Proportion of the population using safely managed drinking water services.
   • Indicator 6.1.2: Proportion of the population with access to water supply services.

2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
   • Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution.
   • Indicator 3.9.2: Mortality rate attributed to unsafe water, unsafe sanitation, and lack of hygiene (exposure to lead in drinking water can contribute to unsafe water).

Analysis

The article addresses the issue of lead service lines in North Dakota and the funding provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to identify and replace these lines. The issue of lead service lines is connected to SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, as it aims to ensure universal access to safe drinking water.

The specific target under SDG 6 that can be identified based on the article’s content is Target 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all. The funding provided by the EPA aims to replace lead service lines, which can contaminate drinking water and pose health risks.

The article mentions the health impacts of lead exposure, including irreversible harm to brain development in children. This implies Indicator 3.9.2 under SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, which measures the mortality rate attributed to unsafe water, unsafe sanitation, and lack of hygiene. Lead exposure in drinking water can contribute to unsafe water, thus affecting this indicator.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Copyright: Dive into this article, curated with care by SDG Investors Inc. Our advanced AI technology searches through vast amounts of data to spotlight how we are all moving forward with the Sustainable Development Goals. While we own the rights to this content, we invite you to share it to help spread knowledge and spark action on the SDGs.

Fuente: valleynewslive.com

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