Rep. Nunn releases bipartisan act for more money to remove lead from drinking water pipes
Rep. Nunn releases bipartisan act for more money to remove lead from drinking water pipes Des Moines Register
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An Iowa Lawmaker Introduces Legislation to Replace Lead Drinking Water Pipes
U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn, R-Iowa, and U.S. Rep. Emilia Sykes, D-Ohio, have introduced bipartisan legislation called “The Safe Drinking Water for Disadvantaged Communities Act.” This legislation aims to address the issue of lead drinking water pipes in the United States and promote safe and healthy communities.
The Importance of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The Safe Drinking Water for Disadvantaged Communities Act aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
- Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
By addressing the issue of lead drinking water pipes, this legislation contributes to the achievement of these SDGs and ensures that all Americans have access to clean and safe drinking water.
The Purpose of the Legislation
The Safe Drinking Water for Disadvantaged Communities Act aims to enhance existing programs that work towards improving drinking water quality for communities in need. The legislation calls for additional funding to replace the more than 9 million lead drinking water pipes across the country.
Lead-lined water lines pose a significant health risk to communities and families due to toxic-lead exposure. By replacing these lead pipes, the legislation aims to safeguard communities and protect families from the irreversible damage caused by lead exposure.
Funding and Implementation
The act proposes increasing funding under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which allocated $15 billion for lead pipe replacement. Currently, 49% of the funds are offered as forgivable loans or grants. The Safe Drinking Water for Disadvantaged Communities Act proposes that all funding for lead pipe replacement be in the form of 100% forgivable loans or grants.
The funds would be deposited into the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, managed and distributed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA distributes funds based on the results of each state’s most recent Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment.
The Impact on Iowa
According to EPA estimates, there are approximately 160,666 water service pipes in Iowa that are either made of lead or projected to be made of lead. In Des Moines alone, an estimated 20,000 homes have service lines made of lead, putting residents at risk of dangerous lead exposure.
The Safe Drinking Water for Disadvantaged Communities Act will make federal funding more accessible to communities like Des Moines, allowing utilities to provide financial assistance to customers who may not be able to replace their lead water lines.
Conclusion
The introduction of The Safe Drinking Water for Disadvantaged Communities Act by U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn and U.S. Rep. Emilia Sykes is a significant step towards addressing the issue of lead drinking water pipes in the United States. By prioritizing the replacement of lead pipes, this legislation promotes the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and ensures that all Americans have access to clean and safe drinking water.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
The article discusses the need to replace lead drinking water pipes to ensure clean and safe drinking water for communities. This aligns with SDG 6, which aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. Additionally, the article mentions the impact on disadvantaged communities, highlighting the importance of addressing inequalities in access to clean water, which connects to SDG 11.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
- SDG 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.
The article emphasizes the need to replace lead drinking water pipes to ensure safe and affordable drinking water for all communities. This aligns with SDG 6.1, which focuses on achieving universal access to safe drinking water. Additionally, addressing the issue of lead pipes in disadvantaged communities relates to SDG 11.1, which aims to ensure access to adequate housing and basic services for all.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Number of lead drinking water pipes replaced
- Percentage of households with access to safe drinking water
- Percentage reduction in lead exposure levels
The article mentions the need to replace lead drinking water pipes, which can serve as an indicator of progress towards the targets. The number of lead pipes replaced can be measured to track the extent of improvement in access to safe drinking water. Additionally, monitoring the percentage of households with access to safe drinking water and the reduction in lead exposure levels can provide further indicators of progress towards the targets.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all. | – Number of lead drinking water pipes replaced – Percentage of households with access to safe drinking water – Percentage reduction in lead exposure levels |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums. | – Number of lead drinking water pipes replaced – Percentage of households with access to safe drinking water – Percentage reduction in lead exposure levels |
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Source: desmoinesregister.com
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