Indiana is working to eliminate lead pipes under the Environmental Protection Agency’s Lead and Copper Rule Improvements, which require most lead pipes to be removed within 10 years.

The rule aims to protect public health by reducing lead exposure in drinking water.

Jacquelyne Byland, engineering manager for Indiana American Water, said since 2017, the company has invested $109 million to replace more than 33,000 lead service lines and has eliminated lead water mains.

“We’re also reaching out to customers to replace their side of the service lines and asking them to sign an agreement,” Byland explained. “We can run the service line into their homes and complete the flushing and provide pitcher filters so all the lead is out of the system.”

Indiana American Water serves 1.5 million customers in more than 50 Hoosier communities. Byland pointed out the company plans to continue this work with support from federal funding tied to the new regulations.

The nonprofit Environmental Policy Innovation Center praised the Biden-Harris administration for the rule.

Maureen Cunningham, chief strategy officer and director of water for the center, called it a big step toward lead-free drinking water.

“There’s basically no safe level of lead in drinking water for human health,” Cunningham noted. “Replacing lead service lines, and replacing all lead in our water systems, will significantly reduce and hopefully even eliminate the threat of lead in drinking water.”

Despite progress, the center cautioned cities will face logistic and financial hurdles. Partnerships with local governments, communities and utilities will be key to meeting the rule’s goals and ensuring safe drinking water for all. Nationally, $15 billion in federal funding is available for lead line replacements.