State’s Lead Pipes Getting Replaced With EPA Funds

Notably, the city of Clarksburg’s water board will begin a project next year to replace more than 4,000 lead service lines at no cost to residents.

Two buildings stand tall against a bright, partially cloudy sky. They have windows on every floor. In the foreground sits an upright commemorative plaque, a pop-up tent with an individual seated beneath it and the West Virginia flag. The building closest to the camera reads "Harrison County Courthouse," with two decorative eagle sculptures displayed on either side of the sign.

Lead pipes will be replaced statewide with nearly $25 million in funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Notably, the city of Clarksburg’s water board will begin a project next year to replace more than 4,000 lead service lines at no cost to residents.

In 2021, thousands of Clarksburg’s residents received water filters after tests showed elevated levels of lead in their drinking water.

Lead lines are common throughout the state. Elevated levels of lead in water can cause developmental problems in children, and even seizures.

Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, the Biden-Harris administration set a goal of replacing all lead service lines within 10 years.

Author: Curtis Tate

Curtis is our Energy & Environment Reporter, based in Charleston. He has spent more than 17 years as a reporter and copy editor for Gannett, Dow Jones and McClatchy. He has written extensively about travel, transportation and Congress for USA TODAY, The Bergen Record, The Lexington Herald-Leader, The Wichita Eagle, The Belleville News-Democrat and The Sacramento Bee. You can reach him at ctate@wvpublic.org.

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