The City of Three Rivers is participating in the Environmental Protection Agency’s Get the Lead Out Initiative.

The $15 billion initiative is funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help replace lead water service lines across the country. The EPA recently announced Three Rivers’ participation in Get the Lead Out.

“The City of Three Rivers is grateful for the EPA’s assistance in helping our community improve its water distribution system so we can provide the highest quality water to its residents,” Three Rivers City Manager Joseph A. Bippus said. “We recognize this is a historical problem and will take time and resources to overcome but we are committed to reaching our goal to get the lead out!”

Lead exposure in drinking water can cause irreversible harm to brain development in children. The EPA estimates that 9 million lead service lines are still in use across the country. The City of Three Rivers is committed to replacing all lead service lines and getting to 100% lead free water.

Under the Get the Lead Out Initiative, the EPA will provide Three Rivers with technical assistance to help them identify lead lines, develop lead service line replacement plans, increase community outreach and education efforts, and apply for funding. The city is encouraged to take advantage of this federal funding to help reach its goal of 100% lead free pipes.

For more information about the Get the Lead Out Initiative and to request assistance from the EPA, please visit EPA’s WaterTA website.