Philadelphia is receiving $500 million from the federal government to upgrade its water facilities and equipment, including the replacement of more than 19 miles of water mains and service lines.
President Joe Biden has sought to replace all the lead service lines in the country within the next 10 years. Though many U.S. homes no longer have lead pipes, corroded lead service lines can allow the metal to enter the water supply. Lead exposure can cause developmental delays and other health issues in young children.
Philadelphia will receive $160 million from bipartisan infrastructure law passed in 2021 and a $340 million Water Infrastructure and Innovation Act loan from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The first $19 million of that loan will be used to replace 160 lead service lines and 13 miles of water mains.