WASA Gradually Replacing Lead Pipes in D.C. - ABC 7 News

The Replacement of Lead Pipe is positive action...


WASA Gradually Replacing Lead Pipes in D.C.
UPDATED - Friday November 12, 2004 2:44pm
Washington (AP) - The D.C. Water and Sewer Authority is gradually making progress as it works to replace thousands of lead service lines in the city.

The agency says 2,800 public pipes are targeted for replacement this fiscal year. Nearly 1,800 pipes were replaced last year.

Over the summer, WASA agreed to spend more than $300 million to replace 23,000 lead pipes by 2010. Those pipes have been leaching lead into the city's drinking water, despite ongoing efforts to reduce the problem by coating them with a chemical.

WASA says it has placed a priority on replacing lead pipes that connect to homes where pregnant women, elderly residents and multiple families live.

So far, WASA says only a small number of people have asked to have the portion of the pipe replaced that runs from the main waterlines to their homes.

ABC 7 News - WASA Gradually Replacing Lead Pipes in D.C.