Monday, January 29, 2024
As many Hoosiers know, lead poses a significant health risk to humans.
That's why the installation of lead water lines was banned in the United States nearly 40 years ago. However, it is estimated that 265,000 old lead water lines are still in use throughout Indiana.
This year, Senate Republicans are prioritizing replacing these unsafe lines across Indiana to protect Hoosiers' health.
Senate Bill 5 would set up a procedure to help utility companies in Indiana replace lead water lines quicker and more efficiently by using a lead line improvement plan approved by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC).
State law has a framework for utilities to develop IURC-approved lead line replacement plans, but only Citizens Energy Group, Indiana American Water and Fort Wayne City Utilities have created such plans.
SB 5 would set up a more effective way to replace lead lines, encouraging more utility companies to get on board with removing the lines sooner. It would also save Hoosiers money in the long-term by allowing utilities to replace the lines faster.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency is currently considering a nationwide rule that would require most lead lines to be replaced within 10 years, increasing the need for Indiana's utility companies to replace remaining lead lines.
Getting lead water lines out of the ground will protect the health of Hoosiers across the state, and Senate Republicans believe SB 5 would ensure cleaner and safer water throughout Indiana.
