EPA Using Unverified Data to Allot Lead Pipe Replacement Funding

The EPA failed to verify data it used to allot $3 billion in infrastructure funding for lead water pipe replacement in 2023, possibly directing the money away from where it’s needed most to prevent lead poisoning, the agency’s watchdog said Thursday.

A “lack of internal controls” at the Environmental Protection Agency may be causing employees to use inaccurate data to distribute lead service line replacement funding for fiscal 2023, the Office of Inspector General said in a memo.

Congress set aside $15 billion for lead service line replacement in the bipartisan infrastructure law, also called the Infrastructure Investment and ...