There are growing concerns about the use of plastic alternatives to replace aging lead pipes in water systems across the U.S.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — As water utility companies across the U.S. work to replace millions of aging lead pipes, a new concern has emerged about the materials used to repair them.
There are growing concerns about the use of plastic alternatives replacing old lead pipes across the country.
It comes after a recent Biden administration mandate to eliminate lead pipes within a decade. Carcinogens from PVC are raising questions about the safety of drinking water. Many industry and water officials argue those plastic pipes pose no health risks, while some advocacy groups are raising the alarm.
Debate surrounds the potential for vinyl chloride to leak from PVC pipes into our water. For context, the 2023 East Palestine train derailment brought the dangers of vinyl chloride to the forefront after it was discovered that exposure was linked to various cancers and health problems.
The EPA’s lack of guidance on replacement materials leaves local leadership to choose options at their discretion, but experts warn that adopting PVC could lead communities back into a toxic situation similar to the one created by lead pipes.
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