STATEHOUSE (March 13, 2024) – Gov. Eric Holcomb recently signed into law a bill sponsored by State Rep. Ed Soliday (R-Valparaiso) to help accelerate the replacement of lead drinking water lines for thousands of Indiana property owners.
According to the U.S Environmental Protection Agency, Indiana is estimated to have over 265,000 customer-owned lead water lines still in operation. Lead lines, which connect a home or business to a water main, along with brass and bronze faucets are known to be the most significant source of lead in tap water as the materials corrode over time. Soliday said while the state and utility companies continue to work together on lead line replacement, he sponsored legislation to help speed up the process and in a cost-effective way.
"This new law gives us an opportunity to pick up the pace on our transition away from lead water lines," Soliday said. "It's critical that we do more to reduce the risk of lead exposure in drinking water, which can cause negative health effects, especially in children."
Soliday said the new law encourages water utility companies to work with Indiana property owners to replace lead water service lines at no direct cost to the customer. Utility companies must first get approval from the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission and establish a replacement plan before any work begins, and property owners must be notified of any lines that need to be replaced.
Despite the federal government banning the use of the lead lines in new plumbing systems nearly 40 years ago, Soliday said many older communities and homes have pipe networks that predate the ban.
According to the EPA, lead is a toxic metal that can be harmful to human health even at low exposure levels, and children, babies and fetuses are most at risk of being impacted.
To learn more about Senate Enrolled Act 5 and follow legislative proceedings, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Ed Soliday (R-Valparaiso) represents House District 4,
which includes a portion of Porter County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
