Chicago has 400,000 lead pipes. Will EPA let it off the hook?

By Miranda Willson | 08/20/2024 01:28 PM EDT

Health advocates worry the U.S. city with the most lead pipes could get more time to comply with a new federal drinking water rule.

Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during the Democratic National Convention Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, in Chicago.

Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris speaks Monday during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. The Windy City has more drinking water lead pipes than any other major U.S. city, but some advocates worry that service line replacements won't happen fast enough despite the Biden-Harris administration's upcoming lead pipe rule. Morry Gash/AP

This story was updated Aug. 21.

Kamala Harris has traveled across the U.S. to drum up support for the Biden administration’s plans to ensure safe drinking water.

While water policy is not the focus of the Democratic nominee’s trip to Chicago this week for the Democratic National Convention, the issue is top of mind for some Chicagoans.

The Windy City has more lead pipes for drinking water than any other major U.S. city — more than three times as many as New York. With the Biden-Harris administration close to finalizing a rule requiring the removal of those pipes, some environmental advocates worry that America’s “lead capital” could be let off too easily.

GET FULL ACCESS

The transformation of the energy sector.

Policy. Science. Business.

Congress. Legislation. Politics.

The leader in energy and environment news.

Late-breaking news.