HIGHLIGHT: COLORADO

Denver: The Environmental Protection Agency approved a nearly $700 million plan to remove all lead water pipes in the Denver region, saying the local water utility’s approach for reducing lead levels is succeeding and making swift progress. Lead water lines are a major source of lead poisoning. Denver’s water had high levels of lead a decade ago, testing showed. In response, local officials promised in 2020 to replace between 64,000 and 84,000 lead pipes in 15 years, a comparatively fast pace. So far the utility has dug up 15,000 lead pipes. “From our perspective, Denver Water has one of the most successful (lead water line) replacement programs in the country,” the Environmental Defense Fund told EPA.

BRITTANY PETERSON/AP A worker prepares to pass a new copper water service line from a residential water meter to the water main in 2021 in Denver.