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Get the lead out: Millions still drink water from contaminated pipes

by Mae Stevens, opinion contributor - 10/27/26 11:00 AM ET

by Mae Stevens, opinion contributor - 10/27/26 11:00 AM ET

Associated Press A lead pipe that brought drinking water to homes sits on a workstation after it was replaced with copper Tuesday, July 21, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Alyssa Goodman)

Every parent who mixes tap water with baby formula trusts that it is safe. For too many families, that trust depends on pipes made of unknown materials and in uncertain condition.

As the country commemorates National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, new data serves as a reminder that lead in drinking water remains a serious public health threat — particularly for the approximately 2.17 million people who have elevated lead levels in their drinking water systems.…