Utility Lead Cleanup Schedule Criticized

The Environmental Protection Agency has decided to give the nation’s largest public utilities up to 21 years to remove dangerous levels of lead from household drinking water.

In a regulation scheduled for release today, the EPA will prescribe a regimen of chemicals and water-service line replacements to reduce the lead level.

Public health experts criticized the long compliance schedule for not showing enough of a “sense of urgency.” Lead is considered the most serious environmental health threat to children, retarding physical and mental development.