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EPA estimates Colorado needs $12 billion to remove existing lead water pipes

A new survey from the Environmental Protection Agency found there are over 110,000 lead pipes in Colorado, which could cost more than $12 billion to completely remove.

The findings mark the first time the EPA has put a number on the amount of lead pipes in the nation. Colorado ranks relatively well in terms of how many lead pipes are still underground. Florida and Illinois top the list with more than 1 million lead pipes each.

Denver recently began a pilot program to remove harmful pipes in 2020, giving itself a 15-year timeline to remove an estimated 64,000 to 84,000 lead pipes. The city estimates the project will cost $700 million, offset by federal dollars.