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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
By M.k. Wildeman

The push to remove lead pipes is on. Thousands of water systems still don’t know where theirs are

Climate Lead Water Enforcement - (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Kathryn Pilgrim knew the century-old Victorian she bought in Dunkirk, New York, came with old plumbing. She replaced pipes she suspected of containing lead and later installed a kitchen filter designed to remove heavy metals.

But six years after buying the house, she still can’t be sure that her tap water is lead-free because she doesn't know what material was used for the pipe that runs under her front yard and connects to the city water supply. Dunkirk is nearly two years behind schedule on an inventory that would give Pilgrim and other residents that information.

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