Health Risks of PVC Pipes in Drinking Water Systems and Safer Alternatives

A new report by a coalition of U.S. environmental advocacy groups cautions against the use of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) plastic in community drinking water pipes due to the potential health risks associated with vinyl chloride. Although PVC has become a popular option for replacing old drinking water pipes, particularly lead pipes, because of its low cost, the report urges public officials to consider safer alternatives.

Vinyl chloride, a known carcinogen and endocrine disruptor is the same hazardous material released during a train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, that caused a public health and environmental crisis. Despite the risks, the Biden administration allocated $15 billion through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Drinking Water State Revolving Fund to replace lead service lines in 2021, with no guidance on which piping materials to use.

The report calls for communities to choose materials like stainless steel or copper, which are safer despite their higher costs. Judith Enck, former regional EPA administrator and president of Beyond Plastics, argues that considering healthcare costs and tax dollars, plastics are not as cheap as they seem.

While the global PVC pipe market is growing due to increasing demand in water, sewage, and irrigation projects, some communities have chosen to avoid PVC. For example, the cities of Troy and Rochester in New York have opted for copper and cross-linked polyethylene pipes, respectively, in their lead service line replacement projects.

In addition to the health risks associated with PVC chemicals leaching into water supplies, the report highlights the health and environmental consequences involved in the production of vinyl chloride. Communities near vinyl chloride production facilities often face disproportionate risks, with low-income and minority communities being most affected.

To protect public health and the environment, the report urges the EPA to ban local and state governments from using PVC pipes to replace lead service lines. As we strive for a more sustainable future, it’s essential to consider the long-term impacts of our choices. Therefore, our call to action is to encourage public officials and communities to prioritize safer, more sustainable alternatives to PVC pipes in drinking water systems.

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