Recognizing Drinking Water Pipes as Community Health Hazards.

On this Earth Day, let us begin to recognize that aging water infrastructure, particularly lead pipes, solder, and faucets, represents a community health hazard of enduring significance. Causes of the crisis in Flint, Michigan, are discussed, but such scenarios could take place in thousands of similar communities. Recommendations are offered to the public as taxpayers, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and to chemical educators and water engineers. Old water infrastructure needs maintenance, repair, and replacement, and funds should be established now to accomplish the task.