In an effort to reduce lead exposure from drinking water and protect public health, a consortium of governments, manufacturers, and civil society partners launched the initiative, “A Global Pledge to Protect Drinking Water from Lead,” at the United Nations (UN) 2023 Water Conference in March.

The pledge highlights actions to eliminate the use of lead-leaching parts in the construction of new drinking water systems and to improve the monitoring and remediation of existing systems that leach lead into drinking water.

Founding members of the consortium include the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO); IAPMO’s non-profit arm the International, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Foundation (IWSH); the World Health Organization; World Vision; WaterAid; the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation; LIXIL; RTI International; the Rural Water Supply Network; the Skat Foundation; the University of Leeds; the Water Institute at UNC; the International Water Association; the World Plumbing Council; and the governments of Ghana, South Africa, and Uganda.

“Clean, safe drinking water is a resource that is often taken for granted, but lead and other environmental contamination directly impacts health and communities. Underscoring LIXIL’s purpose of making better homes a reality for everyone, everywhere, we are proud to be a part of the Pledge aimed at implementing international standards, reinforcing the need for consistent water quality and safety more broadly around the world,” said Dave Viola, CEO, IAPMO.

The consortium invites governments, the private sector, manufacturers, suppliers, development banks, financial institutions, and philanthropic organizations and individuals to support global efforts by joining the Lead Pledge. More information is available at www.globalleadfreewater.org.