News Briefs: Study Claims Lead Pipe Replacements Could Enhance Minnesota's Economy

An interesting feasibility report recently released by the Minnesota Department of Health shows that removing all the lead from the state’s drinking water infrastructure could have a net positive effect on Minnesota’s economy. The report shows that replacing lead infrastructure could cost a little over $4 billion, but that the benefits to public health and the economy could tally more than $8 billion.The study estimates that removal of lead pipes over the next 20 years would create benefits by enhancing brain development and lifetime productivity in people, resulting in increased earnings and taxes.“For every dollar spent on addressing lead in drinking