Chicago lags far behind other cities in getting rid of brain-damaging lead pipes. Even if Biden’s $45 million replacement plan passes, city ‘is ground zero for this problem.’

Nick Downs uncoils copper pipe for lead service line replacement in Denver on Dec. 19, 2019. Denver Water, the city’s drinking water utility, replaced 5,200 lead service lines last year and delivered more than 100,000 filters to residents. (Andy Cross/The Denver Post)