The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) announced a final rule requiring drinking water systems across the country to identify and replace lead pipes. The Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) also require more rigorous testing of drinking water and a lower threshold for communities to take action on lead in drinking water to protect people from lead exposure. In addition, the LCRI improves communication within communities about the risk of lead in drinking water, the location of lead pipes, and plans for replacing them.
Alongside the LCRI, USEPA announced newly available drinking water infrastructure funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The funding will be accessible through the drinking water state revolving funds (DWSRFs) and is available to support lead pipe replacement and inventory projects.
Funding amounts available include:
- Colorado: $43,616,000
- Minnesota $37,663,000
- Montana: $24,898,000
- North Dakota: $24,898,000
- South Dakota: $24,898,000
- Utah: $24,898,000
- Wisconsin: $42,633,000
Additionally, 49% of the funding must be provided to disadvantaged communities as grant funding or principal forgiveness that does not have to be repaid. USEPA is also announcing the availability of $35 million in competitive grant funding for reducing lead in drinking water. Communities are invited to apply directly for grant funding through this program. Additional Federal funding is available to support lead pipe replacement projects, and USEPA has developed a website identifying available funding sources.
If you have questions about available funding for lead pipe replacement, contact Rachel Schultz, AE2S Consultant.