The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced on November 25 a total of $3 billion in new funding for states through the State Revolving Fund (SRF) programs to reduce exposure to lead in drinking water.
The EPA conducted a thorough review of previously awarded funding and assessed updated lead service line data to increase accountability and ensure funds are properly distributed to achieve maximum impact in removing lead pipes and reducing lead contamination in drinking water systems.
The funding will accelerate progress in finding and removing lead pipes (also known as lead service lines that deliver water to homes, schools, and businesses) as the agency also announces a new lead service line inventories dashboard with the latest information provided by states.
Lead pipes are the key source of lead — a potent neurotoxin particularly harmful to children — in drinking water.
More than 80 percent of violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act Lead and Copper Rule standards and requirements occur at small groundwater systems serving 10,000 or fewer people.
Additionally, the EPA announced the redistribution of an additional $1.1 billion in previously announced DWSRF funding to address lead. These funds were made available to states but have not been used. Consistent with the Safe Drinking Water Act’s directive to reallocate unused funds, these investments are now available to different eligible states with lead service line replacement needs.
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