The Environmental Protection Agency announced the funding will go directly to states through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. Communities can use the money to identify lead pipes, plan removal projects and pay for replacement of lead service lines.
Lead is a powerful neurotoxin that is especially harmful to children, and the EPA said each lead service pipe removed and replaced delivers tangible human health benefits.
“An investment in removing lead pipes is an investment in America’s children and families,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Jess Kramer. “The Trump EPA is committed to tackling lead exposure and this $2.9 billion will help protect current and future generations across America by accelerating local efforts to find and replace toxic lead pipes.”
“This funding will help keep children safe from lead exposure, give parents peace of mind, and protect the next generation of Americans,” said EPA Region 6 Administrator Scott Mason. “EPA will continue prioritizing policies and actions that ensure every American has reliable access to clean water.”
The Drinking Water State Revolving Funds are state-run financial assistance programs designed to help water systems meet the health protection objectives of the Safe Drinking Water Act. The EPA said it is distributing funding based on the best available information on the location of about 4 million lead service lines across the country, and it will work with states to ensure the funding is promptly provided to communities for efforts to reduce exposure to lead through drinking water.
