The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will provide $3 billion in new State Revolving Fund (SRF) financing to support lead service line removal and related activities. EPA will also redistribute $1.1 billion in previously awarded but unused SRF funds to states with documented lead pipe replacement needs.
EPA states that the funding will support identification, planning, design, and replacement of lead service lines in drinking water systems. The agency is using updated service line inventories from states to allocate funds based on current estimates of lead pipe locations.
EPA reports a revised national estimate of about 4 million lead service lines, down from an earlier estimate of 9 million. The reduction is based on new inventory data submitted under the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions.
States that have not obligated or spent prior SRF lead funding since at least fiscal year 2023 must submit plans to EPA before receiving new allocations. EPA will review those plans to ensure timely use of funds.
EPA also released a new dashboard that compiles lead service line inventory information from states.