The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced nearly $2.9 billion in funding for states to identify and replace lead service lines in drinking water systems. The funding will flow through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program and support local infrastructure upgrades nationwide.
States can use the funding to locate lead pipes, develop replacement plans, and remove aging service lines connected to homes and buildings. EPA estimates that approximately 4 million lead and galvanized service lines still require replacement across the country.
The agency distributed funding based on estimated lead service line counts in each state. Illinois received the largest allocation at approximately $295.6 million, followed by Ohio with $201.8 million, New York with $185.2 million, and Michigan with $143.5 million. Every eligible state, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C., received a minimum allocation of roughly $27.5 million.
Under federal requirements, states must direct 49% of each capitalization grant to disadvantaged communities through grants or forgivable loans. The remaining funds can support low-interest revolving loan programs for drinking water infrastructure projects.
The funding supports replacement of lead pipes that can expose residents to harmful contaminants through drinking water systems.