Reducing Lead in Drinking Water Grant Program

Background
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), through the Reducing Lead in Drinking Water Grant Program, aims to enhance public health by funding lead reduction projects in disadvantaged communities. This initiative aligns with the Justice40 initiative, which focuses on addressing environmental injustices and ensuring equitable access to clean drinking water. The program seeks to mitigate lead exposure in drinking water systems, particularly in areas that have experienced lead action level exceedances or where children are at risk due to lead contamination.

Grant Details
The grant supports projects aimed at reducing lead in drinking water through two National Priority Areas (NPAs): 1) Reduction of Lead Exposure in Drinking Water Systems via full lead service line replacements and treatment improvements, and 2) Reducing Children’s Exposure to Lead in Drinking Water in Schools and Childcare Facilities. Projects must demonstrate a clear approach for reducing lead levels, including public education efforts, compliance with regulatory requirements, and post-implementation monitoring. Eligible activities include replacing lead service lines, improving corrosion control measures, and removing lead-containing fixtures in schools and childcare facilities. Applicants must document known lead issues within their communities and outline their strategies for community engagement and education regarding the health impacts of lead exposure.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include community water systems, non-transient non-community water systems, qualified nonprofit organizations servicing a public water system, municipalities, and state or intermunicipal agencies. Individuals and for-profit organizations are not eligible. Projects must take place in disadvantaged communities as defined by affordability criteria established by the state. Applications must address one National Priority Area only and cannot exceed specified funding limits ($10 million for NPA 1; $5 million for NPA 2).

Period of Performance
The anticipated project period is up to four years from the award date.

Grant Value
The total estimated federal funding available is approximately $35 million, with about $20 million allocated for NPA 1 (lead service line replacements) and $15 million for NPA 2 (schools/childcare facilities). Individual awards under NPA 1 may range from $5 million to $10 million, while those under NPA 2 may range from $2 million to $5 million.

Place of Performance
Projects must be conducted in disadvantaged communities across the United States.