EPA earmarks $3 billion to accelerate lead pipe replacements nationwide
(UI) - The EPA has announced a fresh round of funding — $3 billion — allocated to states through the State Revolving Fund (SRF) to help replace lead service lines and reduce lead exposure in drinking water. In addition, the agency is redistributing $1.1 billion in previously awarded but unused SRF funds to states with outstanding lead-pipe replacement needs.
This funding push comes alongside updated national data showing a revised total of about 4 million active lead service lines — significantly lower than earlier estimates near 9 million. The updated count is based on recently submitted state inventories. The EPA also launched a new nationwide lead service-line inventory dashboard to help utilities and states pinpoint priorities and allocate funds more efficiently.
The funds can be used to support full lead service-line replacement, including planning, design, and actual pipe removal and replacement — targeting homes, schools, and businesses. The EPA is also requiring that states with unspent funds from past allocations submit updated action plans before receiving further aid.
With this action, the EPA says it aims to tackle lead contamination aggressively and ensure drinking water safety nationwide, particularly focusing on protecting children from lead exposure in their drinking water.
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