EPA funds PFAS, lead drinking water projects with $25 million

(UI) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has announced more than $25 million in grant funding to help small and rural communities improve drinking water infrastructure, with projects focused on addressing PFAS contamination, reducing lead exposure and strengthening public water systems.

The funding will be distributed through the Small, Rural, and Tribal (SmaRT) Drinking Water Assistance Program, which provides financial assistance to states and territories for local drinking water projects. The grants support infrastructure improvements and help public water systems comply with federal Safe Drinking Water Act requirements.

According to EPA, the funding can be used for projects such as replacing lead service lines, improving treatment systems to address PFAS and other contaminants, and completing other drinking water infrastructure upgrades in underserved communities.

EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Jess Kramer said the funding is intended to help communities address long-standing drinking water challenges while improving public health.

"Small and rural water systems often face disproportionate challenges when it comes to drinking water, and these grants will help them access needed resources to make important water infrastructure investments that will protect Americans from the dangers of PFAS and other harmful contaminants," Kramer said.

Texas will receive the largest state allocation at approximately $2.06 million, followed by California with about $1.59 million and New York with approximately $1.04 million. EPA said tribal funding allocations will be announced separately.

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