EPA Announces Grants for Drinking Water Lead Removal
$22.8 Million for Projects in Schools and Childcare Facilities
The Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act of 2016 authorized federal funds for lead in drinking water programs. All 50 states submitted Letters of Intent to apply for appropriated WIIN Act financial assistance for programs to detect lead in school and childcare drinking water through sampling and testing of facility tap water.
Recently, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has opened a new WIIN Act grant program, “Reduction in Lead Exposure Via Drinking Water.” Congress has authorized $39.9 million in funds to reduce lead through either infrastructure and utility water treatment improvements, or through school and childcare facility remediation. The portion for “Reduction of Children’s Exposure to Lead in Drinking Water in Schools and Child Care Facilities” provides $22.8 million in awards for projects to remove and/or replace lead-containing plumbing parts in school or childcare buildings.
For additional information, see the Request for Applications to learn about applicant eligibility, priority projects and project requirements.
The Request for Application must be submitted by April 20, 2020.
Previous NDWA news reports on federal activity to reduce lead in drinking water: