The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a significant nationwide effort to eliminate lead service lines, allocating $3 billion in new funding to states through the State Revolving Fund programs. The agency also confirmed the redistribution of $1.1 billion in previously awarded but unused federal dollars to ensure communities with the most urgent needs receive timely assistance.
The new funding arrives alongside a comprehensive review of past allocations and updated national lead service line data. This assessment was conducted to ensure accountability, direct investments to the regions most affected by lead contamination, and maximize the efficiency of federal support for lead pipe replacement initiatives. EPA also launched a new lead service line inventory dashboard containing the latest data submitted by states.
According to EPA, lead service lines remain the largest source of lead exposure in drinking water. Lead is known to be a potent neurotoxin that poses severe health risks, particularly for children. The agency stated that the latest funding will significantly accelerate the identification and removal of these lines from homes, schools, and businesses.
EPA noted that the effort builds on the Trump Administration’s Powering the Great American Comeback Initiative and the regulatory framework introduced in the first Trump term through the updated Lead and Copper Rule Revisions. These revisions required water utilities to compile detailed service line inventories, and the improved data has dramatically altered national estimates of lead pipes in use.
The agency’s updated analysis now estimates approximately 4 million lead service lines nationwide, a substantial decrease from the previous estimate of 9 million. EPA attributes the reduction to more accurate data collection from state inventories. The updated figures will now guide how funds are allocated under the new federal investment.
To ensure funding is directed to states with clear lead service line replacement needs, EPA will use the latest inventory data to determine allotments. States that have not obligated or spent their awarded funding since at least fiscal year 2023 will be required to submit plans outlining how they will promptly address lead contamination using federal assistance before becoming eligible for new allocations.
Federal officials emphasized that the redistributed $1.1 billion stems from funding that states previously received but did not utilize. In accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Act, EPA is reallocating those resources to other eligible states capable of deploying the funds more rapidly to protect public health.
The new federal investments can be used for lead service line replacement projects, as well as related tasks including identification, planning, and design work. EPA also issued a memorandum outlining additional flexibilities under the LSLR appropriation to help states execute projects more efficiently through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund.
EPA stated that it will continue working closely with states to ensure water systems receive timely awards and that communities experience measurable progress in the removal of lead pipes. The agency reiterated that ensuring Americans have safe drinking water remains one of its highest priorities.
KEY QUOTES:
“This investment represents the EPA’s unwavering commitment to protecting America’s children from the dangers of lead exposure in their drinking water. With our updated data, we can tackle this challenge more efficiently than ever before, and we’re ensuring every dollar goes directly toward replacing the lead pipes that threaten our communities. This is about giving parents peace of mind and securing healthier futures for the next generation.”
Lee Zeldin, EPA Administrator
“Supporting drinking water systems as they work around the clock to provide safe water for all Americans is one of EPA’s top priorities. Today’s announcement is a win-win for drinking water systems and for the health and futures of our nation’s children. Not only are we providing $3 billion in new federal assistance for replacing lead pipes, and $1.1 billion in redistributed federal funding, but we also expect that this money will go farther because updated inventory data show far fewer lead pipes across the country.”
Jess Kramer, EPA Assistant Administrator for Water
