WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced more than $25 million in grant funding to improve drinking water infrastructure in small and rural communities. These grants will provide communities across the nation with needed resources to make critical drinking water infrastructure upgrades, combat exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), remove sources of lead and address specific local drinking water challenges.
“Reliable access to clean, safe drinking water is essential for American communities to thrive,” said Jess Kramer, EPA assistant administrator for water. “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.”
Approximately $25 million is available through the Small, Rural, and Tribal (SmaRT) Drinking Water Assistance Program. This grant program was established under the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act to help water systems provide clean, safe drinking water.
The funding is available to states and territories, which are responsible for administering the grant funds and ensuring the funds efficiently and effectively reach communities that need assistance with local water infrastructure upgrades or Safe Drinking Water Act compliance.
