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Building the Capacity of Drinking Water Systems

WIIN Grant: Reduction in Lead Exposure Via Drinking Water

On October 23, 2020, EPA announced projects that were selected to receive nearly $40 million in grant funding under the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act. These first-ever selections under the WIIN Act’s Reduction in Lead Exposure via

Drinking Water grant will be used to assist disadvantaged communities and schools with removing sources of lead in drinking water.

The selected grantees will conduct projects that will reduce lead exposure in drinking water by replacing thousands of lead service lines and removing potential sources of lead in hundreds of schools and childcare facilities across the United States. The selected grantees include:

Lead Service Line Replacement Projects

  • Providence Water Supply Board, RI - $6.4M
  • City of Benton Harbor, MI - $5.6M
  • City of Grand Rapids, MI - $5.1M

Lead in Schools and Childcare Facilities Projects

  • Indiana Finance Authority - $544,000
  • Newark Board of Education, NJ - $7.5M
  • Commonwealth of Massachusetts Clean Water Trust- $3M
  • District of Columbia, DC - $2.3M
  • Elevate Energy, IL - $2M
  • Virginia Department of Health, VA - $1.3M
  • Boston Public Schools, MA - $6.2M

In addition, under the Water Infrastructure Fund Transfer Act (WIFTA) various states have conducted a one-time transfer from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) to the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) for lead-related, DWSRF-eligible projects. Under this Act, states have transferred nearly $50 million to support efforts to reduce lead exposure in drinking water. 

Background

The 2016 Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (WIIN Act) addresses, supports, and improves America's drinking water infrastructure.  Included in the WIIN Act are three drinking water grants that promote public health and the protection of the environment. Since 2018, EPA has made available more than $69 million to support the Lead Testing in School and Child Care Program Drinking Water grant program and $42.8 million to assist public water systems in underserved, small and disadvantaged communities meet Safe Drinking Water Act requirements.


On February 19, 2020, EPA announced the opening of the Request for Applications (RFA). The Agency sought applications to fulfill eligible projects/activities under the WIIN grant for two National Priority Areas. The period for submitting applications ended on June 1, 2020.