The average increase in household cost for water that meets the new arsenic standard depends on:

• The size of the public water system (PWS)
• How many people are served by that PWS
• The concentration of arsenic in the raw water

Small community water systems (CWSs) serve fewer than 10,000 people. Their increase in cost to comply with the Arsenic Rule is expected to range between $38 and $327. For larger CWSs, water costs are expected to increase by $0.86 to $32.00 annually.

PWSs needing to install treatment may apply for financial assistance through EPA's Drinking Water State Revolving Fund.

Additional information on funding sources and opportunities can be found at:

• Using DWSRF Funds to Comply with the New Arsenic Rule (PDF)(4 pp, 258 K, About PDF)) EPA 816-F-02-004, March 2002


• Sources of Technical and Financial Assistance for Small Drinking Water Systems (PDF)(23 pp, 1110 K, About PDF) EPA 816-K-02-005, July 2002

• Rural Development-Rural Utilities Service, Loan, and Grant Program Fact Sheet (PDF)(1 pg, 136 K, March 2002, EPA 816-F-02-004)