NEW JERSEY — New Jersey will receive $370,000 in federal funding to help improve drinking water infrastructure, combat PFAS contamination and address other drinking water challenges, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Friday.
The funding is part of $2.1 million being awarded across EPA Region 2, which includes New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, through the Small, Rural, and Tribal (SmaRT) Drinking Water Assistance Program.
According to the EPA, the grants will help communities make critical drinking water infrastructure upgrades, remove sources of lead, address local drinking water challenges and protect public health.
“Reliable access to clean, safe drinking water is essential for American communities to thrive and a top priority for the Trump EPA,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Jess Kramer. “Clean Air, Land, and Water for Every American is Pillar 1 of Administrator Zeldin’s ‘Powering the Great American Comeback’ Initiative. 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.”
EPA Regional Administrator Michael Martucci said the funding will help communities throughout the region improve drinking water systems.
“Families should be able to trust that the water coming from their tap is clean, safe and dependable,” said EPA Regional Administrator Michael Martucci. “Across New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, EPA is supporting urgent water system upgrades that will help communities protect public health, improve water quality and meet Safe Drinking Water Act standards.”
EPA Region 2’s fiscal year 2026 funding includes:
- New York: $1,039,000
- Puerto Rico: $524,000
- New Jersey: $370,000
- U.S. Virgin Islands: $176,000
Nationwide, approximately $25 million is available through the SmaRT Drinking Water Assistance Program.
The grant program was established under the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act and provides funding to states, territories and tribes to help public water systems comply with the Safe Drinking Water Act. States and territories administer the grants and distribute funding to communities with drinking water infrastructure needs.
