NEW JERSEY — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Wednesday that New Jersey will receive more than $103 million in federal funding to help reduce lead exposure in drinking water through lead pipe replacement and infrastructure improvement projects.
According to the EPA, the $103,084,000 investment will be distributed through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and used to identify, remove and replace lead service lines that deliver water to homes and businesses across the state.
Officials said communities can also use the funding for lead pipe inventories and project planning.
Lead exposure through drinking water remains a major public health concern, especially for children, because lead is a neurotoxin that can cause developmental and neurological damage.
“An investment in removing lead pipes is an investment in America’s children and families,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Jess Kramer. “The Trump EPA is committed to tackling lead exposure and this $2.9 billion will help protect current and future generations across America by accelerating local efforts to find and replace toxic lead pipes.”
EPA Regional Administrator Michael Martucci said the funding will help modernize aging infrastructure throughout New Jersey.
“By supporting modern drinking water infrastructure EPA is protecting public health across New Jersey,” Martucci said. “This funding will help local water systems address aging infrastructure, reduce potential lead exposure, and deliver safer drinking water for families now and into the future.”
The EPA said the funding is part of a broader nationwide initiative focused on replacing an estimated 4 million lead service lines across the country.
The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund provides financial assistance to states and local water systems to help meet federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards and improve drinking water safety.
