EPA Announces Nearly $2.9 Billion for Lead Service Line Replacement to Help Protect Children and Families from Toxic Lead Exposure
May 21, 2026
Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced nearly $2.9 billion in funding through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund to support lead service line replacement efforts nationwide. The funding will help states and communities identify and replace dangerous lead pipes that continue to expose millions of Americans to toxic lead in drinking water.
An additional $18 million in previously unspent funding will also be redistributed to eligible states to further support lead pipe replacement efforts. EPA estimates there are still approximately 4 million lead service lines across the country.
Protect Kids from Lead has long advocated for both long-term investments to fully replace lead service lines and immediate protections for families currently at risk, including proactive distribution of certified lead-reducing water filters and stronger public education efforts while replacement work is underway.
In response to today’s announcement, Protect Kids from Lead Executive Director Mae Stevens released the following statement:
“EPA’s announcement of nearly $2.9 billion in funding for lead service line replacement is an important step toward protecting children and families from toxic lead exposure through drinking water. This investment will help states and communities accelerate efforts to identify and replace dangerous lead pipes that continue to put millions of Americans at risk.
“At the same time, fully replacing the nation’s lead service lines will require sustained, long-term federal investment beyond current funding levels, along with urgent action from states to ensure these dollars quickly reach the communities most impacted by lead exposure. No child should have to rely on unsafe drinking water at home or at school.
“While replacement work moves forward, we will continue advocating for interim protections, including proactive distribution of certified water filters, transparent public communication, and community education, to help reduce exposure risks immediately. Protect Kids from Lead remains committed to working with leaders at every level of government to secure the resources needed to remove lead from drinking water for good.”

