Lead Service Line Replacement Funding
Submitting Project Solicitation Forms for Lead Service Line Replacement Projects
Project solicitation is open:
Lead Service Line Replacement Project Solicitation Forms will continue to be accepted beyond May 1, on an ongoing basis.
Instructions for Completing the Project Solicitation Form for Lead Service Line Replacement Projects are available at:
Project Solicitation Form for Lead Service Line Replacement projects
Complete the Project Solicitation Form for Lead Service Line Replacement projects,
The Division of Water Infrastructure is soliciting interest in funding specifically to identify, inventory, and replace lead service lines and lead connectors throughout water systems in anticipation of receiving these funds in fall 2023. Information specific to North Carolina's lead service line replacement funding will continue to be updated here. Funding will be available for local governments, non-profit water companies, and investor-owned water utilities that request low-interest loans. Principal forgiveness will be offered for those that are eligible, subject to availability. The process for applying will be discussed in a webinar on May 4.
Resources from May 4, 2023 Webinar on Lead Service Line Replacement Funding:
The Division of Water Infrastructure conducted an informational webinar on Lead Service Line Replacement (LSLR) Funding on May 4, 2023.
LSLR Draft Intended Use Plan
The public comment period for the Lead Service Line Replacement (LSLR) Draft Intended Use Plan (IUP), below, ended on April 7. The Division is reviewing comments and will adjust the IUP accordingly.
What are Lead Service Lines and Lead Connectors?
A service line is the water line that connects a home or business to the main water line on the street. Connectors (e.g., goosenecks and pigtails) are components that connect pipes to one another. Lead service lines and lead connectors are service lines and connectors that are made of lead or made of galvanized iron or galvanized steel that are downstream of other lead components. Service lines are located from the public water main up to building at the point of premise plumbing.
Funding is available to replace lead service lines and lead connectors between the main water line and the point of the premise plumbing, usually outdoors up to the building inlet. It cannot be used to replace indoor plumbing or indoor fixtures.
Image source: US EPA
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funding
- The federal Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), invests $15 billion nationwide towards Lead Service Line Replacement through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund over five years. With this investment, 49% of funds will be provided to communities as principal forgiveness loans (like grants) to disadvantaged communities and disadvantaged areas, and 51% of funds will be available as low-interest loans. North Carolina’s allotment depends on the demand for funding from eligible entities.
Eligible Applicants
- Local governments, non-profit water companies, and investor-owned water utilities are eligible to apply for Lead Service Line Replacement funds.
Eligible Projects
As listed on page 39 (Attachment 1 – Appendix D) of the BIL Implementation Memo published by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (link: https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2022-03/combined_srf-implementation-memo_final_03.2022.pdf):
- Inventorying and complete removal of lead service lines (public and privately-owned portion) or service lines made of galvanized iron or galvanized steel (that are currently or have previously been downstream of lead components) and replacement with a pipe that meets the requirements established under 40 CFR 143 and which complies with state and local plumbing codes and or building codes.
- Removal of lead or galvanized goosenecks, pigtails, and connectors, and replacement with an acceptable material that meets the requirements established under 40 CFR 143 and which complies with state and local plumbing codes and or building codes.
- Replacement of curb stops, curb stop boxes, and other service line appurtenances that are removed as part of full LSLR.
- Site restoration, including landscaping, sidewalks, driveways, etc. if the removal was necessary to replace the lead service line.
- Permit fees if the fees are normal, required, and specific to the LSLR. It is recommended that communities waive these fees.
- Temporary pitcher filters or point-of-use (POU) devices certified by an American National Standards Institute accredited certifier to reduce lead during or for a short time period after LSLR projects.
- Development or updating of lead service line inventories, including locating and mapping lead service lines, and identifying and inventorying the materials of “unknown material” service lines.
- Planning and design for infrastructure projects listed above.
- Non-routine lead sampling (if not for compliance purposes) as part of a LSLR project.
How to Apply for Funding?
Instructions for Completing the Project Solicitation Form for Lead Service Line Replacement Projects are available at: Project Solicitation Form for Lead Service Line Replacement projects.
At the end of the document linked above, you will find the online submittal portal.
Lead Service Line Inventories for the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions
To comply with the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions, all community water systems and all non-transient non-community water systems are required to develop an initial inventory of all service line connections, both system-owned and customer-owned. The Public Water Supply Section of the Division of Water Resources provides information on these inventories on this webpage: https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/water-resources/drinking-water/lead-service-line-inventory
More information:
Funding for Lead Service Line Replacement | US EPA