Schneider Celebrates New EPA Lead Service Line Replacement Formulas, Bringing More Funding to Illinois

HIGHLAND PARK, Ill. — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced more than $6.5 billion for states, Tribes, and territories for essential drinking water infrastructure upgrades across the nation through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF).  Thanks to a $6 billion boost from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA is increasing the investments available to rebuild the nation’s water infrastructure.

In August, Schneider led lawmakers advocating to the EPA that lead service line replacement funding be more appropriately allocated to states like Illinois with the greatest burden of lead service lines. The updated formula will bring more than $230 million to Illinois this year for lead service line replacement, more than $143 million as a result of the changes suggested by Schneider.

"Every American deserves access to safe drinking water without fear of dangerous lead exposure, and our young children should never be exposed to lead nor suffer the consequences of lifelong health problems. That’s why I fought to ensure that allocation is equitable and states with the greatest need, like Illinois, receive the necessary funds to protect our communities from the dangers of lead exposure. Today’s news and funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will help expedite the installation of water service lines across Illinois." said Rep. Brad Schneider.

At the direction of Congress, EPA’s 7th Drinking Water Assessment, for the first time, included a survey on lead service lines and is projecting a national total of 9.2 million lead service lines across the country. This best available national and state-level projections of service line counts will help advance a unique opportunity to employ a separate lead service line allotment formula for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law DWSRF Lead Service Line Replacement Funding that is based on need.

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