DEQ seeks applications for projects to mitigate lead levels in public water supplies

by Daily Inter Lake
| October 11, 2022 12:00 AM

Up to $28 million in federal funding may be available to Montana communities seeking to update lead service lines in public water supplies.

Exposure to lead in drinking water can occur through lead pipes and there is no safe level of lead. The amount of lead service lines in Montana is not fully known.

The funding opportunity applies to all community public water systems such as cities, towns, subdivisions and trailer parks — as well as schools and businesses that serve a minimum of the same 25 people for at least six months, according to the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

“Updating or mitigating lead service lines can be costly, that’s why DEQ wants to maximize federal funding and get dollars into our Montana communities,” said DEQ Water Quality Division Administrator Lindsey Krywaruchka in a press release.

In order for the state to receive federal funding through the Environmental Protection Agency, DEQ must have a list of projects that relate to preparing a service line inventory, planning for replacement or mitigation, or replacement activities. DEQ is accepting project submissions through Nov. 30.

Project submissions should include estimates on scope and costs. Projects do not need to be “shovel ready,” or approved. Funding will be available via loans and loan forgiveness.

The federal government is requiring applicable public water supplies complete an inventory of lead service lines by October 2024. While the inventory is required, applying for funding is not.

“Finding and replacing lead service lines in Montana is important to protecting public health and reducing the risk of exposure to lead in drinking water,” EPA Region 8 Water Division Director Darcy O’Connor said. “Using funding available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Montana will be able to significantly enhance efforts to deliver clean drinking water to communities across the State.”

To submit a project form, or for more information, visit https://bit.ly/3rL0SMa.