The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced more than $25m in new funding to strengthen drinking water infrastructure in small, rural, and tribal communities nationwide.
The investment is designed to help local water systems modernise ageing infrastructure, improve compliance with federal drinking water standards, and reduce exposure to harmful contaminants, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and lead.
The funding will be distributed through the Small, Rural, and Tribal (SmaRT) Drinking Water Assistance Program, which provides financial support to states and territories.
These authorities will then allocate grants to communities most in need of assistance with critical water infrastructure projects and Safe Drinking Water Act compliance.
By directing resources towards underserved communities, the EPA aims to improve public health, enhance the reliability of local water supplies, and address longstanding infrastructure challenges that have left many smaller water systems struggling to meet modern safety standards.
EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Jess Kramer commented: “Reliable access to clean, safe drinking water is essential for American communities to thrive and a top priority for the Trump EPA.
“Clean Air, Land, and Water for Every American is Pillar 1 of Administrator Zeldin’s ‘Powering the Great American Comeback’ Initiative.
“Small and rural water systems often face disproportionate challenges when it comes to drinking water, and these grants will help them access needed resources to make important water infrastructure investments that will protect Americans from the dangers of PFAS and other harmful contaminants.”
Investment to modernise drinking water infrastructure
Approximately $25m is available through the SmaRT Drinking Water Assistance Program, established under the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act.
The programme focuses on helping public water systems deliver clean, safe drinking water while supporting infrastructure improvements that many small communities would otherwise struggle to finance.
State and territorial agencies will oversee the distribution of funding, ensuring grants are directed towards projects that deliver the greatest benefit.
Eligible upgrades include replacing ageing infrastructure, removing lead sources, addressing PFAS contamination, and resolving other local drinking water challenges.
The EPA said the programme supports its wider objective of improving public health by ensuring communities have access to safe, reliable drinking water regardless of their size or location.
Why are PFAS a concern?
PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” are a large group of synthetic compounds used for decades in products such as non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, food packaging, firefighting foams, and industrial manufacturing.
These chemicals are highly resistant to breaking down in the environment, allowing them to accumulate in soil, rivers, groundwater, wildlife, and the human body over time.
Scientific research has linked exposure to certain PFAS compounds with increased risks of several health problems, including elevated cholesterol, liver damage, immune system suppression, developmental effects in children, reduced vaccine response, thyroid disorders, and an increased risk of certain cancers.
Because PFAS can persist in drinking water supplies for many years, many utilities are investing in advanced treatment technologies capable of removing these contaminants before water reaches consumers.
Supporting compliance with federal water standards
The SmaRT programme was created under the WIIN Act to help public water systems meet the requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act.
By providing targeted financial assistance to states, territories, and tribal governments, the programme is intended to strengthen drinking water infrastructure where investment is most urgently needed.
The latest funding is expected to help communities improve water quality, reduce health risks from contaminants, and build more resilient water systems capable of meeting future environmental and regulatory challenges.
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