Lead Service Line Replacement Fund Grant

Lead Service Line Replacement Fund Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
Last Updated: December 05, 2025

Summary

The Lead Service Line Replacement Fund, supported by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, allocates $15 billion to assist communities in replacing lead service lines. It offers principal forgiveness loans to disadvantaged areas and low-interest loans for others. Eligible applicants include local governments and non-profit water companies. Funds can cover various activities such as the removal of lead lines, restoration of sites, and updating inventories. Applications are accepted year-round, with awards made quarterly.

Overview

NOTE: The EC-LSLR application is rolling, but does list approximate due dates to keep in mind. These are reflected in the above deadlines.There may be some adjustments to the dates above, but only to add extra time. Please use the dates above as a safe basis for application submittals. Lead Service Line Replacement Fund The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests $15 billion nationwide towards Lead Service Line Replacement (LSLR). With this investment, 49% of funds will be provided nationwide 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. Funding is available for local governments, non-profit water companies, and investor-owned water utilities. Applications for these Lead Service Line Replacement funds are open year-round and will be awarded in four State Water Infrastructure Authority meetings each year. The first year of Lead Service Line Replacement (LSLR) funding will be administered according to the Intended Use Plan for the BIL DWSRF Lead Service Line Replacement funds. 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

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Local governments, non-profit water companies, and investor-owned water utilities are eligible to apply for Lead Service Line Replacement funds.Eligible Projects: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.

Ineligibility

It cannot be used to replace indoor plumbing or indoor fixtures.