EPA allocates nearly $7 million for replacing lead pipes in New London

Nearly $7 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding to replace 150 lead service lines and complete lead service line inventory

NEW LONDON, CONN. (Aug. 23, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash was in New London today along with federal, local, and state partners to celebrate the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Lead Service Line Drinking Water State Revolving Funds for the City of New London, Connecticut for lead service line replacement as well as progress made in the effort to replace the city's entire lead service line system.

"Protecting children and families by reducing lead exposure is a top priority for EPA," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "Thanks to federal funding, and the City of New London's initiative to proactively replace lead service lines in their community, New Londoners will no longer have to worry about what's in their water when they turn on the tap."

Thanks to EPA's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding, the Connecticut Department of Public Health allotted the City of New London a $6,949,213 loan, including $4,377,609 in principal forgiveness. This funding will help replace approximately 150 lead service lines, with this phase of the project being halfway complete thus far, as well as complete the city's lead service line inventory. This funding will further the City of New London's goal to replace approximately 500 lead service lines within the New London Department of Public Utilities distribution system.

In addition, the City of New London is one of ten Connecticut communities selected for the Lead Service Line Accelerator program. The LSLR Accelerator program provides targeted technical assistance services to help underserved communities access funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This technical assistance includes developing lead service line replacement plans, conducting inventories to identify lead pipes, and increasing community outreach and education efforts. Connecticut is one of the first four states to be selected under the LSLR Accelerator program and will help develop best practices and creative approaches that can serve as a roadmap to the rest of the country.

What They Are Saying

"This nearly $7 million funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will eliminate more than 150 water supply lines that contain lead, a pernicious poison that can cause crippling damage to children and families," said U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal. "These new pipes will significantly advance New London's goal of replacing all water service lines, which will give everyone peace of mind that the water coming out of their tap is safe and healthy to drink. I am thrilled to see the EPA make this investment in New London and will keep fighting for federal funds to replace lead service lines and protect our drinking water."

"No one in Connecticut should have to worry about lead poisoning when they turn on the tap," said U.S. Senator Chris Murphy. "This $6.9 million in federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help us replace about 150 old lead pipes in New London and complete the city's lead service line removal project so every household can continue to count on reliable access to safe, clean drinking water."

"The federal Infrastructure law I voted to pass in 2021 continues to provide New London with much-needed resources to ensure every child and family has lead-free drinking water. As was made clear by today's site visit, the federal resources received by City has supercharged its goal to be first municipality in Connecticut eliminate 100% itsleadservice lines Kudos Mayor Passero serving state-wide example how municipalities putfederal infrastructurefunding work behalf ourcommunities," saidU.S Representative Joe Courtney.