SPRINGFIELD – To assist communities in meeting the requirements outlined in the Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act, State Senator Robert Peters is highlighting a fourth funding opportunity for the Lead Service Line Inventory Grant Program announced by the Illinois EPA.

“I urge communities to take advantage of this program to mitigate lead contamination and provide more public health safety,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “Communities should have access to clean water and with another round of funding announced, local governments will be able to prioritize their efforts in creating safer water systems.”

The Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act requires owners and operators of community water supplies in Illinois to submit a complete water service line material inventory for the Illinois EPA’s approval no later than April 15, 2024. A detailed inventory will allow communities to prioritize and strategize the replacement of known lead service lines within their water distribution system.

The Lead Service Line Inventory Grant Program offers grants up to $50,000 to units of local government to fund the creation of a complete lead service line inventory. The latest round – funded through the federal bipartisan infrastructure law – will build on the 260 grants previously issued, totaling up to $10 million.

“As the deadline approaches for community water suppliers to submit complete material inventories, we know many suppliers are still in need of financial assistance to meet this mandate,” said EPA Director John Kim. “We encourage any system that is still working towards identifying the composition of their public water supply infrastructure to seek funding through this program.”

Applications for the LSLI Grant Program will be accepted until funding has been expended. Eligible entities can find more information about the program and apply on the Illinois EPA website.