EPA announced a series of state and territory grant awards to address PFAS and other emerging contaminants in drinking water, continuing federal investment in testing, planning and infrastructure projects for affected communities.

The funding is part of EPA’s Emerging Contaminants in Small or Disadvantaged Communities Grant program. EPA describes the program as a $1 billion national investment focused on helping communities address PFAS and other emerging contaminants in drinking water. Eligible projects can include work for communities, drinking water systems and private well owners.

EPA posted multiple funding announcements dated May 19, including awards for California, Ohio, Michigan, Arizona, Washington, Indiana, Missouri, Oregon, Alaska, Guam, Hawaii, Nevada, Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, Vermont and Rhode Island, among others. The agency said the funding may support testing, planning and infrastructure projects addressing PFAS and other contaminants included on EPA’s Contaminant Candidate Lists, such as manganese, perchlorate and 1,4-dioxane.

The announcements follow EPA’s recent proposed PFAS drinking water rule changes, including a proposal to maintain federal standards for PFOA and PFOS while reconsidering several other PFAS standards. Together, the rulemaking and grant announcements point to continued regulatory, infrastructure and public-health pressure around PFAS contamination, even as EPA reviews parts of the federal drinking water framework.

Sources: EPA PFAS press releases page, EPA Emerging Contaminants in Small or Disadvantaged Communities Grant program, EPA California PFAS funding announcement, EPA Washington PFAS funding announcement.