Large PWS Lead Service Line Inventory Grant

The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES), through its Drinking Water and Groundwater Bureau (DWGB), has launched the Lead Service Line Inventory (LSLI) Grant Program targeting large community water systems. This initiative aligns with the requirements of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (USEPA) Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI), mandating annual submission of service line inventories by community and non-transient, non-community water systems. The core objective of this grant is to identify and document service line materials, particularly those initially reported as "unknown" in the 2024 inventory, thereby enabling the eventual replacement of hazardous lead and galvanized service lines. Eligible applicants are large water systems in New Hampshire with more than 1,000 service connections that reported unknown materials in the initial 2024 inventory. Only systems listed in the eligibility list provided by NHDES may apply under this grant. Systems not on the list are directed to receive assistance through a separate program. The program is voluntary and offers a maximum award of $60,000 per grant without requiring matching community funds. However, projects with higher total costs can proceed with the understanding that reimbursement is capped at the grant amount. Allowable expenses under this program include both internal and external services necessary for inventory development. Activities such as records review, digitizing historical documents, building inspections, and physical verification through test pits or potholing are eligible. However, the grant does not cover costs for equipment purchases, service line replacements, or construction-related activities. Consultants or contractors engaged must demonstrate expertise in relevant domains, although their use is optional. The application deadline is December 31, 2025. Grant applications will be reviewed and approved on a rolling basis, meaning awards may be distributed as submissions are received and processed. Successful applicants will be required to enter into a formal grant agreement with NHDES. Work may only commence once the agreement has received final approval from both NHDES and the Governor and Council of New Hampshire. This is a reimbursement grant, meaning funds will be disbursed based on review and approval of completed deliverables. Partial reimbursements can be requested throughout the life of the project as milestones are completed. The program is designed to support water systems in meeting compliance obligations and progressing toward full identification and eventual replacement of at-risk service lines as required by federal mandates. For more information or assistance, interested applicants may contact the DWGB at dwsustainability@des.nh.gov or call 603-271-2472. Additional resources, including the list of eligible systems and further background on the LCRI requirements, are available through the NHDES Lead and Copper webpage.