At multiple events recently across the country in Grand Rapids, Michigan; Benton Harbor, Michigan; Newark, New Jersey; and a virtual event for Virginia, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency officials announced projects that were selected to receive nearly $40 million in grant funding under the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (WIIN).

These first-ever selections under the WIIN Act’s Reduction in Lead Exposure via Drinking Water grant will be used to assist disadvantaged communities and schools with removing sources of lead in drinking water.

The selected grantees will conduct projects that will reduce lead exposure in drinking water by replacing thousands of lead service lines and removing potential sources of lead in hundreds of schools and childcare facilities across the United States.

Hurricane Zeta Knocks Out Power to New Orleans Treatment Plants

Hurricane Zeta caused widespread power outages in New Orleans at the end of October, causing water and wastewater treatment plants to run on backup generators and prompting city officials to plead with city residents to limit their water use.

Crews were working to restore power to lift stations, and the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans asked residents to skip long showers, washing dishes and doing laundry during that process.

USDA to Invest $891 in Rural Water/Wastewater Infrastructure

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $891 million to modernize rural drinking water and wastewater infrastructure in 43 states.

“Upgrading water infrastructure provides a path to economic growth and protects the health and safety of people who live and work in rural areas,” USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand says.

These 220 projects will help improve rural water infrastructure for 787,000 residents. The projects are being funded through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program.