Lead Pipe Replacement Grants and Funding in Arizona

Where to find money for lead service line replacement

If you have a lead service line and need help paying for replacement, Arizona offers several funding paths. The biggest source is the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF), which provides low-interest loans and grants to water systems statewide. Your water utility may use DWSRF money to subsidize or cover replacement costs for qualifying households.

Arizona has set aside 15% of its DWSRF funds for disadvantaged communities—areas with lower incomes or higher unemployment. If your water system serves a disadvantaged area, you may be eligible for grants (not loans) instead of paying back borrowed money.

The federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) allocated funding to states for water infrastructure, including lead removal. Arizona has received these funds, though the exact amount available to homeowners depends on how your water utility chooses to spend it. Contact your local water provider to ask whether BIL money is being used for lead service line replacement in your area.

What to know before you act

Not all water systems have lead service lines. Arizona has 1,676 public water systems serving approximately 7.3 million people. If you want to know whether your home may have a lead line, start by contacting your water utility. They keep records of service lines and can often tell you what material serves your house.

Replacement typically costs $3,000–$15,000 per home, depending on line length and soil conditions. Grants or utility-subsidized programs can reduce or eliminate your out-of-pocket cost. Loans through DWSRF usually carry interest rates of 2–4%, making them cheaper than private financing.

How to apply

1. Contact your water utility directly. Ask if they have a lead service line replacement program, what funding sources they use, and what income or other eligibility limits apply. 2. Ask about disadvantaged-community status. If your system qualifies, you may be eligible for a grant rather than a loan. 3. Request a service line inspection. Your utility can tell you whether your line is lead and help you understand next steps.

Some utilities handle applications themselves; others may direct you to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), which oversees the DWSRF program.

Next steps for residents

• Call or email your water utility and ask: "Do you have a lead service line replacement program, and am I eligible?"
• Request a free service line material inspection if you don't know what your line is made of.
• Ask which funding sources (DWSRF, BIL, or local grants) your utility is using.
• Keep records of any quotes or inspection reports for your application.

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