Lead Pipe Replacement Grants and Funding — Arkansas
Overview
If you have a lead service line in Arkansas, you may qualify for grants or low-interest loans to help pay for replacement. The state offers funding through federal programs and state-managed initiatives, though availability and terms vary by water utility and your household income.
Federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) Funding
Arkansas received federal funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to address lead in drinking water systems. These dollars flow primarily through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF), which provides low-interest loans and grants to water systems. Your local utility may use this money to replace lead service lines, either at no cost to residents or with significant subsidies.
However, the exact amount allocated to lead replacement—and whether your household qualifies for a grant versus a loan—depends on your water system's priorities and your income level.
Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF)
Arkansas's DWSRF requires that water systems set aside funding for disadvantaged communities. This means households and small communities below a certain income threshold may receive grants or extended repayment terms instead of standard loans.
To find out if your water system has applied for DWSRF funding for lead replacement, contact your local water utility directly. Ask:
- Are you applying for or have you received DWSRF funding for lead service line replacement?
- Do you have a program for income-qualified households?
- What is the timeline and cost to residents?
State-Specific Programs
Arkansas does not currently operate a dedicated homeowner reimbursement program separate from the DWSRF. However, the state may establish or expand programs as federal guidance evolves, so check with the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) for updates.
Next Steps for Residents
- Contact your water utility and ask if they have identified lead service lines in your area and what replacement programs are available.
- Check your household income eligibility for grants or reduced-cost loans through your utility's DWSRF program.
- Request a service line inventory or records from your utility to confirm whether your line is lead, galvanized (which can leach lead), or copper.
- Visit ADEQ's drinking water page for the most current state funding initiatives and your utility's contact information.
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