Lead Pipe Replacement Grants and Funding — Delaware

Delaware homeowners with lead service lines have several avenues for financial help to replace them, though funding levels vary and eligibility rules apply.

State and federal funding sources

Delaware's water systems tap into the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF), which provides below-market loans and grants for water infrastructure projects, including lead line removal. The state's current Intended Use Plan (IUP) directs a portion of this money to disadvantaged communities—those with lower incomes or higher lead exposure risks—at more favorable terms than standard loans.

At the federal level, Delaware received funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), though the exact allocation to lead service line replacement in the state has not been finalized in this dataset. Check with the Delaware Division of Water directly for the most current breakdown of how BIL dollars are being distributed across the state's water systems.

What homeowners should know

Funding typically flows through your local water utility, not directly to your home. Your utility applies for grants or low-interest loans, then uses those funds to replace lead lines on public property (the utility's side of the meter) and sometimes on private property (your side), depending on the program.

Some utilities may offer cost-sharing programs where homeowners cover part of the replacement cost in exchange for the utility funding the rest. A few systems in other states have offered full reimbursement programs for homeowners who replace their own service lines; Delaware does not currently have a statewide homeowner reimbursement program, but individual utilities may offer assistance.

How to find out what's available

Since funding is administered locally, your next step is to contact your water utility directly. They can tell you:

• Whether they are pursuing DWSRF grants or BIL funds for lead service line replacement
• If your property qualifies for assistance (income limits, lead service line confirmation, etc.)
• Your cost or timeline for replacement
• Whether they offer cost-sharing or reimbursement options

The Delaware Division of Water can also point you toward utilities with active lead replacement programs.

Next steps for residents

• Contact your water utility and ask if they have a lead service line replacement program or plan.
• Request confirmation that your service line is lead (not all homes have them) — most utilities can tell you based on your address.
• Ask about financial assistance — whether through grants, low-interest loans, or cost-sharing.
• Visit the Delaware Division of Water website for the current DWSRF Intended Use Plan and contact information for your utility.

```json [ { "q": "Does Delaware have free lead pipe replacement for homeowners?", "a": "Delaware does not have a statewide free homeowner lead service line replacement program. Funding depends on your utility and whether it has secured grants or loans. Contact your local water utility to ask about assistance programs—some may offer cost-sharing or full reimbursement." }, { "q": "How do I know if my house has a lead service line in Delaware?", "a": "Call your water utility with your address; they can usually tell you based on your property records or by inspecting where the line enters your home. Lead lines are dull gray and soft enough to scratch with a coin. Never assume—get confirmation from your utility." }, { "q": "What is the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and how does it help?", "a": "The DWSRF is a federal-state loan and grant program that finances water infrastructure improvements, including lead service line replacement. Delaware uses it to offer below-market loans to utilities and sometimes to homeowners; the interest rates and terms are more favorable than commercial loans." }, { "q": "Is there Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding for lead pipes in Delaware?", "a": "Yes, Delaware received BIL funding for water infrastructure, but the specific allocation to lead service