Lead Pipe Replacement Grants and Funding in Nevada
Understanding your options
If you have a lead service line connecting your home to Nevada's water system, you may be eligible for financial help to replace it. Federal and state programs exist specifically to cover these costs, which can otherwise run $3,000–$15,000 per household.
Nevada serves about 3.5 million people across 674 water systems. Funding to replace lead pipes comes from two main sources: the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (also called the Inflation Reduction Act) and Nevada's Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF).
Nevada's Drinking Water State Revolving Fund
The DWSRF is Nevada's primary tool for funding water infrastructure, including lead service line replacement. The program offers low-interest loans and grants to water utilities and, in some cases, homeowners. Nevada's DWSRF Intended Use Plan prioritizes disadvantaged communities—those with lower incomes or higher health risks—for a set percentage of available funds.
Contact your local water utility to ask if they participate in the DWSRF and whether you qualify for a grant (you pay nothing) versus a subsidized loan (you pay back at low interest). Utilities apply for these funds on behalf of their customers, so the application process varies by system.
Federal Infrastructure Law funding
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allocated billions nationally for lead pipe removal. Nevada's water systems are eligible to apply for these federal grants through EPA programs. However, the state does not appear to have a dedicated homeowner reimbursement program at this time—instead, utilities receive grants and pass the benefit to residents through reduced or waived replacement costs.
What to do next
Start by contacting your water utility directly. Ask:
- Does our system have a lead service line replacement program?
- Are grants or subsidies available to customers?
- What is the application process and timeline?
Utilities often have more up-to-date information on available funding than state websites, and they can tell you exactly what you'll owe out of pocket—which may be nothing.
Next steps for residents
- Contact your water utility and ask about lead service line replacement programs and any available funding.
- Confirm your address has a lead service line by requesting a line inventory from your utility (this is free and required by federal law).
- Ask about testing if you're unsure about lead in your water; some programs offer free testing or treatment.
- Get in writing any cost-share offers or grant awards before beginning work.