Lead Pipe Replacement Grants and Funding — Tennessee

If you're concerned about lead service lines in your home, you're not alone. Tennessee has access to federal and state funding to help water systems and homeowners replace lead pipes. Here's what's available and how to find out if you qualify.

Federal funding: The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (also called the Inflation Reduction Act) allocated billions nationally for lead service line replacement. Tennessee's water systems can apply for these grants through the EPA, but the state has not yet published a specific dollar allocation for Tennessee in public materials we can cite here. Contact your water utility directly to ask whether they've applied for or received BIL funds for lead removal in your area.

State funding: The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF)

Tennessee manages a state loan and grant program called the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF). This program finances water infrastructure projects, including lead service line replacement, through low-interest loans to water systems.

The state's DWSRF Intended Use Plan prioritizes funding for:

• Water systems serving disadvantaged communities (a set-aside of funds reserved specifically for low-income areas)
• Projects that address health and safety risks, including lead contamination

Water systems serving smaller or lower-income communities may qualify for additional assistance or principal forgiveness (meaning they don't have to repay the full loan amount).

How homeowners are affected

When a water utility receives state or federal funding for lead service line replacement, the utility typically handles the work at little or no cost to the homeowner, depending on the grant terms. Some programs cover the entire cost; others require the homeowner to pay for the portion of the line on their private property.

Tennessee does not currently operate a dedicated state homeowner reimbursement program. However, your water utility may have its own assistance programs or may be using grant funds that reduce costs to residents.

Next steps for residents

• Contact your water utility and ask: (1) Does the system have lead service lines? (2) Are they applying for or receiving lead replacement funding? (3) What will it cost me if my line is replaced?
• Check if you qualify for disadvantaged-community assistance by asking your utility whether your area is designated as low-income under state or federal criteria.
• Request your water system's lead service line inventory — utilities must maintain and share this information under federal law.
• Visit the EPA's lead and copper rule page for national resources and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation's water division for state-specific updates.

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```json [ { "q": "Does Tennessee have a free program to replace lead pipes in homes?", "a": "Not a dedicated state program. However, your water utility may use federal or state grant funding to replace lead lines at little or no cost to residents. Contact your utility to ask if they're receiving lead replacement grants and what assistance is available to you." }, { "q": "How do I know if my water system is replacing lead lines?", "a": "Call your water utility and ask for their lead service line inventory and their plans for replacement. Water systems are required by federal law to have this information and share it with customers." }, { "q": "What is the DWSRF and how does it help me?", "a": "The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund is a state loan program that finances water infrastructure, including lead removal. If your utility uses DWSRF loans for lead replacement, the cost to homeowners may be lower or covered entirely, depending on the grant terms and whether your community qualifies as disadvantaged." }, { "q": "Will the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law help pay for lead pipe replacement in Tennessee?", "a": "Yes, federal funding is available nationally, but Tennessee's specific allocation and which utilities have applied or received grants is not yet publicly detailed. Ask your water utility directly whether they've pursued BIL funding for