Lead pipe replacement grants and funding — Washington
State and federal funding for lead service line replacement
If you have a lead service line (LSL) connecting your home to Washington's water system, replacing it costs $3,000–$15,000 depending on your property and local conditions. Several funding programs can help cover or offset these costs.
Washington's Drinking Water SRF program
Washington administers a Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF), which provides low-interest loans to water systems for infrastructure improvements, including lead service line replacement. Water utilities serving Washington's 4,725 public water systems can apply for these funds to finance LSL removal projects.
When a utility receives DWSRF money for lead work, it often passes savings to customers through reduced rates or direct assistance programs. Ask your water utility whether they have applied for DWSRF funding and whether homeowners can benefit directly.
Disadvantaged community funding set-aside
Washington's DWSRF reserves a percentage of funds specifically for disadvantaged communities—areas where household income or water bills are above certain thresholds. If your community qualifies, your utility may offer grants (not just loans) to help replace your LSL. Contact your local water utility to learn if your neighborhood is designated disadvantaged and what assistance is available.
Federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA/BIL)
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allocated billions nationally for lead removal. Washington water systems are eligible to compete for these federal grants through EPA programs. However, the specific amount available to Washington and how it flows to individual homeowners depends on which utilities applied and won funding. Check with your utility to see if they received BIL money and how it supports lead replacement.
Other state resources
Washington's Department of Health oversees drinking water standards and can direct you to utility-specific programs. The agency maintains a list of public water systems; your utility can tell you about any state or local rebate programs tied to lead removal.
Next steps for residents
- Contact your water utility and ask: (1) Do you have lead service line replacement assistance? (2) Have you applied for DWSRF, BIL, or other state/federal funding? (3) Are we a designated disadvantaged community?
- Check the EPA's water system finder (epa.gov/enviro/index.html) to identify your utility and get contact information.
- Ask about split-cost programs: Some utilities offer to pay half or more of replacement costs if you hire a licensed contractor.
- Get a written quote from a plumber before applying, so you know your exact cost.
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```json [ { "q": "Will Washington's water utility pay to replace my lead service line?", "a": "It depends on your utility. Some Washington water systems use state or federal grants to help homeowners replace LSLs at reduced or no cost. Contact your local utility directly to ask about their lead replacement assistance program and eligibility." }, { "q": "What is the DWSRF and how does it help with lead pipes?", "a": "The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund is a low-interest loan program for water utilities to pay for infrastructure projects, including lead service line removal. Utilities that receive DWSRF funding often pass savings to customers through grants or discounts." }, { "q": "Did Washington get money from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for lead pipes?", "a": "Yes. Washington water systems are eligible for federal grants through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Ask your water utility whether they applied for or received BIL funding and how it covers lead replacement." }, { "q": "How much does it cost to replace a lead service line in Washington?", "a": "Replacement typically costs $3,000–$15,000 depending on property size, soil conditions, and street access. Grants and utility assistance programs can reduce or cover this cost; ask your utility about available programs."