Funding for the grants comes through the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, via the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA). The law contains $15 billion in direct funding to inventory and replace all lead pipes and service lines throughout the country within the decade.

Through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, GEFA awarded $18,703,480 in grant funding to 204 disadvantaged communities in the state.

Georgia’s funding for this year totals $66.8 million. The balance must be awarded as loans, with disadvantaged communities eligible for principal forgiveness.

GEFA will receive an annual allocation from EPA for lead service line inventory and replacement projects through federal fiscal year 2026.

The City of Summerville will receive $195,000 and the Chattooga County Water District will receive $100,000.