EPA announces $945.7 million in emerging contaminants funding for drinking water projects

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced $945.7 million in fiscal year 2026 funding through its Emerging Contaminants in Small or Disadvantaged Communities (EC-SDC) grant program, continuing a major federal investment in PFAS treatment and drinking water infrastructure upgrades nationwide.

The funding, authorized through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), is intended to help states and territories reduce exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and other emerging contaminants in drinking water and source water systems. Eligible projects include water quality testing, treatment installation, infrastructure construction and other activities focused on contaminant reduction.

EPA said contaminants eligible under the program extend beyond PFAS and include chemicals listed on the agency’s Contaminant Candidate Lists, including manganese, perchlorate and 1,4-dioxane.

Read more from Water World: https://www.waterworld.com/drinking-water-treatment/infrastructure-funding/news/55378920/epa-announces-9457-million-in-fy2026-emerging-contaminants-funding-for-drinking-water-projects