New funding helps small communities make drinking water safer

(WAND) — A new funding project from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency will help small or disadvantaged communities eliminate contaminants in their drinking water.

The EC-SDC grant program will provide $40 million to help communities finish construction projects addressing PFAS or manganese in their drinking water.

"Both PFAS and manganese are significant issues for drinking water systems throughout the state, and small and disadvantaged communities often lack sufficient resources to address these emerging contaminants," said Acting Illinois EPA Director James Jennings. "These funds will be vital to help communities that face challenges due to their size or financial resources provide safe drinking water to their residents."

Applicants that qualify will be awarded based on their project funding needs. More information can be found on the Illinois EPA's website.

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