EPA Improves Drinking Water Infrastructure In Ark. With $13M Grant

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is helping Arkansas install, upgrade and replace water infrastructure by recently awarding over $13.5M. Arkansas Natural Resource Commission will use the funds primarily to provide loan assistance to eligible public water systems to ensure safe drinking water.

Millions of Americans receive drinking water every day from public water systems. EPA works with states and other organizations to protect against naturally-occurring and man-made contaminants that can be found in drinking water.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act. The Act was passed to protect public health by regulating the nation's public drinking water supply. Over the past 40 years we have made great progress protecting drinking water, but many challenges remain. EPA is committed to working with states, tribes, water sector partners and the public to meet the challenges ahead and continue protecting public health.

The grant was awarded as part of the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) to make funds available to drinking water systems to finance infrastructure improvements. The program also emphasizes providing funds to small and disadvantaged communities and to programs that encourage pollution prevention as a tool for ensuring safe drinking water.

Activities in EPA Region 6: http://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/region6.htm