OHIO — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded more than $169 million to Ohio to improve its water infrastructure.

What You Need To Know

  • The funds come from the Biden-Harris Administration Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

  • The money will be used to help improve water systems, protect freshwater sources and deliver clean drinking water to communities

  • Most of the funds are geared toward unserved communities, the EPA said

The funds are part of the total $3.6 billion in funding under the Biden-Harris Administration Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to be awarded to communities.

The money aims to provide state-run, low-interest loan programs that’ll help communities facing finances for water infrastructure improvements.

“I’m proud to announce this $169 million investment in Ohio’s water infrastructure, particularly for communities long marginalized by poor water systems and pollution,” said Rep. Joyce Beatty, D-Ohio, in a statement. “This funding not only improves quality but also promotes justice and equity. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law remains a transformative force, and I’m honored to have helped secure this critical support for those who need it most.”

Across Ohio, there are about 4,800 public water systems, according to the American Society of Civil Engineers. Those water systems deliver 1.3 billion gallons of water each day to Ohioans.

According to a 2021 report from the ASCE, Ohio received a D+ for its drinking water. While the ASCE said the state has made improvements to its systems over time, many structures are aging quickly, and the group predicted there would be a 36% increase in breaks over the next two decades.

Along with the $2.6 billion announced earlier this month by the EPA, the total $6.2 billion aims to help states manage wastewater, protect freshwater sources and provide safe drinking water to schools, homes and businesses, the EPA said.

The funding is part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s $50 billion investment into improving water systems across the U.S., making it the largest investment in water infrastructure.

The money must be given to disadvantaged communities, the EPA said, to ensure the investment reaches the areas that need it the most.

“This new investment of nearly $170 Million in the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds will help ensure citizens across Northwest Ohio and our Buckeye State have access to clean, safe drinking water, and will protect the health of Lake Erie and our Great Lakes freshwater kingdom,” said Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-Ohio, ranking member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development.