Lead in Drinking Water Remediation Grant

The Lead in Drinking Water Remediation Grant program is administered by the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services through its Division of Public Health. The funding originates from the New Hampshire Drinking Water and Groundwater Trust Fund and is intended to support licensed child care facilities in addressing lead contamination in drinking water. This initiative aligns with state legislation requiring testing of drinking water outlets in facilities serving children and reflects broader public health goals to reduce lead exposure risks among vulnerable populations. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to enable licensed child care providers in New Hampshire to remediate drinking water outlets that test at or above five parts per billion for lead. The program supports both retrospective and prospective remediation efforts. Facilities may seek reimbursement for completed work performed after May 17, 2016, or apply for funding approval for planned remediation activities. Eligible remediation measures include replacing faucets with certified lead free fixtures, replacing plumbing components such as pipes and fittings, installing water filtration systems, and implementing filtered bottle filling stations. Labor costs associated with these activities are also allowable. Funding is structured to reimburse up to 100 percent of total approved remediation costs, making this a fully supportive program without a required cost share. The program does not specify individual award minimums or maximums but is limited by a total program allocation of four hundred thousand dollars. Funding is distributed either as reimbursement after work completion or as a guaranteed payment for approved projects, contingent upon submission of final invoices. Eligibility is limited to licensed child care facilities operating within the state of New Hampshire. Applicants must demonstrate compliance with state requirements, including submission of water testing results and remediation plans to the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services. Facilities must also complete community notification requirements and provide detailed documentation, including itemized invoices, receipts, or quotes. Additional administrative requirements may include vendor registration, proof of insurance, and certification of authority. The application process requires submission of a completed application form along with all required attachments via email or mail to the Department of Health and Human Services. Applicants pursuing planned work are encouraged to engage in a preliminary consultation with program staff prior to submission. The application includes sections for applicant information, project description, remediation activities, and certification. Supporting documentation such as test results, inventory tables, and itemized cost breakdowns is mandatory for consideration. All applications and final invoices must be submitted no later than September 1, 2026. This deadline applies to both reimbursement for completed work and payment for approved projects. There is no indication of recurring funding cycles, suggesting that this opportunity is tied to a finite funding allocation. Awarded applicants must enter into a provider agreement with the department prior to receiving funds. For assistance, applicants may contact the program via email or phone as provided by the Department.