Lead Testing and Reduction Grant Program

The Lead Testing and Reduction Grant Program is administered by the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment (DWEE) as part of a broader federal initiative to reduce childhood exposure to lead in drinking water. The program is funded through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under multiple federal statutes, including the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act, America’s Water Infrastructure Act, and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. DWEE serves as the administering agency, overseeing testing, remediation, reimbursement, and compliance processes for eligible entities across the state of Nebraska. The primary purpose of this program is to support schools and licensed child care facilities in identifying and reducing lead contamination in drinking water systems. Funding is intended to assist with both testing and remediation activities, with a strong emphasis on protecting young children who are most vulnerable to the harmful effects of lead exposure. The program prioritizes facilities serving children aged six and younger, as well as those located in disadvantaged communities, and uses a remediation trigger level of 10 parts per billion to guide prioritization of projects. Eligible applicants include public schools, school districts, educational service units, licensed child care programs, and private or parochial schools participating through a pass-through agreement with a local educational agency. A key eligibility requirement is that facilities must have completed drinking water testing through the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Public Health Environmental Laboratory. Entities that have not yet tested may request free testing kits through DWEE, which include analysis and postage costs. Funding can be used for remediation activities related to drinking water fixtures, including faucets, fountains, filler stations, internal plumbing, and potentially external service lines depending on available funds. The program explicitly excludes non-drinking water fixtures and prohibits reimbursement for costs incurred prior to award issuance or for regulatory monitoring required under the Lead and Copper Rule. There is no longer a matching requirement, reducing barriers to participation. The application process begins with an expression of interest submitted via email to DWEE, including detailed information such as facility locations, number of fixtures, and a plumber’s cost estimate. DWEE reviews submissions based on eligibility and readiness, then drafts a formal agreement outlining the award amount, project scope, timelines, and compliance requirements. Agreements are finalized through a formal signing process, after which recipients may proceed with procurement and installation activities following state procurement rules. Projects must be completed using licensed plumbers or qualified personnel, with procurement procedures varying based on project cost thresholds. Recipients are required to comply with federal requirements, including Build America Buy America provisions, although waivers may apply under certain cost thresholds. Upon completion, recipients must conduct post-installation testing to confirm lead levels are below the remediation threshold and submit maintenance and closeout reports within specified timelines. The program operates on a rolling, as-needed basis rather than fixed application deadlines, with funding availability and prioritization determining award timing. Reimbursement is provided after project completion and verification, with payments issued via direct deposit. Ongoing support is provided by DWEE throughout the process, including technical guidance and compliance assistance. For additional information or to initiate participation, applicants may contact DWEE directly via phone or email.

Prioritize facilities with completed testing and clear cost estimates; ensure readiness to proceed with remediation; include accurate fixture counts and cost documentation; align with prioritization criteria such as serving younger children or disadvantaged communities