This agreement provides funding under the infrastructure investment and jobs act (IIJA) to the state of indiana to implement resources and priorities to help address per- and polyfluoroalkyl…

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 5 awarded $25.512 million to the Indiana Finance Authority under the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Small and Underserved Communities Emerging Contaminants Grant Program (CFDA 66.442) on January 1, 2026, with a completion date of December 31, 2027. The award funds Indiana's implementation of comprehensive strategies to address per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and other emerging contaminants in drinking water systems serving small and disadvantaged communities. Products and services delivered include engineering and construction management, construction and installation of water treatment infrastructure, planning and design activities, source water protection initiatives, water system restructuring, technical assistance to public water systems, household water quality testing programs, workforce training support, and public communication and education campaigns focused on emerging contaminant remediation.

The Indiana Finance Authority implements these activities through subawards to 16 selected public water systems and other subrecipients. A documented subaward to Indiana-American Water Company, issued March 24, 2026, includes installation of a granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration system and appurtenances to address PFAS contamination in that utility's service area. The overall grant program ensures equitable access to safe drinking water and Safe Drinking Water Act compliance across Indiana's small and disadvantaged communities by strategically targeting resources to areas most in need of infrastructure improvements and technical support.

This agreement provides funding under the infrastructure investment and jobs act (IIJA) to the state of indiana to implement resources and priorities to help address per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and emerging contaminant challenges and target resources to communities most in need of assistance to ensure that no community is left behind with unsafe, inadequate water. Indiana will implement projects such as engineering and construction management, construction and installation, and public communication, engagement, and education with the use of this award funding. Activities:the activities include projects and activities to address emerging contaminants in small or disadvantaged communities, including but not limited to planning and design to address emerging contaminates; treatment of emerging contaminants; source water activities related to emerging contaminants; storage; water system restructuring; providing households access to drinking water services; technical assistance; outreach and education; and workforce or training support to public water systems in addressing emerging contaminants. Subrecipient:activities to be implemented through subawards include engineering and construction management, construction and installation, and public communication, engagement, and education for 16 selected public water systems serving small and/or disadvantaged communities.outcomes:this agreement is to an eligible state or territory to implement a program to provide assistance to address emerging contaminants in drinking water to small or disadvantaged communities. Funds are to carry out projects and activities needed for public water systems to comply with the safe drinking water act, programs to provide household water quality testing, activities for a state to respond to a drinking water contaminants, and activities that benefit the impacted communities. The anticipated deliverables include engineering/construction management, construction and installation, and public communication, engagement, and education in sixteen selected small or disadvantaged communities. The expected outcomes include reduction or elimination of PFAS in drinking water at the benefitting systems. The intended beneficiaries include multiple communities in indiana. Direct beneficiaries of this program include all state residents and occupants, both permanent and temporary.