This agreement provides a capitalization grant, funded by the infrastructure investment and jobs act (IIJA) (PL 117-58), for the recipient's drinking water state revolving fund program (DWSRF)

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Region 2, awarded a $7.64 million capitalization grant to the Puerto Rico Department of Health under the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) program (CFDA 66.468), effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2032. Funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, this award provides low-interest rate financing to eligible public water systems for planning, design, and construction of drinking water infrastructure projects with a focus on emerging contaminants, particularly per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The recipient may also allocate funding for set-aside activities including technical assistance to small systems, operator certification programs, and source water protection initiatives.

The grant supports multiple subrecipient projects addressing water quality improvements and public health protection. These projects include water treatment plant improvements for manganese control featuring chemical dosage optimization, aeration, pH control, coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and sludge handling systems. Additionally, two pilot projects will test alternative treatment options for PFAS removal in both water treatment plants and wells, with implementation of the most effective treatment solutions. The anticipated deliverables include financing structures, planning and design services, and construction support for emerging contaminant-focused projects, with expected outcomes of improved technical, managerial, and financial capacity of Puerto Rico's public water systems and enhanced public health protection for citizens throughout the territory.

These funds are for DWSRF-eligible projects that address emerging contaminants in drinking water with a focus on projects addressing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The award furthers the public health protection objectives of the safe drinking water act (SDWA). Activities:the recipient of these funds will provide low interest rate financing to eligible public water systems for the costs associated with the planning, design, and construction of eligible drinking water improvement projects. The recipient may also use some of the funding for specific set-asides, including but not limited to providing technical assistance to small systems, for operator certification activities, and source water protection activities. Subrecipient:water treatment plant improvements for manganese control that include chemical dosage to improve oxidation, aeration, PH control, coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filters, filter backwash system, instrumentation, and sludge handling, among others. Pilot project to test different alternatives and treatment options for PFAS in water treatment plants. This includes the implementation of the best treatment option for treatment plants. Pilot project to test different alternatives and treatment options for PFAS in wells, including the implementation of the best treatment option for wells.outcomes:the anticipated deliverables include financing, planning, design, and construction of eligible emerging contaminant-focused, public health-related projects. Deliverables will also be used to increase the technical, managerial, and financial capacity of public water systems. The expected outcome is public health protection. The intended beneficiaries include citizens throughout the state.