Virginia Department Of Health

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH), operating as the Office of Drinking Water, is a state government entity responsible for safeguarding public health and ensuring safe drinking water for Virginia residents. As the primary agency overseeing drinking water quality and safety in the state, VDH implements and enforces federal and state drinking water regulations, manages Virginia's Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program, and provides technical assistance to public water systems. Through federal grant awards, VDH receives substantial funding to support its Public Water System Supervision program, capitalize the state's Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, and implement various initiatives aimed at improving drinking water infrastructure and addressing contaminants.

Recent federal grant awards to VDH have focused on several key areas of drinking water protection and improvement. These include funding to address emerging contaminants such as PFAS in drinking water systems, with activities ranging from testing and monitoring to treatment and infrastructure upgrades. VDH has also received grants to replace lead service lines and reduce lead exposure in schools and childcare facilities. The department manages programs to assist small, underserved, and disadvantaged communities in complying with Safe Drinking Water Act regulations and improving their water infrastructure. Additionally, VDH has utilized grant funding to enhance its data management systems, conduct radon testing in schools, and implement voluntary lead testing programs in educational facilities. Major funding agencies for these grants include the Environmental Protection Agency, particularly through its Region 3 office, as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While most grants are awarded directly to VDH, the department also works with sub-recipients such as local water systems, municipalities, and educational institutions to implement specific projects and improvements.