NEW LONDON, CT — Nearly $7 million in federal funds will go to New London to replace 150 lead service lines, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said in a statement.

“Protecting children and families by reducing lead exposure is EPA’s highest priority,” said David W. Cash, EPA’s regional administrator for New England, in a statement. “Thanks to federal funding and the City of New London’s initiative to proactively replace lead service lines in their community, New London residents no longer have to worry about what’s in their water when they turn on the faucet.”

Thanks to funding from EPA’s bipartisan infrastructure bill, the Connecticut State Department of Health was able to provide the City of New London with a $6.949 million loan, including $4.378 million in repayment forgiveness.

These funds will enable around 150 lead service lines to be replaced; this phase of the project is already halfway completed. It will also complete the city’s existing lead service lines.

Lead exposure can cause brain damage and other developmental disorders, especially in young children.

New London is also one of ten communities in Connecticut that are eligible for Lead Service Line Accelerator ProgramThis program provides targeted technical assistance services to help underserved communities access funds from the bipartisan Infrastructure Act.

Assistance includes developing plans to replace lead service lines, conducting surveys to identify lead pipes, and increasing public outreach and education efforts.

Connecticut is one of the first four states selected for the program and will help develop best practices and creative approaches that can guide the rest of the country, a statement said.