LEAP – for Localities & Waterworks

In an effort to accelerate the removal of lead in drinking water, the DWSRF Program has made funding available for the complete removal of the public and/or private portions of lead service lines (LSLs). Funding is set aside annually from the core DWSRF Program for the Lead Elimination Assistance Program (LEAP). These funds are awarded as 100% principal forgiveness (grant) and may be used for both building an LSL inventory and LSL replacement work. Funding covers pipe entry into the structure (up to shut off valve) but excludes the premise plumbing. For more detailed information, please view our LEAP flyer below.

New for FY2022 through FY2026: Additional funding for LSL projects is now available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), also known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). These funds may be awarded as principal forgiveness (grant), loan, or a blend of both. You may apply for both LEAP and BIL-LSL funding in a single LEAP application. Please refer to the FAQ section below for more details.

 

Application and Guidance

The Lead Elimination Assistance Program (LEAP) Application and LEAP Application Instructions are available to download below. Note: If the scope of your potential project will include other construction work in addition to LSL work, such as water main replacement or meter installation, you will be required to submit a separate Construction Funds Application in addition to the LEAP Application.

Templates for the LSL Inventory and LSL Replacement Plan may be found under LCRR Guidance. Procedural Guidelines contain information on our programmatic requirements such as MBE/WBE, Davis-Bacon, and AIS/BABA. Appendix D of the Program Design Manual and the Scorecard explain how LSL projects are ranked and scored.

Deadlines and Submittal Information

Please refer to the dates below to ensure that your LEAP Application is submitted before the deadline. You may submit your application via email using the instructions below:

If files are too large and exceed email file limits, it is acceptable to send multiple emails with your application and attachments. Alternatively, you may send a Google Drive link (or similar platform) to share access to your application documents. Please note that, unfortunately, applications submitted via Dropbox can no longer be accepted. VDH has blocked Dropbox due to the fact that it does not meet the Agency's security standards. If you have not received a confirmation email that your application has been received within 2 business days of application submittal, please contact one of our Project Managers in our FCAP Directory.

LSL Inventory Projects

  • The last chance to request funding for LSL Inventory work is March 31, 2024.
  • After this deadline, all inventory projects must have an associated replacement plan.

LSL Replacement Projects

  • The required Funding Application Discussion Meeting must be held prior to submitting your application. 
  • Applications may be submitted year-round, but will only be reviewed once a year. The next review period is anticipated to be May 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions - for Localities and Waterworks

Click on each bar below to expand and view the answers to frequently asked questions.

 

If you have any further questions, please submit an email to LEAP.applications@vdh.virginia.gov or use the Contact Us form below.

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