SAN FRANCISCO, SEPT 29, 2017 -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded more than $19.5 million to Nevada for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure improvements and water pollution reduction programs.
"Investing in drinking water and wastewater infrastructure helps communities provide clean, safe drinking water and proper wastewater treatment," said EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt. "Water resources are vital for public health and Nevada's economy."
Nevada's Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) received $11.75 million for drinking water infrastructure improvements that address health risks and improve community and public water systems. Projects include groundwater and surface water treatment systems, water storage, transmission and distribution systems, and water metering.
The state's Clean Water SRF received $6.47 million for a variety of water quality infrastructure improvement projects throughout the state. These include upgrades and repairs of wastewater treatment facilities and sewer lines and projects to convert septic systems to sewer systems. Such improvements help prevent leaks and increase reliability and sustainability of wastewater systems.
The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection will use $1.37 million to improve water quality through programs to reduce nonpoint source pollution. Nonpoint source pollution is caused when stormwater runoff carries pollutants into water bodies and wetlands.
Last year, the Drinking Water SRF provided Las Vegas Valley Water District with $15 million to fund the replacement of aging pipeline and appurtenant improvements necessary to maintain a safe and reliable water supply for Southern Nevada. These projects were part of a three-year plan totaling $50 million funded through the Nevada's SRF program.
The EPA's Pacific Southwest Region administers and enforces federal environmental laws in Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, the Pacific Islands and 148 tribal nations, and is home to more than 50 million people.
