Erie City Water Authority receives $10M grant for lead pipe replacement project
Will replace more than 1,200 water service connections consisting of lead pipes
Rep. Ryan Bizzarro October 21, 2026 | 2:42 PM
ERIE, Oct. 21 – An ongoing project by the Erie City Water Authority to replace water service pipes containing lead has received a substantial grant to help finish the work, Rep. Ryan Bizzarro (D-Erie) announced Wednesday.
The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) awarded a $10 million dollar grant for the Erie City Water Authority’s galvanized service line replacement project. The funding will be used to replace approximately 1,250 service connections that were attached to water mains consisting of lead components. While the Authority has previously removed lead components from the public side of the service line in prior years, this project will support the replacement of the remaining portion of private-side service lines.
“Erie residents shouldn’t have to think twice about the quality of their water when they reach for a glass and turn on the tap. Access to clean, reliable drinking water is a constitutional right that should be guaranteed to everyone, regardless of where they live,” Bizzarro said. “Even at low exposure levels, lead can be extremely harmful, especially to children. This money will help the Authority finish their replacement project and ensure everyone has safe, reliable water.”
A total of $190.3 million was distributed by PENNVEST to help fund 24 drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, and non-point source projects across 19 counties.
The announcement continues Bizzarro’s pursuit of state investments for local projects. Bizzarro has helped secure more than $74.1 million in state funding this legislative session for projects and services that help people throughout the Erie region.