Emerging Contaminants

The U.S. Congress allows each state the flexibility to shape its own funding assistance program, allowing Tennessee to establish its own program goals and framework to address the needs of local communities and water systems. By having the authority to establish its own goals and framework, Tennessee can optimize the use of DWSRF funds, allocate resources efficiently, and implement targeted initiatives that prioritize improving drinking water infrastructure. This state-level autonomy enables Tennessee to proactively address water quality concerns, enhance system resilience, promote sustainable practices, and effectively support the development of safe and reliable drinking water systems across the state.

The primary goal for emerging contaminants funding in Tennessee is to provide financial assistance to communities for identifying, assessing, and remedying emerging contaminants in their water systems. The focus is on ensuring safe and reliable drinking water for all residents.

Who is Eligible?
Funding is allocated to states, who then will award the funds to eligible entities. Eligible entities include:

Public or private community water systems;
A community water system is a public water system that serves at least 15 service connections used by year-round residents or regularly serves at least 25 year-round residents.

Non-profit non-community water systems;
A non-profit non-community water system is a public water system that is not a community water system and is owned and operated as a non-profit entity (e.g., a school). The non-profit entity could also be government-owned.

What are Eligible Activities?
Eligible projects must have the primary purpose of addressing emerging contaminants, with prioritization on projects addressing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Projects may include, but are not limited to, those related to drinking water treatment, drinking water transmission and distribution, drinking water sources, storage, consolidation of water systems, creation of new water systems, planning and design, purchase of water rights (in certain circumstances), and technical assistance.