Bizzarro announces $9.6M grant to replace lead water service lines
Project will replace 1,000 service connections containing lead in City of Erie
Rep. Ryan Bizzarro October 15, 2025 | 4:24 PM
ERIE, Oct. 15 – The Erie City Water Authority is receiving financial help from the state to help replace lead water service lines within the City of Erie, state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro (D-Erie) announced Wednesday.
The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) awarded a $9,629,116 grant and a $370,884 loan to help complete Phase 4 of the Erie City Water Authority’s project, which will replace approximately 1,000 service connections consisting of galvanized pipes formerly attached to, and located downstream of, water mains containing lead goosenecks and other lead components. The Authority previously replaced lead components from the public side of the service line over prior decades, and this project will support the replacement of the remaining portion of private-side service lines.
“When Erie residents turn on their taps, they shouldn’t have to think twice about whether the water is safe to consume or use. We know that lead exposure can be extremely harmful to people of all ages, not to mention the environmental concerns,” said Bizzarro. “This project will make sure the remainder of lead service lines in the city are replaced, improving water quality and giving residents peace-of-mind when using their taps. Safe drinking water is not a luxury—it’s a basic human right.”
A total of $547.1 million was distributed by PENNVEST to help fund 30 drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, and non-point source projects across 23 counties.
The announcement continues Bizzarro’s efforts in Harrisburg to provide needed funding for local projects in his district. He has now brought home $18.2 million in state funding to the region in 2025.