BOSTON (WWLP) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded Massachusetts $53.5 million in funding as part of a national effort to protect drinking water. The money will allow municipalities statewide to identify and address water contaminants like PFAS, lead, and other chemicals as well as support lead pipe replacement and other drinking water infrastructure projects. MassDEP awards grants for public water projects According to EPA guidelines, 49% of the funding must be provided to disadvantaged communities as grant funding or principal forgiveness that does not have to be repaid. The agency estimates that millions of people nationwide get their drinking water from older leaded pipelines, many of which are located in lower-income communities and communities of color, creating increased lead exposure for those water users. “Massachusetts has long been a leader in addressing harmful contaminants like PFAS and lead, and this additional funding will help accelerate that important work,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We are grateful to the Biden-Harris Administration for its investment in our vital infrastructure and public health. Massachusetts will put these funds to good use to protect the health and well-being of our communities and ensure everyone has clean drinking water.”  "This award is a team effort. We’re grateful for the strong advocacy of our partners in local, state and federal government to secure federal support to ensure the people of Massachusetts have clean drinking water,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Team Massachusetts is going to continue to hustle for every federal funding opportunity to bring home to our communities.”  “Clean drinking water is an act of environmental justice,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “Communities of color and low-income neighborhoods disproportionately get their water from lead pipes or experience contamination from PFAS. This historic new rule and additional funds for Massachusetts’ infrastructure efforts will mark a significant step forward for our residents and public health nationwide.”  “Everyone, regardless of where they live, deserves access to safe, clean drinking water,” said Environmental Protection Commissioner Bonnie Heiple. “We’re proud of our nation-leading efforts to address PFAS and lead contamination in Massachusetts. Our team, along with our hard-working public water suppliers, is ready to get these funds into the hands of the communities in need.”  “Massachusetts continues to benefit from the historic investments made by the Biden-Harris Administration and congressional Democrats," remarked Congressman Richard Neal. "I am thrilled to join Governor Healey, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll, and my colleagues in the Massachusetts Delegation as we celebrate yet another funding announcement for the Commonwealth. Ensuring the delivery of clean water is of great importance to the health and well-being of the citizenry and our environment. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, much of which was drafted in the Ways and Means Committee under my chairmanship, has already delivered more than $500 million to provide clean and safe water and improve water infrastructure throughout Massachusetts. These are critical investments that will greatly benefit our communities for generations to come.”  Local News Headlines Chicopee police seek public’s help in locating missing teen City of Holyoke looks to update its natural hazards mitigation plan Local varsity girls soccer team hosted a fundraiser to support Breast Cancer Research National Grid sends crews to aid Florida after Milton WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.