When selecting projects pursuant to Section 75026 of the Public Resources Code or for other funds that are or may become available for integrated regional water management plan implementation, the department shall consider for grant applications that include areas that have nitrate, arsenic, perchlorate, or hexavalent chromium contamination, whether the regional water management group has included projects that help address the impacts caused by
nitrate, arsenic, perchlorate, or hexavalent chromium contamination, including projects that provide safe drinking water to small disadvantaged communities.