WATER Act Re-Introduced Today in Congress

The WATER Act was re-introduced in the 117th Congressional session. It is the same as last year’s version and would provide a major federal investment in our nation’s drinking water and wastewater infrastructure. It includes significant funds for school water infrastructure. Nearly $35 billion a year would be dedicated without further appropriation, via a trust fund.

The Water Act of 2021:

Provides $34.85 billion/year for drinking water and wastewater improvements;
Creates a water trust fund;
Creates up to nearly 1 million jobs across the economy and protect American workers;
Prioritizes disadvantaged communities with grants and additional support;
Expands technical assistance to small, rural and indigenous communities;
Dedicates and increases grants for indigenous communities;
Funds projects to address water contamination from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS);
Helps homeowners replace lead service lines;
Provides more than $1 billion a year to update water infrastructure in public schools;
Upgrades household wells and septic systems; and
Requires US EPA to study water affordability, shutoffs, discrimination, and civil rights violations by water providers