The WATER Act

Water Affordability, Transparency, Equity, and Reliability (WATER) Act of 2023 

• What is the WATER Act?

  • • The WATER Act of 2023 (H.R.1729) represents a landmark effort to provide every American with access to safe and clean water. This comprehensive legislation commits to extensive federal funding for revitalizing the United States' deteriorating water infrastructure. It aims to make water service affordable, promote equity in water distribution, and ensure the sustainability of water resources.

• Key Features of the WATER Act:

  • • Federal Funding: Allocates billions of dollars to modernize outdated water and sewer systems nationwide. This funding is essential for replacing pipes, enhancing treatment plants, and ensuring systems are resilient against climate changes.

    • Affordability: Introduces a sliding scale program to help adjust water bills according to household income. This measure prevents water costs from exceeding a reasonable percentage of any family's budget, ensuring that water remains affordable for low and middle-income households.

    • Transparency: Mandates comprehensive reporting on water quality from utility companies, including detailed breakdowns of water testing results accessible to the public. This increased transparency helps you understand and trust the safety of your drinking water.

    • Equity: Targets assistance programs to communities disproportionately impacted by inadequate water services. These initiatives aim to eliminate disparities in water quality experienced by marginalized communities, ensuring fair access to clean water for all.

• Why Does It Matter to You?

  • • Health & Safety: By upgrading infrastructure and enforcing strict water quality standards, the WATER Act guarantees that health risks associated with contaminated water are significantly reduced, protecting your family's health.

    • Economic Relief: Reducing the financial burden of water bills can free up household income for other essential expenses, providing economic relief especially to those in lower income brackets.

    • Environmental Sustainability: Encourages the adoption of eco-friendly water management practices such as the use of renewable energy in water treatment facilities and the protection of natural water sources, contributing to a healthier planet.

    • Community Support: By focusing on underserved communities, the Act ensures that investments reach the communities most in need, promoting social justice and equity in public health