Sponsors (3)
The bill directs federal resources and high-quality scientific study to expand advanced wastewater treatment and prioritize underserved communities—improving water quality and equity—while limited total funding, steep local matching requirements, and a multi-year study-driven approach risk leaving many communities paying more or waiting years for needed upgrades.
Local governments, utilities, and their customers will get federal grants to build advanced wastewater treatment, which will improve water quality and reduce public-health risks from pollutants (including PFAS) where systems are upgraded.
Qualified disadvantaged, rural/small, and regional projects can receive prioritized funding and waivers of the usual 50% non-Federal cost share, lowering upfront costs and directing investment to underserved communities.
Formula-based, predictable grant funding helps states and localities plan and coordinate long-term wastewater infrastructure upgrades.
State and local project sponsors generally must provide at least a 50% match, which will increase local costs, strain municipal budgets, and could delay or halt many projects.
The authorization level ($1 billion spread over five years) is likely insufficient to meet nationwide advanced treatment needs, leaving many communities without necessary upgrades.
If the study prompts recommendations for additional treatment, utilities may face large capital and operating costs to comply, which could lead to higher water rates for customers.
Based on analysis of 3 sections of legislative text.
Creates a formula grant program funding advanced wastewater treatment projects with $1B authorized (FY2026–2030), prioritizing disadvantaged, rural, small, and tribal systems and requiring a study on PFAS/nanomaterial removal.
Introduced March 19, 2026 by Haley Stevens · Last progress March 19, 2026
Creates a federal grant program that gives each State money for advanced wastewater treatment projects and requires a Federal study on how well advanced treatment removes emerging contaminants, including PFAS and nanomaterials. The program authorizes $1 billion for FY2026–2030, sets a typical non‑Federal cost share of 50% (waived for projects serving qualified disadvantaged communities), and requires that at least 49% of funds go to projects benefiting disadvantaged, rural, small, tribal systems, or regional providers serving multiple disadvantaged communities. The EPA may use up to 1% of program funds for administration and each State may use up to 1% of its grant for administration. The National Academies must deliver an interim report in 3 years and a final report in 5 years on advanced treatment performance for emerging contaminants.