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Establishes a new EPA grant program to help communities and eligible entities reduce nitrate and arsenic in drinking water. The program funds projects such as purchasing and installing treatment technology, prioritizes disadvantaged and affected communities (including schools and facilities serving children), requires grantees to identify contamination sources and expected reductions, and authorizes $15 million per year starting FY2026. The Administrator may use up to 4% of appropriated funds for program administration and must review how the program addresses equity and the needs of economically disadvantaged and underserved populations. Grants are available to community and nontransient noncommunity water systems, qualifying nonprofits, and state/municipal agencies subject to available appropriations.
This bill creates targeted, accountable grant funding to reduce nitrate and arsenic in drinking water—particularly for disadvantaged communities and vulnerable facilities—but the modest authorized funding and administrative constraints risk uneven access, delays, and limited program capacity.
Low-income and disadvantaged communities can receive federal grants to install treatment technology that reduces nitrate or arsenic in drinking water, improving water safety in affected areas.
Local and state governments and community water systems get a predictable federal funding stream ($15 million per year authorized) to help address nitrate and arsenic contamination.
Schools, daycares, and facilities serving children or other vulnerable populations are prioritized for funding, increasing the likelihood of safer drinking water for those groups.
Community water systems, rural communities, and low-income individuals may still lack needed relief because the authorized $15 million per year is likely insufficient to address widespread nitrate and arsenic problems.
The EPA's administrative costs are limited to 4%, which could constrain program management, oversight, and technical assistance capacity needed to implement grants effectively.
Tying the definition of 'low-income' to state affordability criteria may produce uneven eligibility and prioritization across states, creating inconsistent access for low-income households.
Introduced April 3, 2025 by Norma Judith Torres · Last progress April 3, 2025