Removing Nitrate and Arsenic in Drinking Water Act

This bill creates a new EPA grant program to help communities reduce nitrate and arsenic in drinking water, under the Safe Drinking Water Act. To receive a grant, applicants must identify where the contamination is coming from and show how their project will meaningfully lower these chemicals in water people drink.

Grants would prioritize disadvantaged communities that recently failed to meet nitrate or arsenic limits, or projects that fix water at schools, daycares, or other places serving children and other vulnerable groups. Funds can be used to buy and install treatment technology, with first priority for disadvantaged communities, low-income homeowners, and landlords who house low-income renters. The EPA can use up to 4% of the money for administration, and the bill authorizes $15 million for 2026 and $15 million each year after that. The EPA must also review how well the program improves equity for underserved and economically disadvantaged people.

Key points

• Who is affected: Disadvantaged communities; schools and daycares; low-income homeowners and renters via their landlords.
• What changes: New EPA grants to reduce nitrate and arsenic; applicants must trace sources and show impact; priority for communities and children’s facilities; treatment tech is eligible fileciteturn0file0turn0file2.
• Funding and timing: $15 million in 2026 and $15 million each year after; up to 4% for administration; EPA must conduct an equity review.