Funds Cleanup of Emerging Water Contaminants
Protect Clean Water Act
Would raise federal money for removing emerging contaminants from drinking water and wastewater to $1 billion a year for fiscal years 2027 through 2031.
Supporters say
Water utilities and public health groups would likely say the funding helps communities remove harmful chemicals from drinking water. They would also say small towns need dedicated grants to pay for cleanup.
Critics say
Some taxpayer groups would likely say the spending adds to federal debt. Some state officials may also worry about strings attached to how grant money is spent.
Why it matters
Towns and utilities with PFAS or other emerging contaminants could get more federal grants to clean up their water. Small and disadvantaged communities would get at least a quarter of the new water pollution money.
What it does
- Raises the Safe Drinking Water Act contaminant fund to $1 billion a year for fiscal years 2027 through 2031
- Creates a new water pollution fund for grants to remove emerging contaminants, with a focus on PFAS
- Requires at least 25 percent of that money go to small or disadvantaged communities
- Authorizes $1 billion a year for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 for this program
Status
Latest action (2026-10-22): Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.