H.R. 8027: Advanced Wastewater Treatment Assistance Act of 2026

This bill, known as the Advanced Wastewater Treatment Assistance Act of 2026, aims to establish a grant program administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to support advanced wastewater treatment projects in various states. Here are the key components of the bill:

Grant Program Establishment

The EPA Administrator is responsible for creating a grant program that will provide funding to each state for advanced wastewater treatment projects. The amount of grant money each state receives will be determined by a specified formula.

Administrative Costs

• The EPA can use up to 1% of the funds allocated for this program to cover administrative costs.
• States receiving grant funds can also use up to 1% of their grant for administrative purposes.

Cost Sharing Requirements

Generally, states must cover at least 50% of the costs for advanced wastewater treatment projects under this program. However, this requirement does not apply to projects serving disadvantaged communities, which will be fully funded through the grants.

Funding Distribution

At least 49% of the total funds available for this program must be used for projects that:

• Serve qualified disadvantaged communities.
• Are operated by public treatment works that are small, rural, or tribal and that benefit disadvantaged communities directly or indirectly.
• Are managed by regional public water providers serving multiple qualified disadvantaged communities with a combined population of over 100,000.

Authorization of Appropriations

The bill proposes appropriations of $1 billion for the implementation of this program, covering fiscal years 2026 through 2030, with the funds remaining available until spent.

Study on Wastewater Treatment Technologies

The bill also mandates that the EPA conduct a comprehensive study on the effectiveness of advanced wastewater treatment technologies in removing emerging contaminants, such as nanomaterials and certain harmful substances. The EPA will collaborate with the National Institute of Standards and Technology and is required to have a contract with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine for this study.

• An interim report from this study is expected within three years of the bill's enactment.
• A final report is due within five years of enactment.

Definitions

The bill includes specific definitions for key terms such as:

• Advanced wastewater treatment project: A project that includes advanced methods for treating wastewater, as determined by the EPA.
• Qualified disadvantaged community: A community that meets certain criteria as outlined in the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.
• State: As defined in the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.

Relevant Companies

• XYL (Xylem Inc.) - This company specializes in water technology and could benefit from increased demand for advanced wastewater treatment solutions.
• PH (Parker-Hannifin Corporation) - Engaged in motion and control technologies, Parker could see opportunities in supplying equipment for wastewater treatment projects.
• AQUA (Evoqua Water Technologies Corp.) - Focused on water treatment solutions, it may experience increased business related to advanced wastewater treatment projects funded by this bill.