S. 1730: Water Affordability, Transparency, Equity, and Reliability Act of 2025 (119th Congress) Bill Summary

The Water Affordability, Transparency, Equity, and Reliability Act of 2025 (S.1730) aims to enhance the funding and management of water and sewer infrastructure across the United States to ensure access to clean and affordable water for all communities. Below is a breakdown of the major provisions of the bill:

Funding Allocation

The bill allocates specific amounts for various water programs:

Clean Water Programs:
- Up to $175 million for grants under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.
- Up to $525 million for additional grants under the same Act.
- Up to $875 million for other clean water initiatives.
Safe Drinking Water Funding:
- Up to $175 million for technical assistance under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
- Up to $16.187 billion for making capitalization grants under the same Act.
Rural Water Services:
- Up to $175 million for specific grants to enhance rural water services.
- Up to $350 million for broader rural water initiatives.
Indian Health Service:
- Up to $1.05 billion for water, sewer, and sanitation improvements in federally recognized tribes.

Studies and Reports

The bill mandates the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to conduct studies to evaluate:

Water affordability and rate increases for services.
Discriminatory practices and civil rights violations related to water services.
Public participation in water service regionalization efforts.
Data collection on water service disconnections and impacts on vulnerable populations.

An annual report will be submitted to Congress summarizing the findings and providing recommendations.

State Revolving Funds

The bill modifies how states can utilize revolving funds from the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act. Notable changes include:

Increased flexibility for states to help fund water system purchases and other operational improvements.
Requirement for states to use at least 50% of their federal grants on additional subsidization.

Labor Provisions

The bill emphasizes the use of prevailing wage rates and allows project labor agreements for construction projects funded through these provisions.

Drinking Water Grant Programs

Special grant programs will be established to improve drinking water infrastructure in schools and tribal areas, ensuring that water sources are free from contaminants, particularly lead.

Support for Colonias

The bill includes provisions to assist colonias (underdeveloped communities in the U.S., particularly along the Mexico border) in accessing clean drinking water and sewer services.

Implementation and Oversight

The EPA will be responsible for overseeing the allocation of funds and ensuring compliance with the set standards to promote equity and transparency in water services.