S. 2272: Tribal Access to Clean Water Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Tribal Access to Clean Water Act of 2025, aims to improve access to reliable, clean, and drinkable water on Tribal lands in the United States. Here’s a breakdown of its key provisions and objectives:

Purpose and Findings

The bill recognizes the following:

• Access to clean water is essential for public health, education, and economic development.
• Many communities on Tribal lands lack reliable water sources, with nearly half of households facing significant water access issues.
• The federal government has a trust responsibility to ensure the welfare of Indian Tribes and the Native Hawaiian Community.
• There are significant gaps in funding and resources for construction, repair, operation, and maintenance of water infrastructure on these lands.

Technical Assistance

The bill emphasizes the need for technical assistance to help Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations access funding for drinking water and sanitation facilities. This assistance would support:

• Accessing construction funding.
• Developing the skills needed to operate and maintain water supply systems.
• Engaging outside expertise if required.

Financial Provisions

The bill authorizes various funding measures including:

• $100 million yearly, from 2026 to 2030, for loans and grants under existing legislation for water infrastructure and technical assistance.
• $500 million yearly for sanitation facility construction programs for Indian Tribes.
• $100 million yearly for the operation and maintenance of water facilities serving Indian Tribes.

Eligibility for Funding

Eligible recipients for funding under this bill include:

• Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations.
• Consortia formed for community purposes related to water infrastructure.

The funding does not require a matching contribution from the recipients, making it more accessible.

Interagency Collaboration

The bill requires coordination among various federal agencies, particularly the Indian Health Service, to ensure effective use of the appropriated funds and to prioritize projects based on needs.

Investment in Water Technology

It also promotes investment in innovative water technology to enhance infrastructure resilience against extreme weather events and improve overall water management on Tribal lands.

Public Health Focus

The legislation aims to address health disparities faced by Indian Tribes and the Native Hawaiian Community linked to inadequate water and sanitation infrastructure, emphasizing that access to clean water is crucial for public health.

Long Term Funding and Support

Even after projects are completed, the bill mandates ongoing support and funding for maintenance and operation to ensure sustainability and effectiveness for the health and welfare of the communities served.

Relevant Companies

• None found