What does Preamble of Water Access and Affordability Act do?

This bill is formally titled 'To establish a low-income water assistance program, and for other purposes.'

What does SHORT TITLE. of Water Access and Affordability Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Water Access and Affordability Act.

What does FINDINGS. of Water Access and Affordability Act do?

This section outlines findings related to drinking water quality, affordability, and access. It acknowledges the improvements made by the Safe Drinking Water Act but highlights challenges including unaffordable water bills and inadequate infrastructure. The text asserts that water is a basic necessity requiring Federal assistance, similar to food, housing, and energy. It emphasizes the need for universal water assistance for low-income households. The findings suggest that existing programs should incorporate water affordability as a goal. The section calls for a Federal commitment to data collection on water safety, access, and affordability. It specifically mentions a commitment to water access for Native American Tribes. The findings advocate for ensuring water utilities can provide safe and affordable drinking water, with support and oversight of State programs. Consumers should receive clear information on water costs, bill reduction opportunities, and payment assistance programs.

What does LOW-INCOME WATER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. of Water Access and Affordability Act do?

This section establishes a Federal low-income water assistance program. The program aims to assist low-income households in maintaining access to affordable water services. The Administrator shall develop and implement water service access programs, provide technical assistance, and collect data. Eligible entities, such as States, Indian Tribes, and eligible water systems, can apply to implement water service access programs. Grants can be awarded to eligible entities to implement such programs.

What does STATE REVOLVING LOAN FUNDS. of Water Access and Affordability Act do?

This section amends the Safe Drinking Water Act and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to enhance transparency and evaluation of state revolving loan fund programs. States are required to make draft intended use plans publicly available online, provide a 30-day public comment period, respond to comments in writing, and hold at least one public hearing before adopting a final plan. The Administrator is directed to promulgate regulations within one year to increase transparency and promote evaluation of fund distribution and affordability criteria. These regulations must include requirements for states to provide data on funded and unfunded projects, the geographic and socioeconomic distribution of funded projects (including disadvantaged communities), and the creation of state advisory groups. The Administrator will publish an annual report on a publicly accessible website, based on state data and advisory group feedback, analyzing fund usage, disadvantaged communities served, and ongoing challenges. States must review and revise affordability criteria every three years. The Administrator must also promulgate regulations to expedite assistance and provide flexible repayment options for disadvantaged communities. The Safe Drinking Water Act is amended to require states to conduct affordability reviews and revise criteria every three years. The Federal Water Pollution Control Act is amended to require States to conduct a review of, and if appropriate revise, the affordability criteria established by the State under this paragraph every three years.

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Water Access and Affordability Act

Last updated: 4/13/2026 · Introduced: 4/13/2026

Author: Rashida Tlaib (D-MI)

TL;DR (AI)

The bill establishes a Federal low-income water assistance program to help low-income households maintain access to affordable water services.
The program provides grants to eligible entities, such as States, Indian Tribes, and eligible water systems, to implement water service access programs.
The bill amends the Safe Drinking Water Act and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to increase transparency and evaluation of state revolving loan fund programs, including requirements for public comment periods, data collection, and affordability reviews.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 3 more.

5 sections

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