119th (2025–2027)
S. 3445
S. 3445 requires the Department of Defense to provide alternative drinking water to households with private wells contaminated by perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS)—toxic chemicals linked to military activities—if those contaminants exceed EPA safety limits. The bill applies to households located downstream from military installations where contamination from Defense Department activities has already affected at least one other household in the same community. Alternative drinking water options include bottled water, connection to public water systems, or installation of filtration systems for private residences. The Secretary of Defense is not required to provide assistance if all affected households in a community are already connected to municipal water systems or if contamination has been reduced to meet federal or state drinking water standards through other environmental cleanup efforts. The bill takes effect upon enactment with no specific funding or implementation timeline specified.