The Emergency Rural Water Response Act of 2026 expands federal grant assistance for water infrastructure in rural communities by amending the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act. Specifically, the bill broadens eligibility for emergency water grants to include not just drinking water systems, but also wastewater treatment, storm drainage, and solid waste facilities. Additionally, the bill increases the population threshold for communities eligible to receive these grants from 10,000 residents to 35,000 residents, making more rural areas able to access federal emergency water assistance funds. The legislation applies to rural communities experiencing water emergencies or facing imminent water-related crises and was introduced by Senators Schiff and Husted in January 2026.
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