H.R. 4961, the Public Utility Remediation and Enhancement for Water Act, would direct the EPA to create a grant program helping water treatment utilities pay for upgrades needed to remove emerging contaminants from drinking water and wastewater. The bill specifically targets perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (commonly known as "forever chemicals") and other emerging contaminants that the EPA identifies. Public water utilities would be eligible for grants covering at least 75 percent of project costs, with the remaining 25 percent coming from non-federal sources such as state loans or private funds. The EPA would have 180 days after the bill's enactment to establish the program, and Congress would authorize $200 million annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2028 to fund these grants. This legislation would help communities modernize their water infrastructure to meet tougher pollution standards for newly regulated chemicals.
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