A bill to amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to reauthorize emergency technical assistance, to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize emergency technical assistance and grants, and for other purposes.
About This Bill
Committee
Latest Action · July 14, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
The Water Emergency and Technical Assistance Act of 2026 strengthens federal support for water systems facing emergencies by amending two major water laws. Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, the bill increases funding for emergency technical assistance from $35 million to $50 million annually from 2027 through 2031, and expands the definition of emergencies to include situations that are not economically feasible for ratepayers to handle alone. The bill also creates a new program under the Clean Water Act that provides grants and technical assistance to states and treatment facilities responding to water emergencies, including those caused by cybersecurity attacks or sewer overflows, with $50 million authorized annually through 2031. These funds can only be used for activities necessary to prevent public health dangers and would not be affordable for ratepayers without federal help. The legislation aims to help water systems respond more quickly and effectively to crises that threaten public health.
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