Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Oversight and Government Reform, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
H.R. 8254, the Water Access and Affordability Act, establishes a federal low-income water assistance program administered by the EPA to help millions of Americans who cannot afford their water bills. The program requires water systems nationwide to provide eligible low-income households with bill discounts, debt relief, and efficiency upgrades without asset tests or citizenship requirements, while prohibiting water disconnections and waiving late fees for participating households. The bill authorizes $20 billion annually from 2027 through 2037, with funds distributed to states and water systems based on the number of low-income households served and local water costs and infrastructure needs. The legislation also strengthens transparency and support for disadvantaged communities by requiring states to conduct public review processes for water infrastructure spending decisions and maintain centralized data on how funds are distributed. Implementation begins within 12 months, with community advisory committees overseeing the program in each EPA region.
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