Rep. Ruben Gallego has introduced the Water Infrastructure Modernization Act. This bill creates a federal grant program to encourage the use of smart water technologies that monitor water loss and provide critical data to develop innovative and resilient water projects. The bipartisan legislation is co-led by Republican Rep. John Katko and led by Senators Mark Kelly and James Risch in the Senate.
For the first time in history, Arizona is experiencing a Tier 1 water shortage, leading to significant reductions in the state’s water supply. This legislation provides $25 million in new EPA funding for grants which community water systems can use to purchase and implement new water technologies, including those that can identify water loss, examine pipe integrity, detect leaks, prepare for severe weather, and innovate water storage systems.
“Access to water is a necessity if Arizona wants to protect itself from the effects of climate change and continue growing at the rate we are witnessing,” said Rep. Gallego in a press release. “There is no clearer indicator than the bathtub ring at Lake Mead that shows just how quickly we need to act if we want to tackle the water shortage crisis. That is why it is so important that we invest in technologies that increase our water efficiency. If we are going to meet this challenge, we need to start thinking of new ways to approach water infrastructure, and I am proud to lead on this issue with the introduction of the Water Infrastructure Modernization Act.”
“Our bipartisan legislation would boost and improve access to clean and reliable water by investing in smart water technologies that help Arizona families and businesses conserve and use water more efficiently,” stated Sen. Kelly. “As Arizonans begin to see investments from our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, it is critical that we continue to invest in making our state’s water and wastewater infrastructure more efficient and resilient for generations to come.”
Brandy Kelso, president of the Arizona Water Association, commended the two legislators for their efforts.
“AZ Water Association commends Senator Kelly and Representative Gallego for taking action to enhance water and wastewater system operations through smart water technologies. The Water Infrastructure Modernization Act of 2021 supports increased efficiencies and also addresses the drought-related concerns and long-term needs of Arizona’s communities. This act aligns with AZ Water Association’s vision of ensuring a vibrant Arizona through safe, reliable, and resilient water,” stated Kelso.
The bipartisan legislation is supported by national organizations, including the Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP), American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies, National Municipal Stormwater Alliance (NMSA), the WateReuse Association, Water Environment Federation, and the California Association of Sanitation Agencies.
