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Napolitano Introduces the Water Recycling Investment and Improvement Act

February 28, 2018

(WASHINGTON, DC) Today, Rep. Grace F. Napolitano (D-El Monte) introduced H.R. 5127, the Water Recycling Investment and Improvement Act, to assist water agencies with the expansion, planning, designing, and building of water recycling plants and modernizing water infrastructure in California, other western states, and communities across the country.

"As we explore new ways to enhance our water portfolio and safeguard our local communities from future water shortages and drought, it is imperative that we prioritize water recycling infrastructure projects," Napolitano said. "This legislation would give local water agencies the necessary funding to increase capacities for existing recycling plants or create new cost-effective projects to boost water supplies. Climate change, unpredictable drought cycles, and population growth have strained our water supplies and economies in recent decades, and we in Southern California know full well that every drop of water is vital. The President is calling for an overhaul of our nation's infrastructure; repairing and improving our water recycling infrastructure must be a part of this endeavor."

Napolitano introduced H.R. 5127 with Reps. Raúl Grijalva (AZ-03), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Alan Lowenthal (CA-47), Anna Eshoo (CA-18), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), and Julia Brownley (CA-26).

Summary of H.R. 5127

  • Increases funding Authorization for the Bureau of Reclamation's Title XVI water recycling competitive grant program to $500 million from $50 million.
    • Makes the program permanent as it currently expires in 2021.
    • Funds water recycling and reuse projects for 17 western states.
  • Reauthorizes the expired EPA Alternative Water Source Projects Program
    • Provides $375 million in Authorization for the Alternative Water Source program and makes it permanent for water agencies across the country.
    • Provides grants for projects that conserve, manage, reclaim, or reuse water, wastewater, or stormwater.

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