Community Drinking Water Assistance Act

The Community Drinking Water Assistance Act (S. 689) would create a federal grant program to help small and disadvantaged communities upgrade their water systems to meet national safety standards. The bill directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to prioritize funding for towns with the greatest financial need, particularly those facing high per-capita costs to comply with federal regulations.

For citizens in these areas, the bill aims to reduce the financial burden of infrastructure improvements, as the federal government would cover up to 90 percent of project costs. Additionally, the legislation provides temporary relief from the enforcement of certain water standards, such as those regarding arsenic levels, while communities apply for and implement these necessary safety upgrades.