Rural Water Supply Act of 2006

The Rural Water Supply Act of 2006 established a formal program within the Department of the Interior to help small and rural communities in 16 western states secure reliable access to clean water. It authorized the Bureau of Reclamation to work with local partners to identify water needs, conduct feasibility studies, and plan the construction of infrastructure for areas that often struggle with water scarcity or poor water quality.

For residents in these rural areas, the law created a clearer path to federal support for modernizing aging water systems and developing new supplies. By providing loan guarantees and technical expertise, the act aimed to lower the financial barriers for small towns to build and maintain essential water works while ensuring that local entities retain control and ownership of their community water systems.