Gallego, Katko, Kelly and Risch Lead on Bipartisan Bill Investing in Smart Water Technology
WASHINGTON, DC—Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-07) today introduced the Water Infrastructure Modernization Act. The bipartisan legislation, co-led by Republican Rep. John Katko (NY-24) and led by Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and James Risch (R-ID) in the Senate, creates a federal grant program to encourage the use of smart water technologies that monitor water loss and provide critical data in the development of innovative and resilient water projects.
“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. Ruben Gallego. “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.”
“Today, I introduced a bipartisan, bicameral bill to protect access to clean water in Central New York,” said Rep. John Katko. “My bill, the Water Infrastructure Modernization Act of 2021, will expand on local efforts to develop and deploy smart water technology in Central New York. By making this technology more widespread, we will be taking meaningful steps to improve water quality and bolster the reliability and sustainability of our water systems.”
“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,” said Sen. Mark 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.”
“Access to clean drinking water and wastewater treatment technologies is important for all communities, but the challenges rural areas face weren’t taken into account when federal regulations on water systems were written,” said Sen. James Risch. “This bill will help ensure communities throughout Idaho have access to the clean drinking water and modernized water treatment systems they need.”
For the first time in history, Arizona is experiencing a Tier 1 water shortage, leading to significant reductions in the state’s water supply. To help confront this new reality, 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, innovate water storage systems, and more. Supporting drinking water infrastructure across America, this program mitigates the effects of water shortages, and reduces inequities in access to clean drinking water.
“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 water 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,” said Brandy Kelso, President, AZ Water Association.
"Tucson Water appreciates the attention to water leadership and innovation by Senator Kelly and Representative Gallego in their Water Infrastructure Modernization Act of 2021. Technology can play a critically important role in addressing our water challenges. The bill would provide funding opportunities for the latest technology that municipal water utilities, such as Tucson Water, could use to improve leak detection, demand management and conservation, and system planning," said John Kmiec, Acting Director, Tucson Water.
The bipartisan legislation is also 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.