Water Authority Cybersecurity Protection Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Deluzio, Christopher R. [D-PA-17]
- Committees
- Energy and Commerce Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Aug 27, 2026
Bottom line
The bill significantly increases and extends federal financial support for drinking water infrastructure cybersecurity and resilience, particularly benefiting small water systems.
What it actually does
This bill amends Section 1433(g) of the Safe Drinking Water Act to bolster the Drinking Water Infrastructure Risk and Resilience Program. It extends the program's authorization for appropriations from fiscal years 2020 and 2021 to 2028 and 2029. Additionally, it doubles the maximum funding limits for technical assistance from $5 million to $10 million and for grants to small systems from $10 million to $20 million, while also doubling the overall authorization of appropriations for the program from $25 million to $50 million for the new authorization period.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill is crucial for protecting the nation's drinking water supply from increasing cyber threats and other hazards. They contend that investing in the resilience of water infrastructure, especially for small systems that often lack resources, is a vital national security and public health measure. The increased funding and extended authorization will ensure continuity and expansion of critical support.
Opponents contend
Critics, if any, might raise concerns about the overall increase in federal spending and the potential for federal overreach into areas traditionally managed at the state or local level. Some might question the effectiveness of such grant programs or suggest that the financial burden should primarily rest with the water utilities themselves or state governments, rather than federal taxpayers.
The bill is exceptionally short and clear, making it very accessible for any reader to understand its direct legislative changes.
Section 2(a)
Extend Authorization Period
This provision updates the period for which the Drinking Water Infrastructure Risk and Resilience Program is authorized to receive appropriations. It changes the specified fiscal years from "2020 and 2021" to "2028 and 2029," effectively extending the program's federal authorization for an additional two fiscal years in the future.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that extending the authorization ensures the continuity of a vital program that helps protect critical infrastructure from evolving threats, providing stability for long-term planning and investment.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against extending authorization for programs widely seen as beneficial, though general fiscal conservatives might question the necessity of continued federal funding for all programs.
Tradeoffs
The primary tension is between ensuring long-term program stability and the periodic review of program effectiveness and necessity.
Section 2(b)
Double Technical Assistance Funding Limit
This section amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to increase the maximum amount of funds that can be used for technical assistance under the Drinking Water Infrastructure Risk and Resilience Program. The limit is raised from $5,000,000 to $10,000,000, allowing for more extensive support and guidance to water systems.
Section 2(c)
Double Small System Grants Funding Limit
This provision increases the maximum amount of funds available for grants specifically targeted at small drinking water systems to improve their infrastructure risk and resilience. The limit is raised from $10,000,000 to $20,000,000, providing more financial aid to these vulnerable systems.
Section 2(d)
Double Total Program Authorization
This section increases the total authorized amount of appropriations for the Drinking Water Infrastructure Risk and Resilience Program. It doubles the authorization from $25,000,000 to $50,000,000 for the newly specified fiscal years of 2028 and 2029, allowing for a significant expansion of the program's overall funding capacity.