Water Preservation and Affordability Act of 2025
- Sponsor
- Rep. Sykes, Emilia Strong [D-OH-13]
- Committees
- Transportation and Infrastructure Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Dec 1, 2025
Bottom line
The bill aims to modernize federal clean water funding by prioritizing water and energy efficiency, stormwater management, and sustainable design in infrastructure projects, while also boosting financial support for related grant programs.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (FWPCA) to define and promote the use of "resource preservation techniques" in water infrastructure projects. It integrates these techniques into state capitalization grant agreements and mandates their use, to the maximum extent practicable, for projects receiving loans from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). Additionally, it significantly increases the authorized appropriations for the Wastewater Efficiency Grant Pilot Program and the Clean Water Infrastructure Resiliency and Sustainability Program for fiscal years 2026 through 2031.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill is a crucial step towards modernizing the nation's aging water infrastructure, promoting environmental sustainability, and ensuring that federal investments lead to more resilient, efficient, and climate-adaptive water systems. They contend that integrating resource preservation techniques will result in long-term cost savings, reduced environmental impact, and enhanced water security for communities.
Opponents contend
Potential opponents might argue that the new requirements for resource preservation techniques could add bureaucratic complexity or increase upfront costs for local communities, particularly smaller municipalities with limited technical and financial resources. Concerns could also be raised about the level of authorized spending or whether these specific programs are the most effective use of federal funds.
The bill is concise and clearly written, allowing for a quick and accessible evaluation by any interested reader.
Section 2(a), amending FWPCA Section 502
Establishes 'Resource Preservation Technique' Definition
This provision adds a new definition to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act for "resource preservation technique." This term encompasses any process, material, technique, or technology that improves water efficiency (including reuse, recapture, and conservation), enhances energy efficiency, mitigates stormwater runoff, encourages sustainable project planning, design, and construction, or is environmentally innovative. This definition provides a clear framework for the types of sustainable practices the bill aims to promote.
Supporters argue
Supporters contend that a clear, comprehensive definition is essential for consistent application of sustainable practices across federal water programs, ensuring that investments are directed towards the most impactful and innovative solutions.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against the definition itself, though some might argue it could be too broad or too narrow depending on their specific interests.
Tradeoffs
The definition balances providing a broad scope for innovation with offering specific examples to guide implementation, aiming to be inclusive without being vague.
Section 2(b), amending FWPCA Section 602(b)(13)(B)
Integrates Resource Preservation into State Revolving Fund Agreements
This section amends the requirements for state capitalization grant agreements under the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). Previously, these agreements had to consider efficient water use and energy conservation. Now, states must consider the broader "use of resource preservation techniques" when developing their agreements with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This expands the scope of sustainable practices that states are expected to integrate into their CWSRF management.
Section 2(c), amending FWPCA Section 603(d)(1) and (i)(1)
Mandates Use of Resource Preservation in CWSRF Projects
This provision directly impacts recipients of Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) loans. For projects involving the repair, replacement, or expansion of treatment works, loan recipients are now required to evaluate and use "resource preservation techniques" to the maximum extent practicable. Furthermore, loan agreements must include assurances that recipients will implement these techniques. This moves beyond mere consideration to a direct mandate for project-level implementation.
Section 2(d), amending FWPCA Section 222(e)
Increases Authorization for Wastewater Efficiency Grant Pilot Program
This section significantly increases the authorized appropriations for the Wastewater Efficiency Grant Pilot Program. The authorization is raised to $40,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2031, with funds remaining available until expended. This represents a substantial boost in potential federal funding for pilot projects focused on improving wastewater efficiency.
Section 2(e), amending FWPCA Section 223(g)(1)
Doubles Authorization for Clean Water Infrastructure Resiliency and Sustainability Program
This provision doubles the authorized appropriations for the Clean Water Infrastructure Resiliency and Sustainability Program. The authorization is increased to $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2031, with funds remaining available until expended. This significant increase aims to provide more federal support for projects that enhance the resilience and sustainability of clean water infrastructure, helping communities adapt to environmental challenges and climate change.