Water Security and Drought Resilience Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. Gallego, Ruben [D-AZ]
- Committees
- Energy and Natural Resources Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Sep 17, 2026
Bottom line
The Water Security and Drought Resilience Act proposes substantial federal investment and policy adjustments to enhance water infrastructure and natural water management solutions across Reclamation States, with a focus on drought mitigation and equitable distribution of resources.
What it actually does
This bill expands and reauthorizes federal programs aimed at improving water storage and drought resilience in Western U.S. states. It broadens eligibility for financial assistance for water storage projects under the WIIN Act, extends the small storage program under the IIJA, and creates a new grant program for natural water retention and release projects, allocating significant federal funding for these initiatives. The bill also clarifies that federal actions do not supersede state water law or infringe on existing water rights.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue this bill is a critical step towards addressing the escalating water crisis and persistent drought conditions in Western states. They contend that expanding eligibility for storage projects, reauthorizing and funding the small storage program, and introducing nature-based solutions will provide essential tools for communities to manage water resources more effectively, ensure long-term water security, and protect agricultural and municipal supplies. The emphasis on distributing funds across multiple states ensures broad regional benefit.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that while water security is important, the bill represents an overreach of federal involvement in what are traditionally state and local water management issues. Concerns could be raised about the potential for federal funding to distort local priorities, the efficiency of new grant programs, or the overall cost to taxpayers without clear, immediate, and measurable benefits. Some might also question the specific criteria for "natural water retention and release projects" and their long-term effectiveness compared to traditional infrastructure.
The bill is relatively short and its provisions are clearly laid out, making it accessible for an informed reader to understand its core impacts within a reasonable timeframe.
Section 2, amending Section 4007(d) of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act.
Broadening Eligibility and Distribution for WIIN Act Storage Program
This provision expands the types of water storage projects eligible for financial assistance under the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act. It specifically makes projects that have authorized feasibility studies under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) eligible for funding. Additionally, it mandates that the Secretary of the Interior distribute this financial assistance across multiple Reclamation States, ensuring a wider geographic reach for federal support.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that expanding eligibility ensures that more critical water storage projects, particularly those already undergoing federal review, can access necessary funding. The mandate for distribution across multiple states addresses regional equity and ensures that federal resources are deployed where drought impacts are widespread.
Critics contend
Critics might argue that broadening eligibility without a corresponding increase in funding could dilute the impact on any single project or state. Some may also express concern that federal intervention in project selection could override local priorities or lead to less efficient allocation of resources.
Tradeoffs
The tension lies between targeting funds to the most critical projects versus ensuring broad geographic distribution. While broader distribution promotes equity, it might spread resources thinner.
Section 3(a), amending Section 40903(b) of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
Modernizing Small Storage Project Eligibility
This provision significantly broadens the criteria for projects eligible for grants under the small storage program. It now includes projects with water storage capacity between 200 and 30,000 acre-feet that either increase surface/groundwater storage or convey water to/from such storage. Crucially, it also adds eligibility for projects focused on groundwater aquifer recharges (200-150,000 acre-feet annually) that increase aquifer storage, convey water to/from groundwater, or stabilize groundwater levels, recognizing a wider range of water management strategies.
Section 3(b) and 3(e), amending Section 40903 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
Extending and Funding the Small Storage Program
This provision extends the authorization for the small storage program from 5 years to 10 years, providing a longer-term framework for federal support. Concurrently, it authorizes appropriations of $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2033, totaling $140,000,000 over seven years. This ensures sustained financial backing for the expanded eligibility criteria and continued investment in small-scale water storage projects.
Section 3(f), amending Section 40903 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
Safeguarding State Water Law and Existing Water Rights
This provision explicitly states that nothing in the small storage program supersedes or conflicts with State water law, Federal water law, interstate compacts, or treaty obligations. It also clarifies that the program does not authorize any acquisition of water by the Federal Government or infringe on any existing water rights. This clause is designed to reassure stakeholders that federal funding for water projects will not undermine established legal frameworks or property rights related to water.
Section 4.
Establishing Grants for Nature-Based Water Solutions
This section establishes a new grant program for "natural water retention and release projects." These projects are defined as those designed to increase water availability through methods like aquifer recharge, floodplain retention, or altering runoff timing, primarily using natural materials and mimicking natural processes. Grants are available to eligible entities (states, tribes, municipalities, water districts, or qualified nonprofits) for projects that optimize water storage/delivery in Bureau of Reclamation watersheds, with higher scrutiny for projects over $20 million. The federal share can be up to 90%, and funds are nonreimbursable.
Section 4(f).
Funding for Natural Water Retention and Release Projects
This provision authorizes the appropriation of $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to carry out the new natural water retention and release project grant program. This totals $75,000,000 over five years, providing dedicated funding for these innovative, nature-based water solutions.