FLOWS Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Sen. Boozman, John [R-AR]
- Committees
- Environment and Public Works Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Mar 3, 2026
Bottom line
The FLOWS Act of 2026 aims to modernize rural water and wastewater infrastructure through targeted digital technology grants, enhancing efficiency, resilience, and cybersecurity for underserved communities.
What it actually does
This bill establishes a grant program within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide financial assistance to rural areas for the adoption and maintenance of digital infrastructure technology in public water systems and treatment works. It authorizes $50 million annually for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 for this program and mandates a Comptroller General study on the impact of these technologies in rural water infrastructure.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill is essential for bringing critical digital infrastructure technology to rural water systems, which often lack the resources to adopt modern solutions. They contend it will improve operational efficiency, reduce water loss, enhance cybersecurity, and increase the resilience and affordability of water services in underserved rural areas, ultimately protecting public health and the environment.
Opponents contend
Potential concerns might include the administrative burden on small rural entities to apply for and manage these grants, the long-term sustainability of software maintenance costs beyond the grant period, or whether digital solutions are the most pressing need for all rural systems compared to other fundamental infrastructure repairs.
The bill is short and clearly written, allowing ample time for an informed reader to understand its provisions and implications.
Section 2(b)(1)
Establishment of Rural Area Digital Infrastructure Technology Grant Program
This provision directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator to create a grant program. This program will provide financial assistance to eligible entities in rural areas to design, construct, operate, and maintain digital infrastructure technology for water infrastructure, including drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems. It also covers training for project managers and utility operators, and cybersecurity measures.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this program is crucial for bringing modern technology to rural water systems, which often lack the resources for such upgrades. It will improve operational efficiency, reduce water loss, and enhance system resilience against physical and cyber threats.
Critics contend
Critics might argue that while beneficial, the program's scope might be too narrow, potentially overlooking other critical infrastructure needs in rural areas that are not digital in nature, or that the administrative burden for small entities could be prohibitive.
Tradeoffs
Balances the need for technological advancement in rural infrastructure against potential administrative complexities for small utilities and the prioritization of other non-digital infrastructure needs.
Section 2(a)(2) and 2(b)(2)
Definition and Use of Digital Infrastructure Technology
This section broadly defines 'digital infrastructure technology' to include remote sensing, real-time monitoring, industrial control systems (like SCADA), artificial intelligence, and digital design software for water systems. Crucially, it explicitly allows grant funds to be used for the initial acquisition and ongoing maintenance costs of software, which is often a significant and recurring expense for utilities.
Section 2(b)(3)
Grant Prioritization for Small and Needy Systems
The Administrator is directed to prioritize grant recipients that own or operate public water systems or treatment works serving fewer than 3,300 people. Additionally, priority is given to entities serving communities deemed 'most in need,' such as pre-fabricated home community organizations controlled by a local public body, or other community-owned/controlled water systems.
Section 2(b)(4)
Funding Authorization
This provision authorizes $50,000,000 to be appropriated to the EPA Administrator for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to carry out the grant program. These funds are to remain available until expended, meaning they do not expire at the end of the fiscal year if not spent.
Section 2(d) and 2(e)
Comptroller General Study on Digital Infrastructure Impact
The bill mandates the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study within 5 years of enactment to assess the impact of adopting digital infrastructure technology in rural water projects. The study must identify issues like water loss and bottlenecks, and provide recommendations for water resource management, infrastructure prioritization, interoperability, cost reduction, sustainability, and affordability. A report on the study's results and the program's outcomes is due to Congress by December 31, 2030.