Federal drinking water resilience grants expanded to cover extreme temperatures

What does this do?

This bill expands an existing federal grant program so that medium and large drinking water systems can use the money to prepare for extreme temperatures, both hot and cold. It also extends the program from its current end date to cover the years 2027 through 2032. It does not create a new program or guarantee new funding.

Who does it affect?

Operators and managers of medium and large community water systems are the ones who apply for these grants. Residents served by those systems are also affected because the infrastructure those systems maintain delivers their tap water.

Why does it matter?

Adding extreme temperatures as an approved reason for funding means water systems can apply for money to do things like insulate pipes against hard freezes or fix equipment that fails in extreme heat. Extending the program through 2032 means water systems can keep applying for grants for six more years instead of the program expiring.

Where does it stand?