HR 5661119th CongressIn Committee

Water Preservation and Affordability Act of 2025

Introduced: Sep 30, 2025

Sponsor: Rep. Sykes, Emilia Strong [D-OH-13] (D-Ohio)

Environment & Climate

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

This bill, titled the Water Preservation and Affordability Act of 2025, would amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (the Clean Water Act) to formally recognize and require “resource preservation techniques” across key water infrastructure programs. It defines resource preservation techniques to include water efficiency (reuse, recapture, conservation), energy efficiency, stormwater mitigation, sustainable project planning/design/construction, and environmentally innovative approaches. The bill updates program criteria and funding to (a) require use or consideration of these techniques in capital grants, loan funds, and related programs; and (b) boost funding for specific grant and loan programs to support such techniques. If enacted, it could shift project planning and funding toward more resource-efficient, climate-resilient water infrastructure, with both short-term costs and long-term benefits in water and energy savings.

Key Points

1Definition added: A new statutorily defined “resource preservation technique” encompasses water efficiency (including reuse/recapture), energy efficiency, stormwater mitigation, sustainable project planning/design/construction, and environmentally innovative approaches.
2Grant/loan program criteria updated: Capitalization grant criteria and revolving loan fund requirements will prioritize or require the use of resource preservation techniques in eligible projects, replacing some prior emphasis on just water use and energy conservation.
3Revolving Loan Funds (RLFs) strengthened: Recipients of wastewater treatment loans must evaluate and, to the maximum extent practicable, use resource preservation techniques for repairs, replacements, or expansions; loan terms or conditions will reflect this obligation.
4Wastewater Efficiency Grant Pilot Program funded: Authorization increased to $40 million per year for fiscal years 2026–2031, available until expended.
5Clean Water Infrastructure Resiliency and Sustainability Program funding increased: Authorized funding raised from $25 million per year (2022–2026) to $50 million per year for 2026–2031, signaling expanded federal support for resilient, sustainable water infrastructure.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected- Municipalities, water utilities, and other entities that receive federal grants or loans for wastewater treatment and water infrastructure projects (e.g., public utilities, state revolving funds, project sponsors). These entities would need to assess and implement resource preservation techniques in planning, design, and construction whenever feasible.Secondary group/area affected- State and local governments administering and distributing federal funds, as well as engineers, designers, and contractors working on water infrastructure projects who would implement energy- and water-efficiency measures, stormwater controls, and sustainable design practices.Additional impacts- Taxpayers and ratepayers: Potential short-term cost increases in some projects due to the adoption of more advanced or integrated preservation techniques, offset by long-term savings from energy and water efficiency.- Environment and energy sectors: Potentially greater adoption of green infrastructure, reduced energy usage in water systems, and more resilient communities against droughts and storms.- Administrative/compliance considerations: Agencies and recipients may need updated guidelines, training, and monitoring to ensure compliance with the new resource preservation requirements and definitions.The bill’s definitions are broad, which could expand which technologies and practices qualify as resource preservation techniques.The increases in authorized funding target larger federal investments in wastewater and water infrastructure resilience, potentially accelerating projects that emphasize efficiency and sustainability.

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