Removing Nitrate and Arsenic in Drinking Water Act
This bill, the Removing Nitrate and Arsenic in Drinking Water Act, would create a new grant program under the Safe Drinking Water Act to fund projects that reduce nitrate and arsenic in drinking water nationwide. Eligible recipients include community water systems, nontransient noncommunity water systems, qualified nonprofit organizations with nitrate/arsenic reduction experience, and certain state or local government entities. Grants can be used to purchase and install treatment technologies to lower nitrate or arsenic levels, with a focus on disadvantaged communities and facilities serving children or other vulnerable populations. Recipients must first identify the source of contamination and how the proposed project would meaningfully reduce contaminant levels. The bill prioritizes projects in communities not in compliance with nitrate or arsenic standards and/or those serving schools or similar facilities. Administration of the program would be capped at 4% of funds, and the bill would authorize $15 million annually starting in fiscal year 2026, with EPA conducting a review to ensure equity considerations are included.
Key Points
- 1Establishes a Nitrate and Arsenic Reduction Grant Program under the Safe Drinking Water Act, adding a new section (SEC. 1459H).
- 2Eligible entities include community water systems, nontransient noncommunity water systems, qualified nonprofit organizations with relevant experience, and certain municipalities or state/interstate/local agencies.
- 3Precondition for grants: recipients must identify the contaminant source and demonstrate how the proposed project would meaningfully reduce nitrate or arsenic levels in drinking water.
- 4Priority criteria: grants favored for disadvantaged communities based on state affordability criteria; priority also given to areas not in compliance with nitrate/arsenic MCL in the prior 3 years or to projects addressing water for schools, daycare, or other vulnerable populations.
- 5Use of funds: funds may be used to purchase and install treatment technology to reduce nitrate/arsenic, with first priority to disadvantaged communities, low-income homeowners, and landlords housing low-income renters.
- 6Administrative cap: no more than 4% of grant funds may be used for the EPA Administrator’s administrative costs.
- 7Authorization of appropriations: $15 million for fiscal year 2026 and $15 million for each subsequent fiscal year.
- 8Equity review: EPA Administrator must assess how the grant program addresses equity and the needs of economically disadvantaged and underserved populations.