Water Infrastructure Modernization Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- H.R. 6075
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Water Resources Development
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-11-19: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
- Last Updated
- 2026-02-14T09:06:08Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Water Infrastructure Modernization Act of 2025 aims to update and extend a pilot program under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) that supports innovative water supply solutions. It focuses on incorporating advanced technologies to improve the efficiency, reliability, and resilience of water systems, addressing critical needs like water scarcity and infrastructure aging.
Key Provisions
- Definition of Intelligent Water Infrastructure Technology: Introduces a detailed definition covering tools and systems such as real-time sensors for monitoring water quality, artificial intelligence (AI) for optimizing operations and reducing costs (e.g., energy and chemical use), predictive maintenance for pipes and leaks, advanced metering to promote conservation, and data-driven projects for stormwater management, groundwater recharge, and resilient water supplies.
- Grant Usage Rules: Grants can fund engineering, design, construction, and testing for alternative water source projects (e.g., reuse or desalination) to meet urgent water needs. Funds cannot cover planning, feasibility studies, operations, or maintenance—except for intelligent technologies, where they can also support implementation, training, and operations without counting as maintenance costs.
- Reporting Requirements: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator must submit an initial report to Congress within 180 days of enactment, followed by annual reports. These cover awarded projects using intelligent technologies, resulting improvements in system resilience, recommendations for program enhancements, denied grant applications, and reasons for denials.
- Funding Authorization: Doubles annual funding to $50 million (from $25 million) and extends the program through fiscal year 2028 (previously 2026).
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Expands the scope of Section 220 of the Clean Water Act by adding the new definition of intelligent water infrastructure technology, which was not previously included, allowing grants to support cutting-edge digital and AI tools.
- Modifies grant restrictions to explicitly permit broader applications for technology adoption, treating related operations and training as eligible (unlike traditional projects).
- Introduces mandatory, detailed congressional reporting on grant outcomes and denials, enhancing oversight.
- Increases funding levels and extends the program's duration, providing more resources and longevity compared to prior authorizations.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The EPA will face increased administrative duties for grant management, reporting, and evaluations, potentially straining resources but also enabling more innovative water projects nationwide.
- Citizens and Communities: Improves access to reliable, efficient water supplies, especially in water-stressed or disadvantaged areas, through technologies that reduce leaks, enhance conservation, and protect against floods or contamination. This could lower utility costs and improve public health by minimizing water losses and disruptions.
- International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though enhanced U.S. water infrastructure resilience could indirectly support global environmental goals, such as sustainable water management under international agreements like the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Agencies: Primarily the EPA, which administers the grants and reports to Congress.
- Local Governments and Utilities: Municipalities, wastewater treatment plants, and water suppliers that can apply for grants to modernize infrastructure.
- Communities: Especially disadvantaged or rural areas benefiting from conservation tools and resilient systems; ratepayers (water bill payers) who may see cost savings from efficient operations.
- Technology Providers: Companies developing AI, sensors, and digital tools for water management, gaining opportunities for contracts and implementation.
- Environmental Groups: Organizations focused on clean water and climate resilience, as the bill promotes sustainable practices like stormwater reuse.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens the Clean Water Act's framework for innovation without altering core permitting or enforcement rules, potentially setting precedents for integrating AI and real-time data into environmental regulations. Ensures funds are targeted (e.g., no planning costs) to comply with federal grant accountability standards.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's authority under the Commerce Clause to regulate interstate waters and environmental protection; no apparent conflicts with states' rights, as grants support voluntary local projects.
- Political: Bipartisan introduction (by Rep. Bresnahan and Ms. McDonald Rivet) signals broad support for infrastructure investment amid climate challenges. The emphasis on resilience and disadvantaged communities could advance equity goals, while annual reporting promotes transparency and may influence future appropriations debates.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Bresnahan, Robert P. [R-PA-8]
Cosponsors (20)
Rep. McDonald Rivet, Kristen [D-MI-8], Rep. Fields, Cleo [D-LA-6], Rep. McClain Delaney, April [D-MD-6], Rep. Pou, Nellie [D-NJ-9], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Del. King-Hinds, Kimberlyn [R-MP-At Large], Rep. Harder, Josh [D-CA-9], Rep. Quigley, Mike [D-IL-5], Rep. Stanton, Greg [D-AZ-4], Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7], Rep. Min, Dave [D-CA-47], Rep. Neguse, Joe [D-CO-2], Rep. Sorensen, Eric [D-IL-17], Rep. Peters, Scott H. [D-CA-50], Rep. Levin, Mike [D-CA-49], Rep. Davids, Sharice [D-KS-3], Rep. Lofgren, Zoe [D-CA-18], Rep. Gillen, Laura [D-NY-4], Rep. Lee, Susie [D-NV-3], Rep. Case, Ed [D-HI-1]
Recent Actions
- 2025-11-19: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
- 2025-11-18: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- 2025-11-18: Introduced in House
- 2025-11-18: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Water Infrastructure Modernization Act of 2025 — issued 2025-11-18 — PDF (8 pages)