Protecting America's Drinking Water from Extreme Temperatures Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- S. 4536
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Environmental Protection
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-05-14: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-01T19:39:34Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This legislation amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to expand the Midsize and Large Drinking Water System Infrastructure Resilience and Sustainability Program. Its main goal is to allow grant funds to support drinking water systems in building resilience against extreme temperatures, in addition to natural hazards and extreme weather events. The bill also extends the program's funding authorization period.
Key Provisions
- Updates language in Section 1459F of the Safe Drinking Water Act to include "extreme temperatures" alongside existing terms like natural hazards and extreme weather events in multiple subsections.
- Modifies eligibility criteria, project descriptions, and risk assessments to explicitly address risks from extreme temperatures, such as impacts on water infrastructure from heat or cold.
- Extends the authorization for appropriations under the program from the years 2022 through 2026 to 2027 through 2032.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
The bill broadens the scope of the existing Midsize and Large Drinking Water System Infrastructure Resilience and Sustainability Program by adding extreme temperatures as a qualifying factor for grants and planning. It introduces specific references to temperature-related risks in sections covering eligible activities, considerations for funding, and overall program goals. Additionally, it shifts the timeline for future funding availability by five years.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would administer expanded grants, potentially increasing oversight and support for water system resilience projects focused on temperature extremes.
- Citizens: Communities served by midsize and large drinking water systems could see improved infrastructure protection, reducing risks of service disruptions from temperature-related events like pipe freezing or overheating.
- International Relations: No direct effects are outlined in the legislation.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Midsize and large public drinking water systems and their operators.
- State and local governments responsible for water infrastructure management.
- The EPA as the federal agency overseeing the grant program.
- Residents and businesses dependent on safe and reliable drinking water supplies.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
The bill represents a straightforward amendment to an existing federal environmental statute without altering core regulatory structures. It raises no apparent constitutional concerns, as it focuses on grant authorizations rather than mandates. Politically, it emphasizes infrastructure resilience but maintains the program's voluntary grant-based approach.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (2)
Sen. Curtis, John R. [R-UT], Sen. Blunt Rochester, Lisa [D-DE]
Recent Actions
- 2026-05-14: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- 2026-05-14: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Protecting America's Drinking Water from Extreme Temperatures Act of 2026 — issued 2026-05-14 — PDF (3 pages)