This bill, titled the "Removing Nitrate and Arsenic in Drinking Water Act," amends the Safe Drinking Water Act by establishing a new grant program. The program's primary purpose is to provide financial assistance to eligible entities for projects specifically designed to reduce the concentration of nitrate or arsenic in water intended for human consumption. Eligible entities include community water systems, nonprofit organizations with relevant experience, municipalities, and various state or intermunicipal agencies. As a precondition for receiving grants, entities must identify the source of contamination and demonstrate how their proposed project will meaningfully reduce nitrate or arsenic levels. The Administrator is directed to prioritize grants for disadvantaged communities , particularly those that have not met maximum contaminant levels for three years, or projects addressing contamination in schools, daycares, or facilities serving other vulnerable populations. Funds can also be used to purchase and install treatment technology, with a focus on assisting low-income homeowners and landlords providing housing to low-income renters. The bill authorizes an appropriation of $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2026 and for each subsequent fiscal year, and requires the EPA Administrator to review the program's equity outcomes for disadvantaged and underserved populations.
Removing Nitrate and Arsenic in Drinking Water Act
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Environmental Protection
Removing Nitrate and Arsenic in Drinking Water Act
USA119th CongressHR-2656| House
| Updated: 4/3/2025
This bill, titled the "Removing Nitrate and Arsenic in Drinking Water Act," amends the Safe Drinking Water Act by establishing a new grant program. The program's primary purpose is to provide financial assistance to eligible entities for projects specifically designed to reduce the concentration of nitrate or arsenic in water intended for human consumption. Eligible entities include community water systems, nonprofit organizations with relevant experience, municipalities, and various state or intermunicipal agencies. As a precondition for receiving grants, entities must identify the source of contamination and demonstrate how their proposed project will meaningfully reduce nitrate or arsenic levels. The Administrator is directed to prioritize grants for disadvantaged communities , particularly those that have not met maximum contaminant levels for three years, or projects addressing contamination in schools, daycares, or facilities serving other vulnerable populations. Funds can also be used to purchase and install treatment technology, with a focus on assisting low-income homeowners and landlords providing housing to low-income renters. The bill authorizes an appropriation of $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2026 and for each subsequent fiscal year, and requires the EPA Administrator to review the program's equity outcomes for disadvantaged and underserved populations.