FLOWS Act of 2026

This bill establishes a grant program, to be administered by the Environmental Protection Agency, aimed at assisting eligible entities in rural areas with the adoption of digital infrastructure technology for water systems. The program seeks to enhance the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of various water infrastructures, including those for drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater, as well as source water protection and aquifer management. Eligible entities include owners or operators of publicly owned public water systems or treatment works serving rural areas, rural areas themselves, or States and Tribes acting on their behalf. Grant funds can be used for activities such as implementing remote sensing, real-time monitoring, industrial control systems, and artificial intelligence to detect water loss, identify damaged infrastructure, and improve operational efficiency. The program also supports training and workforce development for managing these technologies and mitigating cybersecurity risks. Priority for grant awards will be given to entities serving fewer than 3,300 people and those serving communities most in need, such as pre-fabricated home community organizations or community-owned water systems. The bill authorizes an appropriation of $50,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to fund these grants. Additionally, the legislation mandates the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a comprehensive study within five years of enactment. This study will assess the impact of digital infrastructure technology in rural water projects, focusing on identifying challenges like water loss and recommending strategies for improved water resource management, infrastructure prioritization, and cost reduction. A report detailing the study's findings and the grant program's results is due by December 31, 2030.