Critical Water Supplies for Resilient Communities Act

Bill Summary: Critical Water Supplies for Resilient Communities Act (H.R. 5834)

Overview

The Critical Water Supplies for Resilient Communities Act is a legislative proposal designed to strengthen the United States' water infrastructure by transitioning a temporary pilot program into a broader grant-based authority. The bill focuses on securing "critical water supply needs" to improve drought resiliency and ensure long-term water security for local, state, and regional communities.

Main Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of this bill is to move beyond the testing phase of alternative water source projects and establish a permanent mechanism for funding. By redefining the scope of these projects and extending their authorization, the bill aims to help communities implement sustainable water solutions to combat drought and water scarcity.

Key Provisions and Changes

The bill amends Section 220 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1300) with the following specific changes:

• Transition from Pilot to Grant Program: The bill strikes the term "Pilot Program" and replaces it with "Grants," effectively shifting the program from an experimental phase to a more stable funding authority.
• Redefining "Critical Water Supply Needs": The bill establishes a formal definition for what constitutes a critical need. To qualify, needs must be identified in a plan or assessment developed with public engagement and must focus on:
  • Comprehensive local, statewide, or regional water supplies.
  • Local or regional drought resiliency.
• Extended Timeline: The bill extends the authorization of these projects by five years, changing the sunset date from 2026 to 2031.
• Enhanced Reporting Requirements: The Administrator is now required to submit an annual report to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. This report must detail every funded project and explain how that project specifically addresses the identified critical water supply needs.

Who is Affected?

• Local and Regional Governments: Municipalities and regional water districts seeking funding for innovative water sourcing and drought-proofing.
• The General Public: Citizens will have a role in the process, as the bill mandates "public engagement" in the development of the assessments used to identify water needs.
• Federal Agencies: The EPA (and the Administrator responsible) will have updated reporting obligations and a permanent authority to manage these grants.

Procedural Status

• Introduced: October 24, 2025
• Current Status: As of October 25, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment under the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.