Clean Water and Affordability Act: Lead Replacement, PFAS Regulation, and Household Aid.
This Act dramatically increases funding for water infrastructure, focusing on replacing lead pipes and removing harmful chemicals like PFAS. It establishes new, mandatory safety standards for drinking water contaminants and creates a financial assistance program to ensure low-income households can maintain access to clean and affordable water services.
Key points
Lead Pipe Replacement: A major grant program is established to fully replace lead service lines, including private portions, at no cost to homeowners, prioritizing vulnerable communities.
Mandatory Safety Standards: EPA must set strict national drinking water standards for contaminants like PFAS (forever chemicals), microcystin toxin, and chromium-6 within two years.
Water Bill Assistance: A $1.5 billion annual program offers financial aid (e.g., bill discounts, debt reduction) to low-income households, protecting them from service disconnection for nonpayment.
School Water Quality: Grants are authorized for installing and maintaining certified water filtration stations in schools and child care facilities, focusing on low-income areas.
Expired
Additional Information
Print number: 118_HR_10440
Sponsor: Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20]
Process start date: 2024-12-16