AQUA Act Introduced in Congress to Advance Safe, Affordable Drinking Water

For Immediate Release: December 17, 2024

WASHINGTON, DC — 50 years ago, Congress made a momentous investment in our nation’s drinking water by passing the Safe Drinking Water Act. However, in the past few decades, America has underinvested in its drinking water systems, leading to unsafe and increasingly unaffordable water, particularly in low-income communities and communities of color. 9 in 10 voters believe access to safe and affordable water is a human right. Yet, today, over 2 million people in the United States lack access to water and sanitation systems, and affordable access is an increasing challenge for the 100 million people living at or below federal poverty, particularly as aging infrastructure, stricter regulations, and climate change are all driving up the cost of water infrastructure and services.

Yesterday, the Energy & Commerce Committee and the Subcommittee on Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials in the House of Representatives renewed Congressional commitment to ensuring that all people in the U.S. have access to clean, safe, and affordable drinking water as they introduced the AQUA Act. If passed, the Act not only takes a critical step to fulfilling the promise of the SDWA made 50 years ago, but does so for all people living in the United States, regardless of race, income level, or other factors. 

“Access to clean, safe, and affordable drinking water is one of our nation’s unfulfilled promises – a reality that too many experience on a day to day basis,” Yasmin Zaerpoor, Director of Water Equity and Climate Resilience at PolicyLink, remarked. “Congressman Tonko, Congressman Pallone, and the staff of the Environment & Commerce Committee have demonstrated true leadership in the introduction of the AQUA Act by prioritizing the well-being of the American people and aiming to deliver on the nation’s promise.”

In addition to nearly $104 billion over 10 years in investments for our nation’s drinking water systems, the AQUA Act would authorize a permanent water affordability program to ensure that all people living in this nation have secure access to safe drinking water. These provisions build upon years of advocacy and partnership from grassroots and national partners which includes the members of the Water Equity & Climate Resilience Caucus.

“We were grateful for the opportunity to work hand in hand with leaders of the Committee and a broad coalition of stakeholders to design an equitable and effective program with sufficient resourcing to reach all communities,” said Zaerpoor. “We applaud and offer our immense gratitude for the committee leadership and staff’s dedication and resolve to see this legislation introduced and passed.”