This bill creates a new federal grant program to help water treatment facilities deal with emerging contaminants—particularly harmful chemicals like PFOA and PFOS (often called "forever chemicals") that don't break down in the environment. Water utilities across the country have been struggling to remove these chemicals from drinking water and wastewater, but the equipment and technology needed is expensive.

Under this program, the EPA would award grants to publicly owned water treatment plants to help them plan, design, and build systems to remove these emerging contaminants. The federal government would cover at least 75 percent of the costs, meaning local utilities would only need to pay 25 percent or less. That remaining portion can come from a mix of public funds, private donations, loans, or other financial assistance.

The bill sets aside $200 million per year for three years (2026-2028) to fund these grants. This money would help communities that might otherwise struggle to afford the expensive upgrades needed to protect their water supplies from these persistent chemicals. Water treatment facilities would follow the same rules as other federally-funded water projects, ensuring the money is spent responsibly and effectively.