# Water Advanced Technologies for Efficient Resource Use Act of 2024

This bill creates a federal push to get people and government agencies to buy water-saving products, mainly through financial incentives and tax breaks. Think of it as the government trying to make water-efficient fixtures and appliances more affordable so more people will switch to them.

The bill works in two main ways. First, it requires federal agencies—like the military, EPA offices, and other government departments—to buy water-efficient products certified with the "WaterSense" label whenever they're purchasing things that use water, like toilets, faucets, or irrigation systems. The only exceptions are if a WaterSense product costs way too much over its lifetime or simply isn't available for what they need. Second, the bill creates a grant program that gives money to states, cities, water utilities, and nonprofits so they can offer rebates or vouchers to regular people who buy WaterSense products. If you live in an area that gets one of these grants, you might be able to get a discount when you replace your old toilet or showerhead with a water-efficient one.

The bill also makes these incentives tax-free. If you receive a rebate or voucher for buying a WaterSense product, you won't have to report that money as income on your taxes. The bill expands existing tax rules to cover water conservation subsidies from utilities and local governments, similar to how energy efficiency rebates already work. The funding ramps up over five years, starting with $50 million in 2024 and peaking at $150 million in 2026, then tapering down. The bill specifically prioritizes giving grants to programs that help low- and middle-income households, recognizing that upfront costs for efficient products can be a barrier for people with tighter budgets.