# Plain Language Summary: Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act of 2021

This bill provides federal funding and support to fix and improve America's drinking water systems and wastewater treatment facilities. Many communities across the country have aging pipes, treatment plants, and infrastructure that are outdated, contaminated, or simply falling apart. This bill aims to help states and local governments pay for repairs, replacements, and upgrades to these critical systems that deliver clean water to homes and businesses and safely dispose of sewage.

The legislation makes money available through grants and loans to help communities tackle specific water problems. This includes replacing lead pipes that contaminate drinking water (a major health concern, especially for children), fixing broken water mains that waste treated water, upgrading treatment plants to remove harmful chemicals and pollutants, and improving wastewater systems. The bill also provides technical assistance to help smaller towns and rural areas that often lack the expertise and resources to manage complex water infrastructure projects on their own.

Who this affects depends on where you live. If you live in a community with aging water infrastructure, this bill could mean cleaner, safer drinking water and more reliable service. Communities that have been struggling to afford necessary upgrades—particularly smaller towns and lower-income areas—stand to benefit significantly. The bill also creates jobs in construction and engineering as communities undertake these improvement projects. However, the actual impact depends on how much funding Congress ultimately appropriates and how effectively local governments use the money to address their most pressing water needs.

Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act of 2021

Duckworth, Tammy

Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act of 2021 This bill reauthorizes through FY2026 or establishes a variety of programs for water infrastructure. Specifically, it supports programs to provide safe drinking water or treat wastewater, such as sewer overflows or stormwater. For example, the bill reauthorizes and revises the clean water state revolving fund (SRF) and the drinking water SRF.