July 1, 2021 – OAKLAND, CA – Today, the US Water Alliance applauded the passage of new legislation through the House of Representatives that would reauthorize the State Revolving Funds, improve climate resilience in our water infrastructure, expand federal efforts to build the water workforce, and create the first-ever federally funded, permanent, nationwide, low-income water customer assistance program. This much-needed bipartisan legislation will improve water infrastructure and provide targeted relief to the millions of low-income households across our country.
A top policy priority of the Alliance and first introduced by Representatives Lisa Blunt-Rochester (D-DE) and John Katko (R-NY), the Low-Income Water Customer Assistance Programs Act of 2021 (HR 3293) has been incorporated into H.R. 3684 and passed the House of Representatives today.
Similar to the LIHEAP program that provides assistance with home heating and energy costs, a federally funded, permanent, low-income water assistance program will provide a vital safety net for families during times of financial distress. This program will ensure that water continues to flow for millions of Americans while reducing long-term debt accumulation at water systems serving vulnerable communities. Read more about this important program here.
Sara Aminzadeh, US Water Alliance Vice President of Partnerships and interim CEO, made the following statement on the House passage of this legislation:
“The US Water Alliance applauds the passage of this historic legislation by the House of Representatives and calls on the Senate to act swiftly to send this bill to President Biden’s desk for signature. This legislation is a significant step toward improving water infrastructure and ensuring that all people have access to clean, safe, reliable, and affordable water services.”
The Alliance educates the public and lawmakers on the value of water, access and affordability, and other reforms to deliver safe and affordable drinking water to all Americans. After the COVID-19 pandemic exposed critical vulnerabilities in our nation’s water systems and the harmful public health ramifications of lack of access to clean water, the Alliance created a “Recovering Stronger” initiative and released its federal policy blueprint, which included calling for a low-income assistance policy. Read more about our federal policy solutions here.
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Media Contact: Abigail Gardner | media@uswateralliance.org
US Water Alliance advances policies and programs to secure a sustainable water future for all. Established in 2008, the Alliance is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization that educates the nation on the true value of water, accelerates the adoption of One Water policies and programs, and celebrates innovation in water management. The Alliance brings together diverse interests to identify and advance common-ground, achievable solutions to our nation’s most pressing water challenges. Our membership includes water providers, public officials, business leaders, environmental organizations, community leaders, policy organizations, and more.
