The MORE WATER Act is a proposed law aimed at tackling water scarcity in the western United States by expanding programs that recycle and reuse water. This bill seeks to make more water available for agriculture, cities, and the environment by supporting large-scale water recycling projects.
What This Bill Does
The MORE WATER Act is designed to help communities in the western U.S. deal with water shortages by reusing water that would otherwise go to waste. It builds on existing laws to provide more funding and support for projects that recycle wastewater and groundwater. This means that water used in homes, businesses, and farms can be cleaned and reused instead of being discarded.
One of the key features of the bill is that it reauthorizes a program that funds large-scale water recycling projects through the Bureau of Reclamation. This program provides grants to projects that treat wastewater or groundwater so it can be used again for things like watering crops, replenishing groundwater supplies, or providing drinking water to cities.
The bill also introduces a new financing program that offers low-interest loans and grants to help fund these water recycling projects. This is particularly important for areas in the western U.S. that are facing severe water shortages. The bill prioritizes projects that address these shortages and aims to make the approval process for new projects faster and more efficient.
Additionally, the MORE WATER Act increases the amount of money available for these projects and requires environmental reviews to ensure that they are sustainable and help communities prepare for droughts.
Why It Matters
Water is a critical resource, especially in the western United States where droughts are becoming more common. This bill could help ensure that there is enough water for everyone by making it possible to reuse water that would otherwise be wasted. This is important for farmers who need water to grow crops, cities that need water for their residents, and the environment that relies on healthy water systems.
For everyday Americans, this means more reliable access to water, even during times of drought. It could also mean lower water bills, as recycling water can be more cost-effective than finding new sources. This bill could help prevent situations where people have to deal with water restrictions or increased costs due to water shortages.
Key Facts
- Cost/Budget Impact: The bill reauthorizes existing funding levels from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, with additional financing options.
- Timeline for Implementation: Provisions would take effect immediately upon signing, with projects eligible through fiscal year 2031.
- Number of People Affected: Could impact millions of people in western states, including farmers, urban residents, and tribal communities.
- Key Dates: Introduced on July 17, 2025, with no specific deadlines beyond standard federal fiscal years.
- Precedents: Builds on successful programs like the Pure Water San Diego project, which treats millions of gallons of water daily.
- Real-World Impact: Aims to prevent water restrictions and rising costs for households in drought-prone areas.
- Unique Features: The bill is concise, focusing on expanding existing programs rather than creating new ones.
Arguments in Support
- Addresses Water Shortages: Supports projects that recycle millions of acre-feet of water annually, helping to prevent water shortages in arid regions.
- Boosts Economic Resilience: Helps sustain agriculture and local economies by providing reliable water supplies, even during droughts.
- Enhances Drought Preparedness: Provides financing for projects that improve water reuse, helping communities prepare for and withstand droughts.
- Promotes Environmental Sustainability: Reduces the need to withdraw fresh water from natural sources, conserving ecosystems and protecting wildlife.
- Creates Jobs: Infrastructure projects funded by the bill could create thousands of construction and long-term maintenance jobs.
Arguments in Opposition
- Local Funding Concerns: Critics argue that federal grants should not subsidize projects that primarily benefit local communities, which should fund them independently.
- Inefficient Spending: There are concerns about potential waste and lack of accountability in spending, with some projects historically experiencing cost overruns.
- Environmental vs. Human Needs: Some believe the bill prioritizes environmental uses of water over agricultural and human needs, potentially reducing water available for farming.
- Federal Budget Impact: Opponents worry about the impact on the federal budget, adding to the national debt without clear offsets.
- Regulatory Overreach: Streamlined approval processes might bypass thorough environmental reviews, potentially leading to unaddressed environmental issues.