Gallego Introduces Bipartisan Bill Encouraging Smart Water Innovation

Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) is introducing bipartisan legislation aimed at encouraging innovation of "smart" water technology.

Specifically, Sen. Gallego's Water Infrastructure Modernization Act authorizes $50 million in grants for communities to develop and invest in tech that detects and tracks water loss and leaks, calculates pipe integrity, improves storage methods, and prepares for extreme weather.

"In the West, we know that every drop of water matters," said Sen. Gallego in his press release, adding, "By investing in the latest technologies, we can make our water systems more efficient – saving communities water and money."

Senator John Curtis (R-UT), the bill's cosponsor, said, "Across Utah and the West, communities face real challenges with aging water systems, drought resilience, and growing demand."

"The Water Infrastructure Modernization Act empowers local leaders to adopt next-generation technologies and reflects our pioneer values of innovation, thrift, and stewardship, and puts modern tools in the hands of those closest to the land," Sen. Curtis added.

The Water Infrastructure Modernization Act is the third bipartisan water infrastructure-related bill that the Arizona Senator has introduced in recent months, with May seeing him team up with Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) to introduce an amendment to the Drinking Water Infrastructure Risk and Resilience Program, which is itself part of the Safe Drinking Water Act, by awarding grants to fund guidance and training for state and local actors on protecting the cybersecurity of their water infrastructure.

After all, cyberattacks on critical infrastructure, such as water pipelines, have been a growing concern in recent years, with China being a frequent perpetrator.

In late June, Gallego introduced the Water Conservation Rebate Tax Parity Act, which provides tax cuts to homeowners who invest in water-saving and flood-prevention improvements to their homes by rendering the rebates and subsidies untaxable, including those offered by public utilities and stormwater management companies.

To sweeten the deal, the tax exemption will apply retroactively to all amounts received on or after December 31, 2021, allowing those who have recently invested in graywater capture systems, purchased specific appliances, and upgraded their plumbing to not miss out on the exemption.

And in a state as dry and hot as Arizona, the safer and more efficient water technology is, the better.