Representative Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) and Nevada Representative Susie Lee (D-NV) have introduced bipartisan legislation to extend federal funding for large-scale water recycling projects in Western states.
On November 25, the Large-Scale Water Recycling Reauthorization Act would continue a grant program for water recycling projects in the Colorado River Basin and throughout the West for another five years.
"Water is the lifeblood of Arizona," Ciscomani said. "As we face worsening drought in Arizona, I am proud to co-lead this critical legislation, which will help Western communities, like Southern Arizona, bolster their conservation efforts through water recycling efforts."
The program was established under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and provides grants to communities to build facilities that treat and reuse wastewater.
Arizona currently recycles approximately 52% of its treated municipal wastewater, which is significantly higher than most other Colorado River Basin states.
Lee stated that the program is necessary to address ongoing drought conditions. "We need to save every drop of water we can to combat the ongoing, drought-driven water crisis in Nevada and throughout the West," she said.
Additional Support
Bruno Pigott, Executive Director of the WateReuse Association, said the program "helps communities, states, and whole regions build long-term, reliable water supplies to enable population growth, support economic expansion, and protect the environment and public health."
John Entsminger, General Manager of the Southern Nevada Water Authority, called it "a smart investment that improves water supply reliability for millions of Americans, while helping communities build resiliency and respond to drought conditions."
Additionally, the program requires local communities to match federal funding at a 3-to-1 ratio, with local governments contributing three dollars for every federal dollar received.
Deven Upadhyay, General Manager of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, noted that "large-scale facilities currently in the works will be an essential tool for a sustainable water future in the Western U.S.”
Furthermore, the legislation aims to support continued investment in these water management systems.
