Ruben Gallego (D-AZ)
Water Infrastructure Modernization Act of 2025
A Democratic bill with 1 Republican cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, called the "Water Infrastructure Modernization Act of 2025," aims to improve water infrastructure by reauthorizing a pilot program for alternative water source projects. It focuses on incorporating intelligent water infrastructure technology and increases the funding for the program. The bill also requires the Administrator to submit reports to Congress on the projects awarded grants.
Yes· 3 of 31
- Scored +4
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?
The bill specifically aims to support disadvantaged communities with advanced metering, which can reduce water bills.
- Scored +4
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?
The bill promotes better monitoring of water quality and protection of water resources.
- Scored +3
Would farmers be better off under this?
Farmers rely on reliable water, and this bill may help them.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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The bill promotes the use of intelligent water infrastructure technology (Section 2). This could lead to more efficient and reliable wastewater treatment, improved water quality monitoring, reduced operational costs (like energy and chemical use), and better decision-making related to water management.
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Advanced metering infrastructure (Section 2(1)(I)) aims to improve water conservation and support disadvantaged communities. This could help lower water bills and ensure more equitable access to water resources.
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Resilient water supply projects (Section 2(1)(J)) offer real-time monitoring of weather patterns and their effects on water quality and flood protection. This can lead to better water supply reliability, protection of natural resources (like fisheries), and improved temperature control of water.
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Increased funding for grants (Section 2(4)) under the pilot program for alternative water source projects, from $25,000,000 to $50,000,000, could help more communities implement these projects.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- The bill prohibits the use of grant money for planning, feasibility studies, operation, or maintenance (Section 2(f)(2)), except when it comes to intelligent water infrastructure technology. This could limit the scope of projects and make it harder to get projects off the ground if the initial planning phases can't be funded.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The bill specifically aims to support disadvantaged communities with advanced metering, which can reduce water bills. Would farmers be better off under this? — Farmers rely on reliable water, and this bill may help them. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — Rural areas often face water infrastructure challenges, so they benefit from this bill. Would Black Americans be better off under this? — If the communities of African Americans are affected by the water, they benefit from the bill. Would Asian Americans be better off under this? — If the communities of Asian Americans are affected by the water, they benefit from the bill. Would children be better off under this? — Ensuring clean and reliable water benefits children's health. Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this? — If the communities of Hispanic Americans are affected by the water, they benefit from the bill. Would middle-income households be better off under this? — More efficient water infrastructure benefits middle-class households. Would Native Americans be better off under this? — If the communities of Native Americans are affected by the water, they benefit from the bill. Would retired people be better off under this? — Reliable water infrastructure benefits retirees. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — Reliable water infrastructure is especially important for seniors' health and well-being. Would people in cities be better off under this? — Reliable water access is crucial in urban environments. Would white Americans be better off under this? — If the communities of White Americans are affected by the water, they benefit from the bill. Would business owners be better off under this? — Business owners would negligibly benefit. Would high-income households be better off under this? — Reliable water infrastructure benefits high income households. Would men be better off under this? — Water access disproportionately affects men. Would people in middle age be better off under this? — Reliable water infrastructure benefits middle aged people. Would students be better off under this? — Students benefit from clean water. Would women be better off under this? — Water access disproportionately affects women. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — Reliable water infrastructure benefits young adults.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The bill promotes better monitoring of water quality and protection of water resources. Does this invest in rural communities? — Improved water infrastructure benefits rural areas. Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change? — More efficient water management could lead to reduced energy consumption and thus carbon emissions. Does this improve help for people hit by a disaster? — Better water management can aid in disaster relief, specifically for flooding. Does this better protect public land such as parks and forests? — Better water management can aid in responsible land use.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill could lead to some job creation in the water technology and construction sectors. Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices? — Improved water infrastructure can marginally protect consumers. Is this likely to grow the economy? — Modernizing water infrastructure can contribute to modest economic growth. Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The bill might slightly improve opportunities for small businesses specializing in water tech.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The bill encourages investment in water technology, which benefits science and research.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires reports to Congress, which increases transparency.
- 7/23/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
John CurtisRepublican · Utah