119-S-3693 Journalist Public Summary
119 · S 3693 Large-Scale Water Recycling Reauthorization Act
Extends an existing federal grant program for large water recycling and reuse projects from 5 to 10 years, aiming to give drought‑prone communities more time to plan and build major reuse systems; introduced January 27, 2026, with a subcommittee hearing held March 17, 2026, and now awaiting further committee action.
Headline Summary
Keep a federal grant program for big water‑recycling projects going longer—extending its authorization window from 5 to 10 years—so communities have more time to build drought‑resilient supply.
What It Does
S. 3693 (the “Large-Scale Water Recycling Reauthorization Act”) changes Section 40905(k) of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to extend the authorization for the existing competitive grant program for large-scale water recycling and reuse from 5 years to 10 years. In plain terms, it keeps an already‑authorized program alive longer so cities and water districts can plan, apply for, and construct major reuse systems (like advanced treatment plants, pipelines, and storage). The bill does not, by itself, set new funding levels; it extends how long the program can operate.
Who’s For It
- Sponsors: Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D‑NV) and Sen. John Curtis (R‑UT), reflecting bipartisan interest from arid Western states.
- Likely supporters: cities, water districts, and states planning large recycling projects that need predictable federal cost‑sharing over many years.
- Lawmakers focused on drought resilience and local water‑supply reliability, who view recycling as a way to stretch scarce supplies.
Who’s Against It
- Budget hawks wary of extending federal programs or potential future spending commitments.
- Some environmental or community advocates who question energy use, brine disposal, or siting impacts of advanced treatment—preferring conservation or natural infrastructure instead.
- Those who argue water policy should remain primarily a state and local responsibility without extended federal involvement.
What’s Next
Status as of March 18, 2026: The bill was introduced and read twice in the Senate on January 27, 2026, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. The Subcommittee on Water and Power held a hearing on March 17, 2026. Next steps could include a subcommittee markup, a full committee vote, and then consideration by the full Senate; it would still need House passage and the President’s signature to become law.
Discussion