Legislation aims to secure drinking water during extreme heat
U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and John Curtis (R-UT) introduced a bill to help protect drinking water infrastructure in the case of extreme heat or cold. The Protecting America’s Drinking Water from Extreme Temperatures Act would make extreme temperatures, like extreme heat, an eligible condition for public water systems to apply for the Environmental Protection Agency’s Midsize and Large Drinking Water Infrastructure Resilience and Sustainability Program, which is currently only available to bolster water infrastructure against extreme weather, natural disasters and cybersecurity attacks. The bill would also reauthorize the program, which is set to expire this year, through 2032.
“Nevada has seen some of the hottest summers ever recorded over the past few years, putting at risk our ability to access clean drinking water when we need it the most,” said Rosen. “Extreme temperatures pose as much of a threat to our infrastructure as other weather events. That’s why I’m glad to introduce this…bill to ensure our communities can qualify for federal resources to strengthen public water systems.”
“From prolonged heat to freezing winter conditions, extreme weather can threaten access to safe, reliable drinking water for communities across Utah and the West,” said Curtis. “This…bill gives local water systems greater flexibility to strengthen infrastructure before emergencies happen and helps ensure families can continue to count on clean water no matter the weather.”
