Rep. Haley Stevens Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Improve Wastewater Treatment and Protect Clean Water
Washington, D.C. — Today, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens along with Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) introduced the bipartisan Advanced Wastewater Treatment Assistance Act, legislation to help communities upgrade wastewater systems, address emerging contaminants like PFAS, and keep water bills affordable.
“Clean water is essential for our health, our economy, and the future of the Great Lakes,” said Rep. Stevens. “Michigan knows all too well the impact of contaminants like PFAS on our communities. This legislation will help utilities deploy next-generation wastewater treatment technologies, modernize infrastructure, and keep water safe and affordable.”
“Across the country, communities are facing a growing challenge: confronting contaminants like PFAS, modernizing aging wastewater infrastructure, and doing so without imposing unsustainable costs on families and ratepayers. This bipartisan legislation delivers the kind of smart, targeted federal partnership needed to help utilities deploy proven treatment technologies, strengthen public health protections, and keep water affordable. As Co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional PFAS Task Force, I have worked to keep these issues at the forefront, and this bill is an important step toward giving communities the tools they need to meet today’s challenges and build long-term water resilience,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick.
Each day, wastewater treatment plants process tens of billions of gallons of wastewater nationwide. But as new contaminants emerge, many communities face steep costs to install the advanced technologies needed to keep water safe. According to an EPA study, estimated costs for needed improvements in Michigan ballooned to $181 million in 2022—the most recent year we have accurate data for.
The Advanced Wastewater Treatment Assistance Act would create a five-year federal grant program to help water utilities deploy advanced treatment technologies—such as granular activated carbon and reverse osmosis—that remove difficult pollutants, like PFAS. These treatment technologies also help prevent harmful algal blooms that threaten the Great Lakes.
Specifically, the bill would:
Authorize $1 billion over five years for advanced wastewater treatment projects across the country, covering up to 50% of project costs.
Direct at least 49% of funding to communities that do not have the financial resources to replace infrastructure on their own and waive cost-share requirements for those recipients.
Cap administrative costs at 1% for the EPA and participating states.
Launch a national study evaluating how effectively advanced treatment technologies remove contaminants such as PFAS.
This legislation is endorsed by the National Association of Clean Water Agencies and the Michigan Rural Water Association.
“Clean water utilities are on the front lines of protecting public health and the environment, but the rising costs of advanced wastewater treatment technologies—especially to address emerging contaminants like PFAS—are placing real strain on communities and ratepayers,” said Adam Krantz, CEO of the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA). “The bipartisan Advanced Wastewater Treatment Assistance Act would provide targeted federal support to help utilities deploy proven advanced treatment solutions, prioritize disadvantaged communities, and ensure Americans continue to have access to affordable, reliable clean water.”
The bill text can be found here.
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