Summary#
The MORE WATER Act updates several Bureau of Reclamation programs and creates a new grant program. It reauthorizes large-scale water recycling and reuse grants, establishes a Water Conveyance Improvement Program to fund new or improved water conveyance facilities in Reclamation States, reauthorizes water recycling and environmental restoration grants, and sets a process to deauthorize inactive Reclamation projects. The bill defines eligible recipients, cost-share rules, multi-benefit project requirements (including provisions for safe drinking water for low-income communities and environmental benefits), and funding limits for some projects.
What it means for you#
- Eligible public entities (States, Tribes, municipalities, irrigation and water districts, and regional authorities) can apply for competitive grants to plan, design, and build water recycling and conveyance projects.
- Federal grants generally cover up to 50% of project costs; different limits apply for projects that provide both water supply and quantified drinking-water or environmental benefits.
- The bill prioritizes projects that provide safe drinking water for low-income communities and environmental benefits and sets rules for how those benefits may be delivered.
- Some long-authorized but inactive Reclamation projects may be removed from authorization unless Congress acts, the non-Federal sponsor funds completion, or the Secretary finds the project vitally important.
Expenses#
- Section 2: $450,000,000 authorized for large-scale water recycling and reuse grants for fiscal years 2028 through 2032.
- Section 3: $500,000,000 authorized to establish and operate the Water Conveyance Improvement Program for fiscal years 2028 through 2032.
- Section 4(a): $550,000,000 authorized for new water recycling and reuse projects for fiscal years 2028 through 2032.
- Section 4(c): $250,000,000 authorized for actions benefiting endangered species, habitat, and water bodies for fiscal years 2028 through 2032.
- Section 4(b): raises a ceiling on a Federal share item to $50,000,000 (in December 2025 prices, CPI-adjusted annually).
- The bill caps authorization of Federal funds for any new conveyance facility at $5,000,000,000 and makes Federal grant funds nonreimbursable.
- No publicly available information on the bill’s net budgetary effect or additional offsets beyond the text of the bill.
Proponents' View#
- The bill’s short title frames its goal as making communities more resilient by enhancing water for agriculture, technology, the environment, and residences.
- It aims to support construction and planning of water recycling and conveyance projects, prioritize projects that deliver safe drinking water to low-income communities and environmental benefits, and clear a backlog of inactive authorized Reclamation projects so active projects can proceed.
- The bill includes defined procedures, cost-sharing rules, and selection criteria to guide funding decisions.
Opponents' View#
No publicly available information.