Safe Drinking Water Act reintroduced in Congress

Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) and Rep. Norma Torres (CA-35) recently reintroduced the Nitrate and Arsenic in Drinking Water Act. The bill amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to provide resources for nitrate and arsenic reduction, with priority given to assisting underserved communities.

“Access to clean drinking water is essential for the health and well-being of every American—especially in rural and underserved communities like the Central Valley,” said Congressman Valadao. “This bipartisan bill gives rural communities that rely on groundwater the resources they need to reduce harmful contaminants and ensure our water supply is safe. I’m proud to join Rep. Torres to help our small towns throughout the Valley fix this ongoing issue.”

“This is a public health emergency in the Inland Empire and across the country. The contamination of our water supply with nitrate and arsenic is a direct threat to the health and safety of my constituents,” said Rep. Torres. “I’m committed to securing the resources needed to address this crisis, especially for the most vulnerable—infants, pregnant women, and individuals with enzyme deficiencies. The Inland Empire, particularly former agricultural areas, faces some of the worst contamination levels in the state, and we cannot wait any longer to ensure we make clean drinking water accessible for everyone.”

The Nitrate and Arsenic in Drinking Water Act would:

• Amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to provide grants for nitrate and arsenic reduction.
• Authorize $15 million for FY26 and every fiscal year after.
• Direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to conduct a review on programs under the Safe Drinking Water Act, taking into consideration the diverse needs of underserved populations.

Read the full bill here.