By Ethan Faverino |
U.S. Representative Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-06) has teamed up with Representative Susie Lee (D-NV-03) to introduce the bipartisan Large-Scale Water Recycling Reauthorization Act, legislation that would extend a vital federal grant program supporting large-scale water recycling projects across the Colorado River Basin and the Western United States.
The bill seeks to reauthorize the Large-Scale Water Recycling Projects Competitive Grants Program for an additional five years, building on the success of the program originally established through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
“Water is the lifeblood of Arizona,” said Congressman Juan Ciscomani. “As we face worsening drought in Arizona, I am proud to co-lead this critical legislation, which will help Western communities, like Southern Arizona, bolster their conservation efforts through water recycling efforts.”
Arizona has solidified its position as a national leader in water recycling, reusing approximately 52% of its treated municipal wastewater—a rate that significantly outpaces most other states in the Colorado River Basin.
This achievement highlights the state’s proactive commitment to long-term water resilience amid persistent drought challenges. However, sustaining and expanding these efforts requires ongoing federal support.
The Large-Scale Water Recycling Reauthorization Act will strengthen Arizona’s innovative approach, reinforcing its role as a model for sustainable water management across the West.
Rep. Lee emphasized the urgency of the measure amid persistent drought conditions. “We need to save every drop of water we can to combat the ongoing, drought-driven water crisis in Nevada and throughout the West. Large-scale water recycling works. That’s exactly why we need to reauthorize the Large-Scale Water Recycling Program as soon as possible. This critical program was made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that I helped get across the finish line. I look forward to seeing it reauthorized for another five years to continue delivering the water resources our communities need for our shared future.”
The program has proven to be essential for developing resilient water supplies that support population growth, economic expansion, and environmental protection.
“The Large-Scale Water Recycling Projects Competitive Grants Program helps communities, states, and whole regions build long-term, reliable water supplies to enable population growth, support economic expansion, and protect the environment and public health,” said Bruno Pigott, Executive Director of the WateReuse Association. “WateReuse applauds Representatives Lee and Ciscomani for their leadership in ensuring that this critical program continues into the future.”
John Entsminger, General Manager of the Southern Nevada Water Authority, highlighted the program’s impact on regional water security. “This federal funding remains critical to helping accelerate the development of recycled water systems on a scale that would not otherwise be possible,” Entsminger said. “This is a smart investment that improves water supply reliability for millions of Americans, while helping communities build resiliency and respond to drought conditions.”
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
