Congressman Fong Introduces Water Infrastructure Resiliency Act to Strengthen Communities, Protect Public Health, and Safeguard Waterways

WASHINGTON, D.C. - This week, Congressman Vince Fong (CA-20) introduced H.R. 5513, the Water Infrastructure Resiliency Act, in partnership with Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01).

This bipartisan bill empowers communities to modernize their water management systems by adopting cutting-edge technologies like advanced monitoring software, leak detection tools, and real-time data dashboards. These innovations help track and manage water resources more effectively, conserving water, improving efficiency, and reducing costs.

Specifically, the Water Infrastructure Resiliency Act would clarify eligible uses under the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF), ensuring local governments can not only protect both public health and water resources more effectively, but also reduce costs. Updating the CWSRF to include eligibility for modern software tools allows the program to keep pace with today's challenges, bringing the fund into the 21st century and equipping communities with every available tool to modernize infrastructure and secure long-lasting and efficient water systems.

"Water is life in California's Central Valley," said Congressman Fong (CA-20). "I'm introducing this vital legislation to strengthen community resilience and ensure our water infrastructure is built with modern technology to better manage and protect this precious resource. Continuous investment in water storage and innovation is essential for the wellbeing for our families, farmers, and future generations. We must act now to equip our communities with the tools they need to safeguard our water supply for years to come."

"As we continue prioritizing the modernization of critical water infrastructure, this legislation will ensure our state and local governments can use every tool available to do so effectively and efficiently," said Congressman Pappas (NH-01). "I'll continue working to deliver federal resources to New Hampshire that will help improve our infrastructure and strengthen our communities."

The Water Infrastructure Resiliency Act is also supported by the National Association of Counties (NACo), Tulare County, Kings County,Autodesk, and Trimble.

"Making sure digital tools are eligible under the Clean Water State Revolving Fund brings water quality control projects into the 21st century," said Pete Vander Poel, Chair, Tulare County Board of Supervisors. "Projects need to be built, sufficiently monitored, and regularly analyzed for efficiency to ensure tax dollars are used in the best way possible. I support this update and thank Congressman Fong for addressing this gap."

"We commend Congressman Fong for introducing this important legislation to modernize the Clean Water State Revolving Fund program," said Doug Verboon, Chair, Kings County Board of Supervisors. "For counties like Kings, where every drop counts, these tools can make a real difference in ensuring reliable and sustainable water management for our communities."

"Water is a foundational resource for communities and industries alike, yet it is increasingly under pressure from rising demand, aging infrastructure, and extreme weather impacts," said Amy Bunszel, Executive Vice President, Autodesk. "Addressing these challenges requires bold leadership and innovative solutions. Autodesk applauds Representatives Fong and Pappas for championing legislation that leverages technology and data to strengthen our nation's water systems."

"Congressman Fong has a reputation for seeking innovative solutions to his constituents' challenges," said Cyndee Hoagland, Senior Vice President at Trimble. "His legislation to spur the private sector to partner with public water systems is a good example of his successful approach. With the right collaboration, water systems can operate a more efficient and cost-effective system while delivering a safe and reliable product to the community. Trimble technology is ready to help agencies reach these goals. I applaud Congressman Fong for this exciting initiative."

Key Provisions in the Water Infrastructure Resiliency Act:

• Facilitates the use of digital construction software programs to optimize and streamline planning and operations, helping communities prioritize resources and investments.
• Saves money and enhances conservation by allowing communities to use technology that identifies leaks, forecast usage, and detects and removes pollutants like PFAS and microplastics.
• Supports drought-response strategies; critical for drought-stricken, wildfire-prone regions in the West.
• Empowers states to better leverage federal dollars for water efficiency and conservation, reducing strain on taxpayers while protecting vital resources.

You can read the full bill text here.

By adding eligibility for advanced software and monitoring tools, the Water Infrastructure Resiliency Act will bring the CWSRF into the 21st century, helping communities modernize infrastructure, improve water efficiency, and secure sustainable, long-term water systems. This expansion will also empower states to maximize federal dollars, and drive innovation while reducing strain on taxpayers and safeguarding vital resources.

With these enhancements, communities will have cutting-edge capabilities to detect and remove harmful pollutants like PFAS and microplastics before they spread - protecting both the environment and public health for generations to come.