Rosen, Curtis Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Help Protect Drinking Water Infrastructure During Extreme Heat

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and John Curtis (R-UT) introduced a bill to help protect drinking water infrastructure in the case of extreme heat or cold. The bipartisan Protecting America's Drinking Water from Extreme Temperatures Act would make extreme temperatures, like extreme heat, an eligible condition for public water systems to apply for the Environmental Protection Agency's Midsize and Large Drinking Water Infrastructure Resilience and Sustainability Program, which is currently only available to bolster water infrastructure against extreme weather, natural disasters, and cybersecurity attacks. Their bill would also reauthorize the program - which is set to expire this year - through 2032. This legislation is cosponsored by Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE).

Communities facing extreme temperatures are especially vulnerable to drinking water contamination and interruptions. Rapid temperature changes can weaken underground drinking water pipes, and extreme heat can warm drinking water enough to grow toxic microorganisms and expose the water to plastic or metal pollutants from overheated pipes. In the case of extreme cold, pipes can burst and leave many homes without running water.

"Nevada has seen some of the hottest summers ever recorded over the past few years - putting at risk our ability to access clean drinking water when we need it the most," said Senator Rosen. "Extreme temperatures pose as much of a threat to our infrastructure as other weather events. That's why I'm glad to introduce this bipartisan bill to ensure our communities can qualify for federal resources to strengthen public water systems."

"From prolonged heat to freezing winter conditions, extreme weather can threaten access to safe, reliable drinking water for communities across Utah and the West," said Senator Curtis. "This bipartisan bill gives local water systems greater flexibility to strengthen infrastructure before emergencies happen and helps ensure families can continue to count on clean water no matter the weather."

"Americans count on their government to ensure they have access to clean water, especially during extreme heat and extreme cold," said Senator Blunt Rochester. "We must properly invest in the resiliency of the infrastructure that makes it happen. I am proud to stand with Senators Rosen and Curtis to introduce the bipartisan Protecting Midsize and Large Drinking Water Systems from Extreme Temperature Act."

Senator Rosen has worked to ensure that Nevadans have the support they need to stay safe during natural disasters, including extreme temperatures. Last summer, she introduced a bill to qualify extreme heat as a major disaster, which would make more federal resources available for affected communities. For years, she has been calling on the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide federal assistance to address extreme heat in Nevada. Senator Rosen has also supported legislation to cut red tape and make it easier for individuals and families devastated by natural disasters, such as wildfires or severe weather, to request federal assistance.

###