WASHINGTON – Today, Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and John Curtis (R-UT) introduced the bipartisan Water Infrastructure Modernization Act to increase the use of smart water technologies. The legislation provides $50 million in grant funding for community water systems to purchase and implement new water technologies, including those that can identify water loss, examine pipe integrity, detect leaks, prepare for severe weather, innovate water storage systems, and more.
“In the West, we know that every drop of water matters,” said Senator Gallego. “By investing in the latest technologies, we can make our water systems more efficient – saving communities water and money.”
“Across Utah and the West, communities face real challenges with aging water systems, drought resilience, and growing demand,” said Senator Curtis. “The Water Infrastructure Modernization Act empowers local leaders to adopt next-generation technologies and reflects our pioneer values of innovation, thrift, and stewardship, and puts modern tools in the hands of those closest to the land.”
Read the full text of the legislation HERE.
Support for the Water Infrastructure Modernization Act:
“The bipartisan Water Infrastructure Modernization Act would provide critical resources to cities across the country to improve their water systems,” said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “Phoenix is a city built on innovation, and if passed, this bill would help us modernize our water and wastewater treatment systems to reduce waste, protect our water supply, and ensure efficient service delivery to residents and industry.”
“Communities across the Southwest are facing urgent water challenges as the Colorado River continues to experience the strain of a historic megadrought,” said Tucson Mayor Regina Romero. “The Water Infrastructure Modernization Act offers a smart, forward-looking approach by investing in technologies that help detect leaks, reduce water loss, and strengthen climate resilience. I’m pleased to support this legislation and grateful to Senator Gallego for his leadership in championing innovative solutions that will protect our water future and support sustainable growth across the region.”
“As a city experiencing growth in a desert environment, Mesa understands the critical importance of securing our water future,” said Mesa Mayor Mark Freeman. “The Water Infrastructure Modernization Act of 2025 addresses the urgent needs of communities like ours. By advancing innovative water infrastructure technologies, this bill will significantly enhance Arizona’s water systems by maximizing operational efficiency, protecting water quality, and managing our existing water resources in a sustainable and cost-effective manner. It also supports Mesa’s efforts to build a more resilient water portfolio in the face of drought, extreme weather, and long-term demand. We appreciate Senator Gallego’s leadership in bringing forward this essential legislation.”
“I strongly support Senator Gallego’s bipartisan Water Infrastructure Modernization Act. This is exactly the national leadership we need to protect and ensure our future water supply. It also aligns with the City of Tempe’s investments to reopen the Kyrene Reclamation Facility,” said Tempe Mayor Corey Woods.
“We applaud Senator Gallego for introducing the Water Infrastructure Modernization Act to preserve Arizona’s precious water resources. As one of the fastest growing cities in the United States, Buckeye is always looking for new and innovative opportunities to protect this valuable commodity and conserve water. This legislation is an important step for the City and all of Arizona and we are grateful that Senator Gallego has introduced it,” said Buckeye Mayor Eric Orsborn.
“The Act will help expedite much-needed upgrades that will improve efficiency and enable us to better conserve water, which as we know is a precious and increasingly scarce resource both in Globe and across the state,” said Globe Mayor Al Gameros. “We are deeply grateful for Senator Gallego’s continued leadership and unwavering commitment to addressing the water challenges facing our region. His work on this issue reflects a clear understanding of the needs of rural communities and the importance of long-term sustainability.”
“Emerging smart water technologies hold the potential to help water systems identify trends in water use, detect potential infrastructure failures before they happen, and more efficiently manage water resources overall,” said the Association of Municipal Water Agencies. “However, start-up costs for individual water systems can pose a challenge that discourages water systems from utilizing the full potential of these technologies. AMWA appreciates Senator Gallego’s leadership in advancing adoption of innovative technologies to enhance water system operations, and we look forward to working with him and other water sector stakeholders on this important issue.”
“The California Association of Sanitation Agencies (CASA) applauds the bipartisan introduction of the Water Infrastructure Modernization Act of 2025. This legislation will help clean water agencies fulfill their responsibilities of protecting public health and the environment, by ensuring agencies have access to and are able to adopt the advanced water treatment technologies that are required to meet today’s increasingly complex water quality needs,” said Adam Link, Executive Director, CASA.
“As a U.S.-based water solutions company, Xylem applauds Senator Gallego and Senator Curtis’ leadership in introducing the “Water Infrastructure Modernization Act,” a vital step towards modernizing our nation’s water systems. Communities across the country face growing challenges posed by aging infrastructure, drought, and rising input costs. Smart water technologies can improve efficiency, extend infrastructure lifespans, and help keep water safe, affordable and reliable. We look forward to working with Senator Gallego and Senator Curtis to ensure all communities are empowered be more water-secure,” said Joshua Mahan, Senior Director, Government and Industry Relations, Xylem.
7/23/25