The federal Large-Scale Water Recycling Project Grant Program would be extended through 2032 under a bipartisan bill proposed by U.S. Sen. John Curtis (R-UT).
The senator on Jan. 27 signed on as the lead original cosponsor of the Large-Scale Water Recycling Reauthorization Act, S. 3693, which is sponsored by U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV).
“For the millions that rely upon the Colorado River Basin, water scarcity is a daily reality,” Sen. Curtis said. “Large-scale water recycling is one of the most effective, forward-looking tools we have to stretch limited supplies, support growing communities, and protect our environment.
“Extending this bipartisan program will help states like Utah and our neighbors in the West invest in reliable, innovative water solutions that strengthen our economy and secure our water future,” he added.
The 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act established the competitive Large-Scale Water Recycling Project Grant Program with $450 million in direct spending to support projects that strengthen long-term water supply reliability.
As of June 2025, approximately $300 million has been expended, with about $150 million remaining.
If enacted, S. 3693 would extend the program’s authorization period from five years to 10 years to allow continued investment in large-scale water reuse infrastructure.
“In the Colorado River Basin, we know all too well that water conservation is critically important,” said Sen. Cortez Masto. “My Large-Scale Water Recycling Project Grant Program has been a vital tool for saving water, mitigating drought, and reducing strain on Lake Mead. It’s time to extend this program so it can continue providing water to homes and businesses throughout the Southwest.”
S. 3693 is companion legislation to the same-named H.R. 6204, which U.S. Reps. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) and Susie Lee (D-NV) introduced in November 2025.
The measure has garnered support from the Washington County Water Conservancy District, the Southern Nevada Water Authority, the WateReuse Association, and the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.