Bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Sen. John Curtis (R-UT) would authorize federal grant funds to be used to increase the resilience of drinking water systems to extreme temperatures.
“From prolonged heat to freezing winter conditions, extreme temperatures can threaten access to safe, reliable drinking water for communities across Utah and the West,” Sen. Curtis said. “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.”
The lawmaker on May 14 signed on as the lead original cosponsor of the Protecting America’s Drinking Water from Extreme Temperatures Act of 2026, S. 4536, alongside bill sponsor U.S. Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV).
The bill would make extreme temperatures an eligible condition for public water systems to apply for grants under the Environmental Protection Agency’s Midsize and Large Drinking Water Infrastructure Resilience and Sustainability Program. Currently, the program is only available to bolster water infrastructure against extreme weather, natural disasters, and cybersecurity attacks.
S. 4536 also would reauthorize the program, which is set to expire this year, through 2032.
“Extreme temperatures pose as much of a threat to our infrastructure as other weather events,” said Sen. Rosen. “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.”
The measure has been referred for consideration to the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.