Water Access and Affordability Act

Direct Financial Support for Households: The bill allows for various forms of assistance including direct financial assistance, debt reduction, and water efficiency assistance like subsidizing water-efficient appliances or plumbing repairs (Section 3(c)(3)(A)(ii)).

Protection Against Disconnection: The program includes provisions that prohibit households from being disconnected from water service or losing access to water due to an inability to pay bills (Section 3(c)(3)(A)(iv)).

Simplified Enrollment Processes: To help people get help more easily, the bill allows for automatic enrollment for those participating in other Federal or State assistance programs and permits the use of self-attestation for eligibility (Section 3(c)(3)(A)(i)).

Elimination of Barriers to Assistance: The Act prohibits requirements for asset tests, in-person enrollment appointments, or citizenship/legal residency requirements to receive assistance (Section 3(c)(3)(A)(i)).

Support for Water Security: The bill includes provisions for "water crisis assistance" to help during emergencies like weather-related shortages or service disconnections (Section 3(c)(3)(A)(ii)).

Increased Transparency for State Funds: The bill amends existing laws to require States to provide more data regarding funded and unfunded projects, specifically highlighting assistance for disadvantaged communities (Section 4(a)(1)(A)(ii) and Section 4(b)(2)(A)(i)).

Restrictions on Private Utility Use of Funds: Community water systems or treatment works that are not wholly owned by a government entity are prohibited from using these funds to provide financial benefits to owners, such as dividends or increased rates of return (Section 3(f)(3)).

Limitations on Grant Usage: Grants awarded to implement water service access programs cannot be used to replace existing similar programs within a State or local system, though they can supplement them (Section 3(c)(2)(C)(ii)).