Bill · H.R. 9776· House(119-HR-9776)
FLOWS Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 7/20/2026
- Last activity
- 7/20/2026 — Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Sponsored by
- Eric Crawford
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The FLOWS Act of 2026 aims to establish a grant program focused on digital infrastructure technology for rural water systems. The Administrator of the EPA will oversee the program to provide assistance for designing, constructing, and maintaining digital tools for water projects. These grants cover various needs, including water distribution, wastewater, and the protection of water resources. The program also funds workforce training and cybersecurity measures to protect against digital threats. Priority is given to smaller water systems and those serving communities in need. Finally, the Comptroller General is tasked with studying the impact of these technologies on rural water infrastructure.
Yes· 3 of 12
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+7
The bill specifically targets rural water systems for digital infrastructure and efficiency upgrades.
Does this invest in rural communities?+6
The bill specifically targets rural areas for digital water infrastructure improvements.
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+5
The bill enhances water resource protection and monitoring via digital technology.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Improved Water System Efficiency: The use of digital infrastructure technology, such as remote sensing and real-time monitoring, can help detect water loss, identify damaged infrastructure, and improve the efficiency of water operations. (Section 2(a)(2)(A))
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Workforce Development: Grants can be used to provide training to help managers and operators handle water infrastructure projects using new digital technologies. (Section 2(b)(2)(A)(ii))
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Enhanced Cybersecurity: The program provides funds to mitigate risks and reduce vulnerabilities to cyber-attacks through on-site training and technical assistance. (Section 2(b)(2)(A)(iii))
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Targeted Support for Small Communities: The program prioritizes entities that own or operate public water systems serving fewer than 3,300 people, ensuring help reaches smaller populations. (Section 2(b)(3)(A))
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Support for Community-Owned Entities: Priority is given to organizations owned or controlled by community members rather than investor-owned entities, supporting local control. (Section 2(b)(3)(B)(ii))
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts or burdens are explicitly stated within the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Rural Development+6Improves Environmental Protections+5Improves Disaster Relief And F E M A+2
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Rural Residents+7Good For Low Income Households+3Good For Native Americans+2
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+3Improves Consumer Protection+2Improves Economic Growth+2
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Cybersecurity Defense+5
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+2
- 7/20/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Greg StantonDemocrat · Arizona