Blog: Clean Water Provisions in the Reconciliation Bill Helps Arizonans

In November 2021, President Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) into law. The IIJA included transformative financial investments in drinking water infrastructure that will eliminate lead pipes and service lines across the county, and make necessary improvements for Arizonans.

In addition to funding for the removal of lead pipes, several other key IIJA provisions support clean water infrastructure through grants to municipalities including $1.4 billion for sewer overflow and stormwater reuse and $125 million for alternative water source projects. The impact of this funding will be resiliency against drought through projects that increase groundwater recharge, stormwater capture and reuse, and water recycling and ensures that municipalities have the needed infrastructure to properly manage polluted stormwater. 

Over the next several years, Arizona can expect to receive $619 million to improve on water infrastructure to ensure clean, safe drinking water for all communities.

Still, more must be done to rebuild our economy, protect public lands, and the health of Arizonans. Senators Kyrsten Sinema and Mark Kelly must build on the momentum of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act by supporting the Build Back Better Act that is currently awaiting vote in the Senate.

We appreciate and applaud the members who supported the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act including Congresswoman Ann Kirkpatrick, Congressman Tom O’Halleran, Congressman Greg Stanton, Congressman Ruben Gallego, and Congressman Raul Grijalva.