Findings

adequate and safe supplies of water are fundamental to the health, economy, security, and ecology of the United States; increasing populations; economic growth; irrigated agriculture; energy production; and the protection of aquatic ecosystems; global climate change poses a significant challenge to the protection and use of the water resources of the United States due to an increased uncertainty with respect to the timing, form, and geographical distribution of precipitation, which may have a substantial effect on the supplies of water for agricultural, hydroelectric power, industrial, domestic supply, and environmental needs; nationwide data collection and monitoring activities; relevant research; and activities to increase the efficiency of the use of water in the United States; to take a lead role in assessing risks to the water resources of the United States (including risks posed by global climate change); and to mitigate the potential impacts of each risk described in subparagraph (A); and to help ensure that the long-term water resources management of the United States is sustainable and will ensure sustainable quantities of water; to improve the understanding of the variability of the water cycle; and to manage and efficiently use the water resources of the United States; and to identify new supplies of water that are capable of being reclaimed; and to the understanding of the impacts of human activity on water and ecological resources; and to the assessment of whether available surface and groundwater supplies will be available to meet the future needs of the United States. establishing a website or data hub to exchange water data, including data on water quality or water technology, including new and emerging, but proven, water technology; and intercounty communications initiatives related to water data. The Internet of Water principles developed by the Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions shall, to the extent practicable, guide any water data sharing efforts under the pilot program. The recipient of a grant under the pilot program to establish a website or data hub described in paragraph (1)(A) shall, to the extent practicable, leverage existing data sharing infrastructure. has a coastal watershed with significant pollution levels; has a water system with significant pollution levels; or has significant individual water infrastructure deficits; or a regional consortium established under subsection (d). To be eligible to receive a grant under the pilot program, an eligible entity under subsection (b) shall submit to the Administrator an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Administrator may require. States may establish regional consortia in accordance with this subsection. to exchange water data, including data on water quality; or to share information, protocols, and procedures with respect to projects that evaluate, demonstrate, or install new and emerging, but proven, water technology; to exchange water data, including data on water quality; or that evaluate, demonstrate, or install new and emerging, but proven, water technology; and develop a regional intended use plan, in accordance with paragraph (3), to identify projects to carry out, including projects using grants received under this section. shall identify projects that the regional consortium intends to carry out, including projects that meet the requirements of paragraph (2)(B); and projects included in an intended use plan of a State prepared under section 606(c) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1386(c)) within the regional consortium; and projects not included in an intended use plan of a State prepared under section 606(c) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1386(c)) within the regional consortium. a description of the use and deployment of amounts made available under the pilot program; and an accounting of all grants awarded under the program, including a description of each grant recipient and each project funded using a grant under the pilot program. There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out the pilot program $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026, to remain available until expended. Of the funds made available under paragraph (1), not more than 35 percent may be used to provide grants to regional consortia established under subsection (d).” Congress finds that— systematic data-gathering with respect to, and research and development of, the water resources of the United States will help ensure the continued existence of sufficient quantities of water to support— although States bear the primary responsibility and authority for managing the water resources of the United States, the Federal Government should support the States, as well as regional, local, and tribal governments, by carrying out— Federal agencies that conduct water management and related activities have a responsibility— to develop strategies— it is critical to continue and expand research and monitoring efforts— to provide basic information necessary— the study of water use is vital— Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Administrator [of the Environmental Protection Agency] shall establish a competitive grant pilot program (referred to in this section as the ‘pilot program’) under which the Administrator may award grants to eligible entities under subsection (b) to establish systems that improve the sharing of information concerning water quality, water infrastructure needs, and water technology, including cybersecurity technology, between States or among counties and other units of local government within a State, which may include— An entity eligible for a grant under the pilot program is— a State, county, or other unit of local government that— A regional consortium established under paragraph (1) shall— include not fewer than 2 States that have entered into a memorandum of understanding— carry out projects— A regional intended use plan of a regional consortium established under paragraph (1)— may include— Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act [Nov. 15, 2021], the Administrator shall submit to Congress a report that describes the implementation of the pilot program, which shall include— (Source: (Pub. L. 111–11, title IX, § 9501, Mar. 30, 2009, 123 Stat. 1329.))