Reps. Ciscomani, Lee, Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Boost Western Large-Scale Water Recycling Efforts

WASHINGTON - Congressman Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06) and Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03) introduced the bipartisan Large-Scale Water Recycling Reauthorization Act to extend a federal grant program for large-scale water recycling projects in the Colorado River Basin and throughout the West. 

“Water is the lifeblood of Arizona,” said Congressman Juan Ciscomani. “As we face worsening drought in Arizona, I am proud to co-lead this critical legislation which will help Western communities, like Southern Arizona, bolster their conservation efforts through water recycling efforts.” 

“We need to save every drop of water we can to combat the ongoing, drought-driven water crisis in Nevada and throughout the West. Large-scale water recycling works,” said Congresswoman Susie Lee. “That’s exactly why we need to reauthorize the Large-Scale Water Recycling Program as soon as possible. This critical program was made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that I helped get across the finish line. I look forward to seeing it reauthorized for another five years to continue delivering the water resources our communities need for our shared future.”  

Arizona has emerged as a national leader in water recycling, reusing approximately 52% of its treated municipal wastewater, far surpassing most other states in the Colorado River Basin. This strong performance underscores Arizona’s commitment to long-term water resilience. However, continued federal investment is critical to sustain and expand these efforts. This legislation will reinforce Arizona’s role as a model for sustainable water management. 

“The Large-Scale Water Recycling Projects Competitive Grants Program helps communities, states, and whole regions build long-term, reliable water supplies to enable population growth, support economic expansion, and protect the environment and public health,” said Bruno Pigott, Executive Director of the WateReuse Association. “WateReuse applauds Representatives Lee and Ciscomani for their leadership in ensuring that this critical program continues into the future.” 

“This federal funding remains critical to helping accelerate the development of recycled water systems on a scale that would not otherwise be possible,” said John Entsminger, Southern Nevada Water Authority General Manager. “This is a smart investment that improves water supply reliability for millions of Americans, while helping communities build resiliency and respond to drought conditions.” 

“We are all looking towards ways to reduce our reliance on the Colorado River and Reclamation’s Large-Scale Water Recycling Grant Program helps fund projects that do just that,” said Deven Upadhyay, General Manager of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. “Large-scale facilities currently in the works will be an essential tool for a sustainable water future in the Western U.S. and the federal funding received is essential and matched 3:1 by local funding. Metropolitan appreciates Reps. Lee and Ciscomani for introducing this bill to help advance these projects.”  

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