Healthy Drinking Water Affordability Act; Healthy H2O Act
Summary
The Healthy Drinking Water Affordability Act aims to establish a grant program to assist with the purchase, installation, and maintenance of point-of-entry and point-of-use drinking water quality improvement products. This program targets communities dependent on private groundwater supplies and those facing infrastructure challenges with public water supplies. The Act focuses on addressing contaminants like lead, arsenic, and unregulated substances in drinking water.
Expected Effects
The Act will likely improve access to clean drinking water for eligible end users in rural areas by providing financial assistance for water quality improvement products. It also establishes a framework for qualified water quality testing and professional installation and maintenance of water treatment systems. The Act mandates annual reports to Congress on barriers to safe drinking water and the effectiveness of the program.
Potential Benefits
- Improved access to safe drinking water for rural communities.
- Financial assistance for low-income households to purchase water filtration systems.
- Support for local businesses providing water testing, installation, and maintenance services.
- Increased awareness of water quality issues and treatment options.
- Reduced exposure to harmful contaminants in drinking water.
Potential Disadvantages
- Limited funding may not reach all eligible communities.
- Complex application process could deter some eligible end users.
- Dependence on third-party installers and certifiers may create bottlenecks.
- Potential for misuse of funds or selection of ineffective treatment systems.
- The income cap of 150% of the median nonmetropolitan household income may exclude some in need.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the General Welfare Clause of the Constitution, which allows Congress to enact laws that promote the health and well-being of the population. Specifically, the Act addresses a public health concern by providing resources to improve drinking water quality, particularly in rural areas. The Act does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).