December 11, 2025
Ms. Blunt Rochester (for herself and Mr. Wicker) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works
To amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to reauthorize technical assistance to small public water systems and the assistance for small and disadvantaged communities program, and for other purposes.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Unincorporated Partnerships for Grant Resources, Assistance, and Drinking Water Enhancements Act of 2025
or the UPGRADE Act of 2025
.
Sec. 2. Technical assistance to small public water systems
Section 1442(e)(5) of the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300j–1(e)(5)) is amended by striking 2026
and inserting 2031
.
Sec. 3. Assistance for small and disadvantaged communities
Section 1459A of the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300j–19a) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (c)(1), by striking subparagraph (C) and inserting the following:
(C)
a State, on behalf of—
(i)
an underserved community; or
(ii)
an unincorporated community, as determined by the applicable State and identified through coordination with applicable county governments; and; and
(2)
in subsection (k)(5), by striking fiscal year 2026
and inserting each of fiscal years 2026 through 2031
.