Representatives Torres & Valadao Reintroduce Bipartisan Removing Nitrate and Arsenic in Drinking Water Act
Expanding funding and protecting safe drinking water in California
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Norma Torres (D-CA) and Congressman David Valadao (R-CA), both members of the House Appropriations Committee, unveiled a bipartisan initiative aimed at tackling the widespread contamination of drinking water by harmful substances like nitrates and arsenic. The Removing Nitrate and Arsenic in Drinking Water Act represents a step forward in addressing a growing public health crisis affecting the drinking water of communities across the country.
The bill proposes a crucial amendment to the Safe Drinking Water Act, providing $15 million in grants for fiscal year 2026 and every year thereafter to fund nitrate and arsenic reduction efforts. This landmark legislation also directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to prioritize the needs of economically disadvantaged populations who are most impacted by this contamination.
“This is a public health emergency in the Inland Empire and across the country. The contamination of our water supply with nitrate and arsenic is a direct threat to the health and safety of my constituents,” said Congresswoman Torres. “I’m committed to securing the resources needed to address this crisis, especially for the most vulnerable—infants, pregnant women, and individuals with enzyme deficiencies. The Inland Empire, particularly former agricultural areas, faces some of the worst contamination levels in the state, and we cannot wait any longer to ensure we make clean drinking water accessible for everyone.”
“Access to clean drinking water is essential for the health and well-being of every American—especially in rural and underserved communities like the Central Valley,” said Congressman Valadao. “This bipartisan bill gives rural communities that rely on groundwater the resources they need to reduce harmful contaminants and ensure our water supply is safe. I’m proud to join Rep. Torres to help our small towns throughout the Valley fix this ongoing issue.”
The Removing Nitrate and Arsenic in Drinking Water Act is supported by Three Valleys Municipal Water District, Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD), West Valley Water District, Cucamonga Valley Water District, and Elsinore Valley.
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