[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 130 (Thursday, July 27, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S3763]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. PADILLA:
  S. 2654. A bill to increase efficiency and conservation in public 
water systems, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Environment 
and Public Works.
  Mr. PADILLA. Madam President, I rise to introduce the Water 
Efficiency, Conservation, and Sustainability Act of 2023. This 
legislation would authorize $550 million for the Environmental 
Protection Agency to address water inefficiencies and losses in public 
water systems.
  Every year, household leaks waste nearly 1 trillion gallons of water 
nationwide, increasing water bills and wasting water meant for critical 
drinking water and clean water uses.
  The Water Efficiency, Conservation, and Sustainability Act of 2023 
creates a suite of options for States, municipalities, water systems, 
and Tribal nations to address water inefficiencies and losses in public 
water systems and to support leak reduction as one of the most cost-
effective urban water management tools we have.
  Leaking pipes waste an estimated 17 percent of water before a drop 
reaches a consumer's faucet. In my home State of California, 8 percent 
is wasted in a State that cannot afford any waste as we face 
increasingly unpredictable weather whiplash between drought and 
flooding.
  Water efficiency is the most cost-effective way to ensure clean, 
affordable drinking water for communities across the country. Much like 
energy efficiency measures, improving water efficiency saves consumers 
money, reduces demand, decreases strain on water supply systems, and 
saves energy.
  Yet Federal spending on energy efficiency and renewable energy in 
outpaced spending on water efficiency and water reuse by approximately 
80 to 1 since 2000, resulting in millions of gallons wasted each year 
that could otherwise be saved or utilized.
  Achieving widespread water efficiency will require both inside-the-
home and system upgrades. Fixes at the individual building level can 
add up to make a big difference. The EPA estimates that installation of 
water-efficient fixtures and appliances can reduce water use 20 percent 
and save money for consumers.
  The bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provided a 
historic level of water infrastructure investment--including for Bureau 
of Reclamation States and for wastewater efficiency--but more 
investment is needed in the water systems that deliver drinking water 
to our homes and businesses across all States.
  As drought continues to impact the Western United States and regions 
across the country, investing in resilient water supplies is an 
increasingly urgent priority for States, water systems, and families 
facing rising water rates.
  In a survey completed as part of a 2014 GAO report, 40 out of 50 
State water managers expected water shortages in some portion of their 
State in the next decade. Improving water efficiency saves money, saves 
energy, and helps ensure a more resilient water supply.
  I would like to thank my House colead, Congressman Levin, for 
championing this effort with me, and I look forward to working with my 
colleagues to enact the Water Efficiency, Conservation, and 
Sustainability Act of 2023.
                                 ______