Congressmen Davis, Johnson Introduce Legislation Improve Support for Rural Water Systems
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressmen Don Davis (NC-01) and Dusty Johnson (SD-At-Large) introduced H.R. 7530, the Assistance for Rural Water Systems Act of 2026, to provide the Department of Agriculture (USDA) with additional authorities to provide grants, zero-interest and low-interest loans, loan forgiveness, and loan refinancing to certain rural water, wastewater, or waste-disposal facilities. The legislation is endorsed by the National Rural Water Association.
“Every eastern North Carolinian deserves access to reliable water infrastructure. Water systems are the backbone of our communities, determining whether a rural area can attract new housing, welcome manufacturers, or keep essential places open. The Assistance for Rural Water Systems Act is a game-changer, providing the essential support we need to make vital improvements a reality,” said Congressman Don Davis. “By investing in our water systems, we’re building healthier communities, stronger local economies, and a more resilient future.”
“Reliable water infrastructure is essential to the health, safety, and economic vitality of our communities,” said Congressman Dusty Johnson. “Prioritizing rural water investment opens doors for South Dakota to support growth, attract businesses, and expand housing opportunities. Modernizing USDA water programs to better meet the needs of rural America is critical.”
“This legislation is transformational by modernizing the USDA Water programs to address the current financial challenges that many rural water systems are facing,” said Matthew Holmes, Chief Executive Officer of the National Rural Water Association (NWRA). “This Bill includes significant improvements to the base program, including new long-term financing options that will preserve the affordability of services for rural Americans, maintain public health standards, and ensure access to safe drinking water and clean wastewater services, especially in lower-income and economically distressed communities. NRWA applauds Congressmen Don Davis and Dusty Johnson for their leadership and commitment to better serve the needs of rural America.”
"This new legislation is a bold step forward in making infrastructure financing more affordable and accessible to small, rural, and tribal systems," said Olga Morales-Pate, CEO of the Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP). "RCAP has seen firsthand how rising costs and limited financing options create challenges for rural systems in providing affordable service. Kudos to Congressmen Don Davis and Dusty Johnson for answering the call with practical solutions in the form of new USDA financing and servicing tools. Through their leadership on this bill, they will bring clean water, improved health outcomes and sustainability of systems in economically distressed rural areas for decades to come."
In the Senate, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (NH) and Thom Tillis (NC) introduced companion legislation, S.783, the Assistance for Rural Water Systems Act of 2025, last year.
The bill text can be found HERE.