Last week, the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW) unanimously approved the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026, advancing the legislation to the full Senate. The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee also advanced its version of the bill, continuing Congress’s longstanding bipartisan effort to reauthorize water resources legislation every two years. WRDA provides the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with the authority to carry out projects that strengthen flood protection, navigation, ecosystem restoration, and other critical water infrastructure that communities rely on every day.
While WRDA is often viewed through the lens of infrastructure and economic development, these investments also have important public health implications. Many communities across the country depend on aging water infrastructure that requires ongoing maintenance, modernization, and technical support. Providing resources to rehabilitate dams, reservoirs, levees, and other water infrastructure helps strengthen the reliability of water systems while reducing vulnerabilities that can disrupt water quality and service.
Modern, well-maintained water infrastructure is an important part of preventing waterborne health risks. Aging infrastructure can create conditions that make it more difficult for utilities to effectively manage water quality, increasing the potential for contamination and the growth of bacteria such as Legionella. Continued investment in infrastructure, coupled with strong system management and monitoring, helps communities maintain safe drinking water and reduce the risk of waterborne illnesses.
As water systems continue to face aging infrastructure, workforce constraints, and evolving environmental challenges, sustained investment remains essential. The advancement of WRDA reflects continued recognition that resilient water infrastructure is a critical component of protecting public health and ensuring communities have access to safe, reliable drinking water for generations to come.