Alex Padilla: “I rise to introduce the Water Efficiency, Conservation, and Sustainability Act of 2023. This legislation would authorize…”

“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.…”