U.S. Senators John Curtis (R-Utah) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) have introduced bipartisan legislation to extend the Large-Scale Water Recycling Project Grant Program through 2032. The initiative aims to address ongoing water scarcity in the Colorado River Basin.
“For the millions that rely upon the Colorado River Basin, water scarcity is a daily reality,” said Curtis. “Large-scale water recycling is one of the most effective, forward-looking tools we have to stretch limited supplies, support growing communities, and protect our environment. Extending this bipartisan program will help states like Utah and our neighbors in the West invest in reliable, innovative water solutions that strengthen our economy and secure our water future.”
Cortez Masto added, “In the Colorado River Basin, we know all too well that water conservation is critically important. My Large-Scale Water Recycling Project Grant Program has been a vital tool for saving water, mitigating drought, and reducing strain on Lake Mead. It’s time to extend this program so it can continue providing water to homes and businesses throughout the Southwest.”
The bill would extend a grant program first established by the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which provided $450 million in funding for large-scale recycling and reuse projects intended to improve long-term reliability of water supplies across Western states. As of June 2025, about $300 million of those funds had been used, with roughly $150 million remaining. The proposed extension would double the authorization period from five years to ten years.
Organizations such as the Washington County Water Conservancy District, Southern Nevada Water Authority, WateReuse Association, and Metropolitan Water District of Southern California support the measure. Similar legislation has been introduced in the House by Congresswoman Susie Lee (D-Nev.-03) and Congressman Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.-06).
Zach Renstrom, General Manager of Washington County Water Conservancy District said: “As one of the fastest-growing and driest regions, our district’s investment in Washington County’s Regional Reuse Purification System is fundamental to our 20-year water supply plan. We thank Senator Curtis and Senator Cortez Masto for their efforts to extend the Bureau of Reclamation’s Large-Scale Water Recycling program to ensure that important federal funding resources remain available to help communities advance and build these large, innovative water supply projects.”
John Entsminger, Southern Nevada Water Authority General Manager stated: “Large-scale water recycling projects require a level of investment that exceeds the capacity of any single community. These federal grants provide critical funding to enable sustainable solutions that strengthen water security and build resiliency, helping ensure reliable water resources for millions of Americans.”
Shivaji Deshmukh, General Manager at Metropolitan Water District of Southern California noted: “We are all looking for ways to reduce our reliance on the Colorado River, and Reclamation’s Large-Scale Water Recycling Grant Program helps advance projects that do just that. With a required local funding match of $3 for every $1 of Reclamation funds, this federal investment can go a long way toward building a sustainable water supply for the Western United States. Metropolitan appreciates Senators Cortez Masto and Curtis for introducing this bill to help ensure communities have the water they need for decades to come.”
Bruno Pigott from WateReuse Association commented: “The Large-Scale Water Recycling Projects Competitive Grants Program helps communities, states, and whole regions build long-term, reliable water supplies to enable population growth, support economic expansion, and protect the environment and public health. WateReuse applauds Senators Cortez Masto and Curtis for their leadership in ensuring that this critical program continues into the future.”
