U.S. Sens. John Boozman (R-Ark.) and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) have introduced the Futureproofing Local Operations for Water Systems (FLOWS) Act of 2026, legislation aimed at strengthening rural water infrastructure through modernization and cybersecurity improvements. The bill would authorize $50 million annually for a competitive grant program administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to help small and economically challenged communities upgrade drinking water, wastewater and stormwater systems.
Many rural utilities serve fewer than 3,300 residents and face aging infrastructure, limited staffing and rising operational costs. The proposed funding would support digital technologies such as real-time monitoring sensors, advanced modeling software, industrial control systems and artificial intelligence tools, as well as workforce training and cybersecurity assistance.