Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program Establishment Act

This bill establishes the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program to help low-income households pay for drinking water and wastewater services. The program is initially run by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the EPA Administrator, and later transferred to the EPA.

Sec. 2, Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program: The bill defines key terms like "low-income household" based on receiving certain federal assistance or having income up to 150% of the poverty level or 60% of state or area median income. The Secretary must establish a program to award grants to states and Indian tribes that are eligible for Low-Income Home Energy Assistance, using a formula based on the percentage of low-income households or those spending over 30% of income on housing, with up to 3% reserved for tribes. Grants help owners of public water systems or treatment works assist low-income households with arrearages and rates.

Sec. 2(c), Rural, Underserved, and Indian Tribe Access Grants: The Secretary provides grants to qualified nonprofit organizations to help water system operators in rural, underserved, or tribal areas access the program.

Sec. 2(d)-(f), Applications, Limitations, and Technical Assistance: Eligible entities must apply as required. Grant funds cannot replace other low-income water assistance programs but can supplement them. The Secretary offers technical assistance for data sharing to streamline eligibility.

Sec. 2(g), Transfer to the Environmental Protection Agency: After a final report under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is submitted, the program transfers to the EPA Administrator, who takes over all functions. The Secretary continues administering grants awarded before the transfer until they expire, and unobligated funds are transferred to the EPA.

Sec. 2(h), Authorization of Appropriations: Such sums as necessary are authorized to be appropriated.