Every Drop Counts Act Boosts Water Storage Project Limits: More Projects, New Capacity Rules

The "Every Drop Counts Act" tweaks the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, changing up the rules for which water storage projects can snag grant money. The main deal? It sets some specific size limits for these projects and bumps up the number of projects that can get the green light from five to ten.

Sizing Up Storage

This bill lays out some pretty clear rules about how big (or small) a water storage project needs to be to qualify for funding. We're talking a capacity between 200 and 30,000 acre-feet—that's enough water to cover between 200 and 30,000 football fields with one foot of water. The projects also need to either boost surface or groundwater storage, or help move water around to where it's needed.

But here's where it gets a bit more specific: The bill also talks about "average annual project life capacity." This means projects need to be able to recharge between 200 and 150,000 acre-feet of water each year. They can do this by increasing groundwater storage, moving water in or out of groundwater, stabilizing groundwater levels, or a mix of all three. An acre-foot is about 326,000 gallons, so, for example, if you are a farmer that relies on consistent water for irrigation, these capacity changes could be critical, potentially providing a more reliable water supply during dry spells (SEC. 2).

More Projects, More Impact?

One of the biggest changes is that the bill doubles the number of projects that can be authorized, from five to ten. This could mean more water storage overall, which is a big deal for areas dealing with water shortages. But, it also means more construction, more potential environmental impacts, and, potentially, more competition for water resources.

Keeping It Legal

The bill is also clear that it's not trying to step on any toes. Section 3 spells out that it doesn't override existing state or federal water laws, mess with interstate water agreements, or authorize the feds to grab anyone's water. It also says it won't infringe on existing water rights—meaning if you already have a legal right to a certain amount of water, this bill shouldn't change that.

Real-World Ripple Effects

For folks in water-stressed areas, this bill could be a game-changer. Think about a small town that's been relying on a dwindling groundwater supply. A new storage project could help them capture and store more water during wet periods, giving them a buffer against future droughts. Or consider a construction company specializing in water infrastructure; this bill could open up new opportunities for contracts and projects.

But there are potential downsides. More projects mean more potential disruption to ecosystems. And, while the bill aims to boost water storage, it doesn't guarantee that the water will be used efficiently or equitably. It's also worth noting that setting specific capacity requirements could mean some worthy projects get left out, while others get fast-tracked simply because they fit the size criteria.

Overall, the Every Drop Counts Act is a significant move in how we manage water. It's a clear signal that water storage is a priority, but like any big infrastructure change, the devil is in the details—and how those details play out on the ground will determine whether this bill truly makes every drop count.