PRIA Logo™
119-hr-605119th Congress

Headwaters Protection Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Representative Costa, Jim [D-CA-21]

In Committee

Summary

Would reauthorize and expand the Water Source Protection Program to protect watershed health, water supplies, and related infrastructure by broadening who can participate, boosting non‑Federal leadership, and increasing funding and technical support.

Show full summary
  • Communities and water systems would get steadier support because the bill sets program funding at $30 million per year for fiscal years 2025 through 2033 and requires at least 10% of funds each year be used for technical assistance and capacity building for non‑Federal partners.
  • Local governments, acequia associations, stormwater and wastewater managers, "land‑grant mercedes," and private entities with water delivery authority would become explicitly eligible and must take leading roles in assessments, planning, design, and implementation. The bill generally requires non‑Federal partners to provide at least a 20% cost share, with the Secretary allowed to waive that requirement.
  • Landowners near National Forest System watersheds would be able to host projects only with owner express support and active partnership. Project planning is modernized to rely on ecological integrity, best available science, existing watershed plans, and nature‑based solutions to boost resilience to wildfire, drought, and extreme weather.

*Would increase federal spending by setting program funding at $30 million per year for FY2025 through FY2033.*

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to download

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Five-year funds for watershed work

If enacted, the government would be authorized to provide $30 million each year from 2025 through 2029 for watershed work. This would fund planning and projects, if Congress later appropriates the money.

More funds for water source projects

If enacted, the program would be authorized $30 million each year from 2025 through 2033. At least 10% each year (about $3 million) would support partner technical help and capacity. This would replace the prior $10 million level. Congress would still need to approve the money each year.

New rules and 20% local match

If enacted, non‑Federal partners would help lead assessments, planning, design, and project work. Most projects would need at least a 20% non‑Federal cost share, but the Secretary could waive it. Plans would use the best available science and protect ecological integrity. Projects that cut drought, wildfire, flood, and water‑quality risks, help forest work, aid disadvantaged communities, or show clear water benefits would be prioritized. Existing watershed plans and Good Neighbor agreements could be used.

More partners and work on nearby lands

If enacted, more groups could join projects, including acequia associations, stormwater or wastewater managers, land‑grant institutions, and private entities with water delivery authority. Projects could also occur on nearby non‑Federal land in the same watershed if the landowner agrees and is an active partner. The bill would not change land ownership or long‑term management, beyond what is needed to carry out the project.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Costa, Jim [D-CA-21]

CA • D

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Valadao, David G. [R-CA-22]

    CA • R

    Sponsored 1/22/2025

  • Rep. Pettersen, Brittany [D-CO-7]

    CO • D

    Sponsored 1/22/2025

  • Rep. Stansbury, Melanie A. [D-NM-1]

    NM • D

    Sponsored 1/22/2025

  • Rep. Perez, Marie Gluesenkamp [D-WA-3]

    WA • D

    Sponsored 1/22/2025

  • Rep. Schrier, Kim [D-WA-8]

    WA • D

    Sponsored 2/7/2025

  • Rep. Harder, Josh [D-CA-9]

    CA • D

    Sponsored 3/11/2025

  • Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]

    PA • R

    Sponsored 3/11/2025

  • Rep. Neguse, Joe [D-CO-2]

    CO • D

    Sponsored 6/3/2025

  • Rep. Matsui, Doris O. [D-CA-7]

    CA • D

    Sponsored 8/1/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

View on Congress.gov
Back to Legislation