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119-s-2701119th CongressWALLET

Headwaters Protection Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Senator Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO]

Introduced

Summary

Strengthen and expand the Water Source Protection Program to cover adjacent lands, new local water managers, and boost non‑Federal partner capacity. The bill would broaden who can lead watershed projects, add clear priorities for drought and wildfire resilience, and require set‑asides for partner planning and technical help.

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  • Families and households: Projects would prioritize protecting municipal and agricultural water supplies and water quality, and support nature‑based solutions that reduce risks from drought, wildfire, and extreme weather.
  • Local water managers and non‑Federal partners: Acequia associations, local stormwater or wastewater managers, certain land‑grant mercedes, and private entities with water delivery authority would be newly eligible to lead projects and receive targeted support. At least 20% of program funds must go to partner technical assistance and capacity building, and 10% is reserved for partner planning.
  • Forests, watersheds, and resilience: Projects can include adjacent non‑Federal land with landowner partnership, must protect ecological integrity and watershed condition, and are prioritized for aquatic restoration and climate resilience. The bill also authorizes dedicated funding for watershed condition work.

*If enacted, the bill would authorize $30.0 million per year for FY2025–2029 for watershed condition work and create set‑asides for non‑Federal partner participation, increasing potential federal spending.*

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

More water protection funding and rules

If enacted, the program would get $30 million per year for fiscal years 2025 through 2034. Communities and water managers would be newly able to apply, including acequia associations and public stormwater or wastewater entities. Projects could also take place on non‑Federal land next to National Forests only with the landowner's express support and partnership. At least 20% of program funds would go to non‑Federal partner technical help, and at least 10% of a listed subgroup would support partner planning for water source management. The Secretary would be directed to prioritize projects that reduce drought, wildfire, flooding, and improve water supply, quality, and resilience using nature‑based solutions and science‑based plans. The bill would also say federal law would not override State water law and would not allow Federal acquisition of non‑Federal land for these projects.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO]

CO • D

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Crapo, Mike [R-ID]

    ID • R

    Sponsored 9/3/2025

  • Sen. Hickenlooper, John W. [D-CO]

    CO • D

    Sponsored 9/3/2025

  • Sen. Risch, James E. [R-ID]

    ID • R

    Sponsored 9/3/2025

  • Sen. Luján, Ben Ray [D-NM]

    NM • D

    Sponsored 9/3/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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