Boozman, Kelly Champion Proactive Support for Maintenance and Security of Rural Water Systems
Boozman, Kelly Champion Proactive Support for Maintenance and Security of Rural Water Systems Senators Introduce FLOWS Act to Strengthen Water Infrastructure Nationwide Press Release March 4, 2026 WASHINGTON – March 4, 2026 – U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) introduced the Futureproofing Local Operations for Water Systems (FLOWS) Act of 2026, legislation to launch a targeted grant program to help rural utilities improve reliability while also strengthening and modernizing their cybersecurity. Rural water and wastewater systems are struggling with aging infrastructure, limited staffing and rising operational costs. Many of these systems serve fewer than 3,300 people and are under-resourced, increasing challenges to deploying modern tools that larger utilities rely on to detect leaks, manage pressure, monitor water quality and prevent service disruptions. These limitations drive higher costs for rural residents, reduce system reliability and leave communities more vulnerable to cyber threats. Small and rural wastewater systems struggling with fewer staff, aging infrastructure and unsustainable base rates would greatly benefit from modern digital tools such as leak and pressure monitoring as well as digital security training and maintenance. The legislation authorizes $50 million annually for these improvements, targeted to the smallest and most economically challenged rural communities. “Local water