On Feb. 17, 2026, Chairmen Brett Guthrie and Gary Palmer announced a House Subcommittee on Environment hearing titled “From Source to Tap: A Hearing to Examine Challenges and Opportunities for Safe, Reliable, and Affordable Drinking Water.” The hearing is scheduled for Feb. 24, 2026, at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, D.C., and will be open to the public and press.
The hearing aims to address the current state of nationwide drinking water infrastructure, implementation of the Safe Drinking Water Act, and security concerns such as cyber threats. According to Guthrie and Palmer, “Every American deserves access to safe, reliable, and affordable drinking water. Yet, failing infrastructure creates the potential threat of contamination in the safe drinking water that American families rely on, putting the health and safety of our communities at risk. This hearing will examine the current state of our nationwide drinking water infrastructure, how the Safe Drinking Water Act is being implemented, and the security of our water systems against cyber threats and other risks to ensure our communities are being served effectively.”
Nicole N. Murley from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Inspector General is scheduled to testify before the subcommittee. Murley said her testimony would draw from oversight work examining how the EPA ensures safe drinking water and manages recent increases in federal funding for water infrastructure projects.
Murley highlighted past system failures in Jackson (Mississippi), Flint (Michigan), and Benton Harbor (Michigan) as examples where breakdowns led to contaminated water supplies and public health concerns. She said these incidents underscore “that federal oversight is essential to ensure that taxpayer dollars invested translate into safe, reliable drinking water for communities nationwide.” Murley also outlined challenges related to increased funding under recent legislation such as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act—including expanded opportunities but also heightened risks for fraud or mismanagement.
The EPA’s primary vehicle for disbursing funds is its State Revolving Fund program. Murley noted that while states have flexibility in managing these funds locally—including issuing loans or grants—EPA retains responsibility for oversight after awards are made. She cited recent audits showing weaknesses in tracking improper payments associated with these programs.
Murley concluded by stating that continued attention is necessary “to sustain and build on these improvements” so that investments deliver lasting public health benefits. The hearing will be livestreamed online.
