42 U.S.C. § 300j–3d — Water supply cost savings

1. (a)Drinking water technology clearinghouseThe Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture, shall—
   1. (1)develop a technology clearinghouse for information on the cost-effectiveness of innovative and alternative drinking water delivery systems, including wells and well systems; and
   2. (2)disseminate such information to the public and to communities and not-for-profit organizations seeking Federal funding for drinking water delivery systems serving 500 or fewer persons.
2. (b)Water system assessmentIn any application for a grant or loan for the purpose of construction, replacement, or rehabilitation of a drinking water delivery system serving 500 or fewer persons, the funding for which would come from the Federal Government (either directly or through a State), a unit of local government or not-for-profit organization shall self-certify that the unit of local government or organization has considered, as an alternative drinking water supply, drinking water delivery systems sourced by publicly owned—
   1. (1)individual wells;
   2. (2)shared wells; and
   3. (3)community wells.
3. (c)Report to CongressNot later than 3 years after December 16, 2016, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to Congress a report that describes—
   1. (1)the use of innovative and alternative drinking water delivery systems described in this section;
   2. (2)the range of cost savings for communities using innovative and alternative drinking water delivery systems described in this section; and
   3. (3)the use of drinking water technical assistance programs operated by the Administrator and the Secretary of Agriculture.