The Rural Water System Disaster Preparedness and Assistance Act amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to establish a new emergency preparedness and response technical assistance program. This program aims to assist entities operating rural water or wastewater systems in preparing for and responding to natural or manmade disasters. The Secretary of Agriculture will administer this program by providing grants to eligible nonprofit organizations.

Eligible nonprofit organizations must have demonstrated experience in providing emergency technical assistance to water and wastewater utilities and possess the capacity to deploy personnel with relevant licenses or knowledge. Grant funds will support a wide range of activities, including providing onsite personnel and equipment during disasters, coordinating with emergency response networks, and facilitating the development of disaster action plans. The program also focuses on improving resiliency and mitigation planning, conducting preliminary damage assessments, and offering emergency services to restore critical water and wastewater functions. Additionally, it supports addressing outstanding deficiencies, assisting with federal and state reporting requirements, and specifically targets disadvantaged communities lacking resources for system improvements.

Grant funds can be utilized for salaries, supplies, and expenses related to the program's activities, though no more than 25 percent of a grant may be used for purchasing or renting appropriate emergency equipment. Importantly, eligible entities cannot use these grant funds for activities already covered by other federal funding sources. To support this initiative, the bill authorizes an appropriation of $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2029.