Requires public water systems and landlords to provide certain notice of elevated perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances levels in drinking water; requires DEP to establish educational program.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Shama Haider and 8 co-sponsors

Bill A 2325 requires public water systems and landlords to notify residents of PFAS levels in drinking water, enhancing health protections and education on risks.

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Environment, Natural Resources, and Solid Waste Committee

#hazsubstanc #watersupply

Bill Information

Bill Number: A 2325

Title: Requires public water systems and landlords to provide certain notice of elevated perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances levels in drinking water; requires DEP to establish educational program.

Status: Introduced in the Assembly, referred to Assembly Environment, Natural Resources, and Solid Waste Committee

Introduced: January 09, 2024

Classification: Bill

Subject: Hazardous Substances, Water Supply

Purpose and Intent

Bill A 2325 aims to enhance public health protections by ensuring that residents are informed about elevated levels of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water. The bill mandates public water systems and landlords to notify affected individuals and establish an educational program through the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

Key Provisions

Notification Requirements for Public Water Systems:

Public water systems that exceed PFAS maximum contaminant levels must provide written notice to:
- All customers, including residences, schools, daycare centers, hospitals, and local health agencies.
The notice must be sent within 30 calendar days of confirming the exceedance and must include:
- A clear statement of the exceedance.
- Explanation of PFAS maximum contaminant levels and monitoring processes.
- Information on potential health effects.
- Details on the educational program developed by the DEP.
- Instructions for customers to sign up for notifications.
Public water systems must update their websites annually with the status of the exceedance and mitigation efforts.

Landlord Responsibilities:

Landlords must distribute any notices received from public water systems to tenants within three business days.
Notices must also be posted prominently at rental properties.
Landlords are required to provide the most recent PFAS-related information to prospective tenants before lease agreements are signed.

Enforcement and Compliance:

Violations of the notification requirements will be treated as violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act, allowing the commissioner to take necessary actions for compliance.

Educational Program:

The DEP is tasked with establishing an educational program to inform the public about PFAS, their health impacts, and mitigation strategies.

Impact

Affected Parties:

Public water systems, landlords, tenants, and the general public will be directly impacted by the notification and educational requirements.
Individuals living in areas served by public water systems with PFAS exceedances will receive timely information about potential health risks.

Procedural Aspects

The bill was introduced on January 09, 2024, and has been referred to the Assembly Environment, Natural Resources, and Solid Waste Committee for further consideration.

A companion bill, S 1044, has been introduced in the Senate.

This legislation represents a proactive approach to addressing the public health risks associated with PFAS contamination in drinking water, ensuring that communities are informed and can take necessary precautions.

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