Bill > HB874

This bill amends the Pennsylvania Safe Drinking Water Act by updating definitions and provisions related to public water systems and variances. Specifically, the bill modifies the definition of a "public water system" to clarify that it includes collection, treatment, storage, and distribution facilities, and adds an explicit exclusion for water systems owned by religious organizations that rely on a privately owned water well. The bill also changes the department's approach to variances from treatment technique requirements, changing the language from "may authorize" to "shall authorize" when a water system demonstrates that its drinking water quality meets current surface water treatment rules or that the treatment technique is unnecessary. Additionally, the bill refines the conditions under which the department can grant exemptions to drinking water standards, requiring a more detailed assessment of health risks, specifically looking at the absence of recorded illnesses and microbial contaminants. The modifications aim to provide more clarity and flexibility in regulating public water systems while maintaining health and safety standards. The bill will take effect 60 days after its enactment.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=874