Bill > S324

This bill requires the North Carolina Commission for Public Health to establish maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for certain toxic chemicals in drinking water by October 15, 2025. The bill specifically mandates setting MCLs for several known hazardous substances, including PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances), PFOA, PFOS, hexavalent chromium (chromium-6), and 1,4-Dioxane. When developing these standards, the Commission must review MCLs from other states, scientific studies, and resources like the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. The bill emphasizes that the established MCLs must protect public health, with special consideration for vulnerable populations like pregnant women, nursing mothers, infants, and children, and ensures that state-level MCLs will not exceed federal Environmental Protection Agency guidelines. Additionally, the Commission is required to conduct annual reviews of scientific research and update MCLs as necessary to address emerging threats to public health. The act will become effective immediately upon becoming law, signaling an urgent approach to protecting drinking water quality in North Carolina.

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S324