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Bill > S2361
NJ S2361
NJ S2361Requires DEP to establish maximum contaminant level for hexavalent chromium in drinking water.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill would require the Department of Environmental Protection (department), no later than one year after the bill's effective date, to adopt a maximum contaminant level for hexavalent chromium (chromium-VI) of 10 parts per billion in drinking water beginning: (1) two years after the bill's effective date for public water systems with 10,000 of greater service connections; (2) three years after the bill's effective date for public water systems with 1,000 to 9,999 service connections; and (3) four years after the bill's effective date for public water systems with fewer than 1,000 service connections. The bill would also permit the department to adopt a more stringent standard for hexavalent chromium (chromium-VI) upon recommendation of the Drinking Water Quality Institute. The bill's provisions would not alter the maximum contaminant level for total chromium in drinking water, as adopted by the department pursuant to any federal or State law, rule, or regulation, except that hexavalent chromium (chromium-VI) would be prohibited from exceeding the maximum contaminant level of 10 parts per billion, as established under the bill.
AI Summary
This bill mandates that the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) establish a maximum contaminant level, or a safe limit, for hexavalent chromium, also known as chromium-VI, in drinking water at 10 parts per billion. This new standard will be phased in over several years, starting two years after the bill becomes law for large public water systems (those serving 10,000 or more connections), three years for medium-sized systems (1,000 to 9,999 connections), and four years for smaller systems (fewer than 1,000 connections). The bill clarifies that this does not change the existing limit for total chromium, but specifically restricts hexavalent chromium to the new 10 parts per billion limit. Additionally, the DEP is permitted to set an even stricter standard for hexavalent chromium if the Drinking Water Quality Institute recommends it.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S2361 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S2500/2361_I1.HTM |
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