Bill > S1264

This bill mandates that public community water systems, which are systems that provide water to at least 15 service connections used by year-round residents or regularly serve at least 25 year-round residents, must regularly test their water for compliance with secondary drinking water regulations, which are standards for water quality that affect aesthetic qualities like taste, odor, and appearance, rather than direct health risks. These tests must be conducted quarterly, with samples taken from the point where water enters the distribution system and from at least 10 percent of customer taps, following protocols set by the Department of Environmental Protection. The results of these tests must be submitted quarterly and annually to the Department, local municipal governing bodies, and customers. If test results show the water supply exceeds secondary standards, the water system owner or operator must develop a plan within 30 days to bring the supply back into compliance within another 30 days, or a faster timeframe if the department deems it necessary to protect public health, though extensions may be granted for required new construction. Furthermore, systems exceeding standards must also develop and submit a maintenance plan for departmental approval to ensure ongoing compliance, with specific timelines for plan submission, approval, and implementation, and the department is empowered to adopt necessary rules and regulations to implement these requirements.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S1264