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Bill > S1224
NJ S1224
NJ S1224Requires DEP to study feasibility of using alternative water supply source when perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances exceed maximum contaminant level.
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 requires the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to conduct, or cause to be conducted, a study concerning the feasibility of using of alternative drinking water supply sources when an exceedance of a maximum contaminant level (MCL) for perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is discovered. As part of the study, the DEP is to consider the drinking water supply sources available to public community water systems in the State and identify alternative drinking water supplies that may be available for use by public community water systems to provide water to the customers of the system when an MCL exceedance for a PFAS substance is discovered. In conducting the study, the DEP would solicit input from representatives of public community water systems, academic institutions, and environmental organizations with expertise, knowledge, or experience in issues related to the State's water supplies, and may hold public hearings, at a time and place determined by the department, to receive input on the issue. The bill requires the DEP to prepare and submit to the Governor and the Legislature a written report containing the findings and recommendations of the study, including any proposals for legislation or other appropriate legislative or regulatory action, within one year after the bill's enactment. If the report is not prepared within the timeframe provided, the bill would require the DEP commissioner, or the commissioner's designee, to appear before appropriate legislative committees to explain why the report has not yet been prepared and the steps the DEP is taking to ensure that it is prepared.
AI Summary
This bill mandates that the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) conduct a study within one year of its enactment to explore the feasibility of using alternative drinking water sources when levels of perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) – a group of man-made chemicals often found in consumer products and the environment – exceed established maximum contaminant levels (MCLs), which are the highest level of a contaminant allowed in drinking water. The study will examine existing water supplies for public community water systems, identify potential alternative sources, and involve input from water system representatives, academics, and environmental organizations, potentially including public hearings. The DEP must then submit a report with its findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature, and if the report is delayed, the DEP Commissioner will be required to explain the delay to legislative committees.
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/S1224 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S1500/1224_I1.HTM |
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