Bill > HB1983

This bill establishes a maximum allowable hardwater level of 180 milligrams per liter (mg/L), measured as calcium carbonate equivalents, for public water systems in Tennessee, with this standard applying to systems that receive state funds for a "system upgrade" – defined as a capital improvement or modification costing $25,000 or more – on or after July 1, 2026. Public water systems not receiving such funds are exempt from this new standard unless they later undertake a system upgrade with state funding. The bill also creates a temporary exemption for hardwater levels exceeding the limit due to "seasonal runoff," which refers to temporary increases caused by precipitation or snowmelt, provided the system notifies the state, provides documentation, and has a plan to return to compliance within 90 days, with a limit of 120 days of exemption per year without further approval. Public water systems will be required to monitor and report their hardwater levels as part of their annual water quality reports, and the state department will enforce these provisions.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB1983&ga=114