Bill

Bill > A3760


NJ A3760

NJ A3760
Requires DEP to establish maximum contaminant level for hexavalent chromium in drinking water.


summary

Introduced
01/13/2026
In Committee
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 (MCL) 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, with larger public water systems having 10,000 or more connections needing to comply within two years of the bill's effective date, those with 1,000 to 9,999 connections within three years, and smaller systems with fewer than 1,000 connections within four years. The bill clarifies that this new MCL for hexavalent chromium will not change the existing MCL for total chromium, but it specifically prohibits hexavalent chromium from exceeding the newly set 10 parts per billion limit. Furthermore, the DEP is permitted to implement 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, Referred to Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee (on 01/13/2026)

bill text


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