Bill
Bill > A3947
NJ A3947
NJ A3947Requires water supply system testing and compliance with secondary drinking water regulations.
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 a public community water system to sample and test the water supply on a quarterly basis for compliance with secondary drinking water regulations in accordance with testing protocols established by the Department of Environmental Protection (department). The testing protocols, in addition to requiring sampling when the water enters the distribution system, would require the public community water system to collect samples for testing from at least 10 percent of customer taps. The bill would also require that the owner or operator of a public community water system submit quarterly and annual test results to the department, to the governing body of each municipality within its service area, and to customers of the system. The bill would further require, whenever the test results of a water supply exceed the standards established in the secondary drinking water regulations, that the owner or operator of the public community water system formulate a compliance plan, within 30 days, that provides for the public community water system to take any action necessary to bring the water supply into compliance with the standard within 30 days after the plan's completion. Finally, the bill would require that the public community water system also develop and submit, for department approval, a maintenance plan for the system to ensure that the water supply continues to meet the standards set forth in the State's secondary drinking water regulations.
AI Summary
This bill requires public community water systems, which are systems that provide water to at least 15 service connections or 25 people year-round, to regularly test their water for compliance with secondary drinking water regulations, which address aesthetic qualities like taste and odor rather than direct health risks. These tests must be conducted quarterly, with samples taken both where the 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 governments, and customers. If test results exceed secondary standards, the water system owner or operator must develop a plan within 30 days to correct the issue within another 30 days, or sooner if the department deems it a public health threat, though extensions may be granted for necessary construction. Furthermore, systems found to be out of compliance must also develop and submit a maintenance plan for departmental approval to ensure ongoing adherence to secondary drinking water regulations.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Environment and Solid Waste 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/A3947 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A4000/3947_I1.HTM |
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