Connecticut House Bill HB05184

Connecticut 2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/19/20
• Refer: 2/19/20

Caption

An Act Concerning Water Quality Notification.

Impact

The legislation aims to enhance public health and safety by ensuring that potential contaminants found in water supply wells are adequately monitored and reported. Tenants and lessees are required to be notified within twenty-four hours regarding any test results that indicate water contamination. This initiative intends to inform residents about the quality of their drinking water and mitigate the risks associated with contaminated well water, especially in residential areas where private wells are common.

Summary

House Bill 05184 establishes protocols for water quality testing and notification regarding the results of such tests for properties utilizing private or semipublic wells. The bill mandates that any laboratory performing a water quality test on these wells must report the findings to the local public health authority and the Department of Public Health, specifically for residential properties. This reporting must occur within thirty days of the test's completion, provided the test is linked to a property sale, ensuring accountability and transparency in water quality management.

Contention

Key points of contention surrounding HB 05184 involve the balance between regulation and personal responsibility. Opponents may argue that the bill places additional burdens on property owners who are required to ensure compliance with notification mandates, potentially complicating real estate transactions. Furthermore, concerns regarding the practicality of enforcing these regulations and the implications for property values in areas reliant on private water wells have been mentioned. Supporters, however, assert that such measures are essential for consumer protection and public health, especially in regions where water safety is uncertain.