Environment - Collection and Reporting of Drinking Water and Wastewater Documents, Data, and Information - Requirements
Impact
The bill imposes specific reporting requirements and penalties for non-compliance, establishing tiered fines based on the number of customers served by the water utilities. For instance, water utilities serving 3,301 or more customers face fines for overdue reporting of up to $1,000 for each 15-day period of infraction. This penalty structure aims to encourage compliance among utility operators and ensure that crucial water quality information is available to the public. Furthermore, the generated revenues from such fines are earmarked for a special fund dedicated to ensuring low-income households have access to safe drinking water and wastewater services.
Summary
Senate Bill 572 is a legislative proposal focused on the collection and reporting requirements for drinking water and wastewater data by water utilities operating within the state. The bill mandates that these utilities must post certain documents, data, and information on their websites or provide them to the Department of the Environment as part of their annual Water Quality Consumer Confidence Reports. This aligns state requirements with transparency and accountability regarding water quality and consumer information, which is crucial for public health and environmental sustainability.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding SB572 may arise from discussions on the financial burden placed on smaller water utilities as the penalty system could disproportionately affect smaller providers who struggle with operational costs. Critics may argue that the bill, while setting beneficial standards for reporting and transparency, could impose undue financial strain on smaller entities, threatening their viability. Proponents, on the other hand, contend that stricter regulations and penalties are essential to guarantee safe drinking water access for all citizens and maintain high standards of public health.
Effective_date
If enacted, the bill will go into effect on October 1, 2024, marking a significant change in how water utilities operate within the state regarding environmental compliance and consumer information dissemination.