New Jersey Senate Bill S1044

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Requires public water systems and landlords to provide certain notice of elevated perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances levels in drinking water; requires DEP to establish educational program.

Impact

The enactment of S1044 will significantly impact existing laws governing water quality and public health notifications. Public water systems will be held to stricter communication standards, providing annual updates on the status of PFAS remediation efforts until the reported exceedance is resolved. The bill also delineates responsibilities for landlords, requiring them to promptly inform tenants about any PFAS-related health notifications they receive and to share this critical information with prospective tenants before lease agreements are signed. Failure to comply may result in administrative penalties.

Summary

Senate Bill S1044 aims to enhance public awareness and safety regarding elevated levels of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water. This law mandates that public water systems provide timely written notifications to customers, including residents and healthcare facilities, whenever PFAS levels exceed established maximum contaminant levels (MCLs). The notifications must be sent no later than 30 days after a confirmed exceedance and must inform the public of the health risks associated with PFAS, while also directing them to an educational program established by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

Contention

The bill addresses a pressing public health issue related to PFAS contamination, which has seen increasing scrutiny due to its environmental persistence and potential adverse health effects. Notably, the bill places an emphasis on compliance and accountability for both public water systems and landlords in disseminating health information. Critics may argue that the additional burden on these entities could lead to greater operational costs or logistical challenges in maintaining adequate compliance with the notification requirements. Nonetheless, proponents contend that the enhanced transparency is essential for protecting community health and ensuring informed decision-making among residents.