Requires boil water notices to be provided by certain public water systems via telephone, email or text message.
Impact
The implementation of S2353 is expected to significantly modify existing state regulations under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Specifically, the bill promotes a more proactive approach to public health communications by ensuring that customers are informed about boil water advisories in real-time. Additionally, public water systems would need to invest in technology to facilitate these communications, including updating their notification systems to handle direct contact through multiple channels. This enhancement is likely to lead to greater public awareness and preparedness regarding water quality issues, ultimately contributing to better public health outcomes.
Summary
Senate Bill S2353 aims to improve public safety by mandating that public water systems promptly notify their customers of any boil water notices. Under the proposed legislation, water systems must notify affected customers as soon as they learn of the need for a boil water notice, with a strict timeline that requires notice within 24 hours. This step is crucial for ensuring that consumers are informed quickly about potential threats to their drinking water, allowing them to take necessary precautions. The bill requires that notices be provided through customers' preferred means of communication, whether that be via telephone, email, or text message, thereby enhancing the likelihood that notices will be received promptly and effectively.
Contention
While S2353 supports improved public health safety, some may raise concerns about the costs and resources necessary for public water systems to comply with the new requirements. Smaller water providers, in particular, may face challenges in implementing the necessary technology for multi-channel communication. Furthermore, there may be a debate about the adequacy of the response time permitted under the bill, as critics might argue that even a 24-hour notification window could still leave consumers exposed to health risks. Overall, the discussion around S2353 revolves around balancing the urgency of health notifications with the practical capacity of water systems to adapt to these new standards.
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.
Requires electric, gas, and water public utilities to disseminate outage information to customers through autodialed telephone call, text message, and electronic mail alert service.
Requires electric, gas, and water public utilities to disseminate outage information to customers through autodialed telephone call, text message, and electronic mail alert service.