Relating to boil water notices issued by public drinking water supply systems.
Impact
The bill modifies Chapter 341 of the Health and Safety Code by adding specific provisions regarding the issuance and reissuance of boil water notices. If a boil water notice is not resolved within 48 hours, the public drinking water supply system is required to update the notice with information on steps being taken to resolve the issue. By establishing these time frames, the legislation aims to enhance public safety and improve overall responsiveness to water quality concerns.
Summary
House Bill 5609 aims to strengthen the regulations surrounding boil water notices issued by public drinking water supply systems. Under this proposed legislation, operators are mandated to issue a boil water notice within 12 hours of learning about potential health risks related to the quality of the water supplied. This swift notification is designed to inform the public of any violations that could significantly adversely affect human health, ensuring timely action can be undertaken by those affected.
Contention
While the bill appears straightforward in its objective to protect public health, it could generate discussions around the logistics and practicality of compliance for smaller water systems. Stakeholders may express concerns about the financial and administrative burden imposed on operators, particularly those in rural areas with limited resources. Moreover, the challenges of simultaneous compliance with both state mandates and federal standards, as stipulated in the Safe Drinking Water Act, may also arise as a point of contention.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Health And Safety Code
Chapter 341. Minimum Standards Of Sanitation And Health Protection Measures
Relating to notice provided by certain public water systems regarding a water service interruption in an area served by a fire department that provides fire suppression services.
Relating to the transfer of functions relating to the economic regulation of water and sewer service from the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Office of Public Utility Counsel to the Water Public Utility Commission and the Office of Water Public Utility Counsel; creating a criminal offense.