New Jersey Assembly Bill A3949

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/12/22
• Refer: 5/12/22

Caption

Requires institutions of higher education to test for lead in drinking water annually, report test results, and install lead filters or treatment devices.

Impact

Upon detecting elevated lead levels, institutions are required to close off access to the affected water outlets immediately and provide an alternate drinking water source. Furthermore, they must identify buildings that contain lead plumbing fixtures and install certified water filters or treatment devices at all drinking water outlets within these buildings. This will fundamentally alter the operational protocols of higher education institutions, placing greater responsibility on them to ensure the safety of their water supply and protect the health of the campus community.

Summary

Assembly Bill A3949 mandates that all institutions of higher education in New Jersey must conduct annual testing of drinking water for lead contamination. The initial testing must be completed within 90 days of the bill's enactment, with subsequent yearly tests required thereafter. This proactive measure aims to address public health concerns regarding lead exposure, particularly among students, faculty, and staff who may consume contaminated water. Institutions must utilize laboratories certified by the Department of Environmental Protection to carry out these tests in accordance with established sampling methodologies. The bill represents a significant step towards ensuring clean drinking water on college campuses.

Contention

While the bill is broadly aimed at safeguarding public health, it may face challenges related to implementation costs and logistical burdens on institutions. Some stakeholders may express concern regarding the extent of the required testing and remediation processes, particularly for smaller colleges with limited resources. Additionally, the bill mandates transparency by requiring institutions to report test results to the Secretary of Higher Education, post results online, and notify the campus community, fostering a culture of accountability. However, managing communications around positive test results could lead to public relations challenges.