Requires public water systems to provide certain notice of boil water notices and violations of drinking water quality standards.
Impact
The bill modifies previous laws under P.L.2019, c.279, by stipulating that customers must be notified within 24 hours whenever there is an emergency requiring a boil water notice. The notification process will be facilitated through multiple channels, including telephone, electronic mail, and a public post on the water system’s website and social media. Additionally, the bill requires public water systems to gather information on customers' preferred methods of communication to ensure effective and timely dissemination of important safety information.
Summary
Senate Bill S1023 aims to enhance the notification procedures for public water systems in New Jersey regarding boil water notices and drinking water quality violations. Specifically, the bill updates existing legislation to ensure that public water systems must not only notify municipal officials when such emergencies occur but must also inform the affected customers directly. This change is motivated by the desire to improve public safety and transparency in communication regarding drinking water issues.
Conclusion
If enacted, S1023 would significantly strengthen the legal framework around public water system responsibilities in New Jersey, ensuring that residents are better informed about potential water quality threats. This bill reflects a growing emphasis on the importance of public health and safety in community governance.
Contention
While proponents argue that increasing customer notification is a vital step in safeguarding public health and ensuring residents have timely information regarding their drinking water, critics may express concerns over the additional burdens placed on public water systems. This includes the financial implications of implementing new notification technologies, as well as the management of customer data related to preferred contact methods.
Requires water supplier to notify affected municipalities, school districts, charter schools, and nonpublic schools of violations of drinking water quality standards.
Requires water supplier to notify affected municipalities, school districts, charter schools, and nonpublic schools of violations of drinking water quality standards.
Requires water supplier to notify affected municipalities, school districts, charter schools, and nonpublic schools of violations of drinking water quality standards.
Requires water supplier to notify affected municipalities, school districts, charter schools, and nonpublic schools of violations of drinking water quality standards.
Requires water supplier to notify affected municipalities, school districts, charter schools, and nonpublic schools of violations of drinking water quality standards.