Strongly urges DEP to adopt standards for certain drinking water contaminants as recommended by NJ Drinking Water Quality Institute.
The resolution highlights the historical context, referencing the 'Safe Drinking Water Act' passed in 1977, which mandated the DEP to create and enforce standards for drinking water safety. However, over the years, there has been a lack of progress in adopting stringent standards for 14 specific contaminants that remain unregulated, such as perchlorate and radon-222. By urging the DEP to act, the resolution aims to ensure that the state's drinking water regulations align with the latest scientific recommendations, thus safeguarding public health.
SCR44 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution introduced in New Jersey, aiming to strongly urge the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to adopt new standards for various drinking water contaminants as recommended by the New Jersey Drinking Water Quality Institute (DWQI). This resolution emphasizes the importance of maintaining high-quality potable water to protect the health and welfare of the state's residents. Despite previous legislative actions, many contaminants remain unregulated, prompting this renewed push for action from the DEP.
One of the notable points of contention surrounding SCR44 is the DEP's historical inertia in adopting updated standards despite recommendations from the DWQI, dating back as early as 2005. Critics may argue that this lack of action poses health risks to citizens exposed to unregulated contaminants. Proponents of the bill, however, emphasize that adopting these standards is crucial for enhancing environmental protections and public health safety in New Jersey.