AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 68, relative to public water systems.
If enacted, HB 1139 would establish new provisions under the Tennessee Code concerning public water systems. These provisions would require facilities with point-of-entry treatment devices to monitor specific water quality indicators such as hardness and pH on a quarterly basis, and sodium on an annual basis. This change in monitoring requirements is significant as it installs a legal framework to ensure certain health and safety standards concerning drinking water quality are upheld, while also potentially reducing bureaucratic compliance burdens for smaller facilities that would otherwise fall under public water system regulations.
House Bill 1139 is an act aimed at amending the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Title 68, in relation to public water systems. The primary intent of this bill is to delineate the criteria that categorize a water treatment facility as a public water system. Notably, it proposes that water softening systems, under certain conditions, should not be classified as public water systems. By doing so, the legislation seeks to provide clarity on regulatory requirements for water treatment facilities, particularly those using point-of-entry treatment devices to soften hard water.
The sentiment surrounding HB 1139 appears to be generally positive among stakeholders who advocate for clearer regulations and reduced compliance burdens on small water treatment facilities. Proponents of the bill argue that it simplifies the regulatory landscape, encouraging more facilities to utilize water softening technologies without the fear of being categorized as a public water system and facing more stringent regulations.
Despite the positive reception from some quarters, the bill may face contention from public health advocates who are concerned that the changes may inadvertently lower enforcement of water quality standards, especially if the monitoring provisions are perceived as insufficient. The debate may focus on balancing the interests of regulatory oversight and the operational flexibility of water treatment facilities. As the bill moves through the legislative process, these concerns will need to be addressed to ensure that public health is not compromised in the name of reducing regulatory burdens.