Tennessee Senate Bill SB0258

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/25
• Engrossed: 3/31/25
• Enrolled: 4/10/25
• Passed: 4/23/25
• Chaptered: 4/29/25

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 68, relative to public water systems.

Impact

The enactment of SB 258 is expected to have significant implications for how public water systems manage water quality across Tennessee. By excluding water softening systems from the regulatory definition, the bill aims to alleviate some regulatory burdens on homeowners and small facilities using such devices. This change may facilitate greater access to water softening without the stringent regulations that typically accompany public water systems, thereby benefiting consumers seeking improved water quality.

Summary

Senate Bill 258 addresses the definition and regulation of public water systems in Tennessee, specifically aiming to exclude water softening systems from this definition. The bill introduces amendments to Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 68, and clarifies what constitutes a public water system. Under this legislation, facilities that install point-of-entry treatment devices solely for softening hard water will be categorized as 'consecutive systems' and are required to monitor and report water quality metrics such as hardness, alkalinity, pH, and sodium levels.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 258 appears to be favorable among supporters who argue that the bill will provide clarity and ease of regulation for specific water treatment practices. Proponents believe it strikes a necessary balance between public health considerations and the practical needs of consumers who wish to soften their water without being subjected to extensive oversight. However, there remains a level of concern regarding whether the exclusion of water softening systems might inadvertently lead to less stringent water quality monitoring.

Contention

Notable points of contention include concerns from some public health advocates about the potential decrease in monitoring and reporting obligations for certain water treatment systems. Critics worry that simplifying regulations could undermine efforts to maintain high water quality standards, especially if not enough oversight remains for systems that could still impact community health. The discussion around SB 258 has thus highlighted a critical debate about the balance between regulatory relief for consumers and the imperative of safeguarding public health.