Maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) in water supplies and waterworks; Board of Health regulations.
The enactment of HB 919 is expected to significantly improve the regulation of water quality by compelling the Board to develop MCLs in response to specific contaminants, thus solidifying the state's ability to enforce water safety standards. Furthermore, it encourages collaborative efforts through studies involving various stakeholders to ascertain the levels of contaminants in public drinking water. This regulatory action is designed to maintain compliance with the federal Safe Drinking Water Act and may improve public trust in water quality management across Virginia.
House Bill 919 addresses the issue of water quality by amending existing statutes related to maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) in water supplies and waterworks within the Commonwealth of Virginia. The bill mandates that the Board of Health establish regulations for various contaminants, including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), chromium-6, and 1,4-dioxane, ensuring that these levels are protective of vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women. The intent is to enhance public health by ensuring clean and safe drinking water through regulated standards that also comply with federal guidelines from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Discussion surrounding HB 919 has generally been supportive, particularly from public health advocates and environmental organizations who view the bill as a crucial step towards safeguarding drinking water. Legislators expressed a consensus on the importance of addressing water contamination issues, especially given heightened public awareness of environmental health risks. However, there remains some concern from stakeholders regarding the feasibility of implementing all proposed regulations and their potential impact on waterworks operations and costs.
While overall support for HB 919 has been substantial, notable contention lies in the discussions about how the bill would be enacted practically. There are questions about the capacity of the Board of Health to conduct the mandated studies, as well as concerns regarding the inclusion and influence of different stakeholder perspectives in the regulatory development process. Some critics argue that rapid regulatory changes might impose undue burdens on water suppliers, especially smaller utilities, which could struggle to meet new standards without additional financial resources.