House Bill 1156 would give permitted wastewater treatment systems more flexibility in how they calculate design flow rates for new dwelling units that will connect to systems serving two or more homes. Under current law, the bill keeps the default calculation at 75 gallons per day per bedroom, but it allows a permittee to seek Department of Environmental Quality approval for a lower rate if the permittee can show the proposed rate matches actual average flow from the prior calendar year and will not harm public health or the environment. The bill also sets a floor: the Department may not approve a rate below 55 gallons per day per bedroom.
The measure applies to both systems that have already allocated capacity for the new units and those that have not, with different mandatory or optional treatment depending on capacity status. It is aimed at adjusting wastewater design standards for multi-unit residential development and giving regulators a process to approve more tailored flow assumptions when supported by data. The act would take effect July 1, 2026.
HB1156 would amend G.S. 143-215.1(f3), changing state wastewater permitting rules by authorizing lower design flow calculations for certain new dwelling units connected to permitted wastewater systems, subject to DEQ approval and a statutory minimum. It also appropriates $10,000 in nonrecurring General Fund money to DEQ for fiscal year 2026-2027 to review proposed wastewater design flow rates. The bill primarily affects wastewater permittees, developers, local systems serving multiple dwelling units, and DEQ staff responsible for permit review and environmental/public health oversight.
No committee transcript or vote record is available in the provided materials, so there is no direct evidence of support or opposition from floor debate or committee discussion. Based on the bill text alone, the measure appears technical and regulatory in nature, with an emphasis on flexibility and data-based approvals rather than a major policy shift. The referral to Agriculture and Environment and Appropriations suggests it is being handled as an environmental and fiscal matter.
The main point of potential contention is whether allowing lower wastewater design flow rates could reduce required system capacity and create risks to public health or the environment. Supporters would likely emphasize flexibility, alignment with actual usage, and reduced infrastructure costs for permitted systems and housing development. Opponents or cautious reviewers may focus on DEQ’s ability to verify actual flows, the adequacy of the 55 gallons-per-day-per-bedroom floor, and whether the new approval process could lead to under-designed systems if projections are too optimistic.