New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A2836

Introduced
2/28/22  

Caption

Requires DEP, DOH, owners or operators of public water systems, and owners or operators of certain buildings to take certain actions to prevent and control cases of Legionnaires' disease.

Impact

This bill significantly amends existing public health regulations regarding water safety by establishing stringent compliance measures to mitigate the risk of Legionella bacteria in drinking water and water systems. It mandates the implementation of water management programs specifically in health care facilities and other high-risk environments, thereby enhancing the safety protocols necessary to protect vulnerable populations. Moreover, the DEP is empowered to adopt further regulations, suggesting an ongoing adaptability in response to emerging health concerns related to water safety and disease control.

Summary

A2836 is a legislative bill aimed at preventing and controlling cases of Legionnaires' disease in New Jersey. The bill outlines specific actions that must be taken by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Department of Health (DOH), as well as owners or operators of public water systems and certain buildings. Key provisions include the requirement for public water systems to maintain a minimum disinfectant residual level and conduct regular testing to ensure water quality. In the event of disruptions that may impact water safety, operators are required to notify affected residents and document the incidents.

Contention

Noteworthy points of contention surrounding A2836 may include potential pushback from building owners and operators regarding the costs of compliance with these new requirements, especially concerning the establishment and management of necessary testing and disinfection protocols. Additionally, there may be discussions about the balance between government regulation and personal property rights in regards to mandatory inspections and necessary adaptations to existing water systems for compliance. Overall, while the bill seeks to enhance public health safety, stakeholders in water management and building operations might express concerns about financial implications and the feasibility of adhering to these new standards.

Companion Bills

NJ S1006

Same As Requires DEP, DOH, owners or operators of certain public water systems, and owners or operators of certain buildings to take certain actions to prevent and control cases of Legionnaires' disease.

Previously Filed As

NJ S08499

Requires the department of environmental conservation and the department of health, owners or operators of public water systems, and owners or operators of buildings to take actions to prevent and control waterborne pathogens including legionella from source-to-tap.

NJ A09095

Requires the department of environmental conservation and the department of health, owners or operators of public water systems, and owners or operators of buildings to take actions to prevent and control waterborne pathogens including legionella from source-to-tap; creates a public awareness and education campaign.

NJ A2714

"The Legionnaires' Disease Prevention Act"; establishes grant program for restoration or removal of buildings with compromised water supply systems; appropriates $5 million.

NJ SB264

Drinking Water - Regulation - Control and Prevention of Waterborne Disease

NJ HB2085

Providing for Legionnaires' disease risk management; establishing the Legionnaires' Disease Awareness Fund; and imposing duties on the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Health.

NJ HB204

Drinking Water - Regulation - Control and Prevention of Waterborne Disease

NJ HB0204

Drinking Water - Regulation - Control and Prevention of Waterborne Disease

NJ A1042

Requires owners or operators of public community water systems to perform certain tests for Legionella bacteria.

NJ S1231

Requires owners or operators of public community water systems to perform certain tests for Legionella bacteria.

NJ S637

Requires owners and operators of certain landfills to control and monitor landfill gas emissions.

Similar Bills

NJ S2944

Requires registration, inspection, testing, cleaning, and disinfection of cooling towers to control outbreaks of Legionnaire's Disease.

CA AB2330

Public health: cold spas and cold plunge tubs.

FL S1654

Cooling Towers

FL H1377

Water Safety for Cooling Towers, Domestic Water Holding Tanks, and Supplemental Disinfection Systems

SC H4629

Public Water System

TX HB5549

Relating to the regulation and planning of on-site sewage disposal systems; authorizing and increasing an administrative penalty; increasing the amount of a fee.

LA HCR54

Urges and requests the Louisiana Department of Health to review and revise its regulations regarding minimum chlorine concentration levels in public water systems

NY A09095

Requires the department of environmental conservation and the department of health, owners or operators of public water systems, and owners or operators of buildings to take actions to prevent and control waterborne pathogens including legionella from source-to-tap; creates a public awareness and education campaign.