Requires boil water notices to be provided by certain public water systems via telephone, email or text message.
Impact
The legislation modifies existing protocols under the Safe Drinking Water Act by requiring public water systems to obtain and utilize customers' preferred methods of communication—including telephone, email, or text message—to relay boil water notices. This requirement aims to ensure that all customers are informed swiftly and effectively, thereby potentially reducing health risks associated with unsafe drinking water.
Summary
Assembly Bill A2423 introduces significant changes to the requirements for public water systems in New Jersey regarding the issuance of boil water notices. The bill mandates that whenever a public water system must issue a boil water notice due to an emergency, it must promptly notify its customers. This notice must be provided within 24 hours of the system becoming aware of the issue, enhancing the promptness and efficiency of communication during critical situations.
Contention
One of the key implications of A2423 entails ensuring that public water systems implement the necessary technological capabilities for communicating via preferred contact methods. This transition could involve additional costs for some systems, especially smaller ones that may need to invest in infrastructure or software updates to comply. However, the bill emphasizes that customer safety is the priority, reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of timely public health communications.
Additional_notes
Furthermore, the bill stipulates that systems must post notices on their websites and include solicitations for preferred contact methods within water bills. This comprehensive approach aims to enhance consumer awareness and responsibility regarding their preferred communication, potentially leading to improved public health outcomes in the event of an emergency.
Requires electric, gas, and water public utilities to disseminate outage information to customers through autodialed telephone call, text message, and electronic mail alert service.
Requires public water systems and landlords to provide certain notice of elevated perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances levels in drinking water; requires DEP to establish educational program.
Requires public water systems and landlords to provide certain notice of elevated perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances levels in drinking water; requires DEP to establish educational program.