Requires public community water systems to provide customers with certain information regarding lead in drinking water.
Impact
This law, if enacted, would necessitate public community water systems to aid in consumer awareness about lead in drinking water, fostering a more informed public. Additionally, it establishes clear guidelines for the notification of new customers, who must receive written information on lead sources, health effects, and mitigation measures within 90 days of beginning service. This proactive approach to education could significantly contribute to public health by ensuring consumers are informed about the safety of their drinking water.
Summary
Assembly Bill A2901, known as the 'Lead Education, Accountability, and Disclosure Act,' aims to increase transparency regarding lead presence in drinking water in New Jersey. The legislation mandates public community water systems to incorporate detailed information about lead into their annual Consumer Confidence Reports, which are required under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. The information to be included consists of potential sources of lead, the health impacts of lead in drinking water, and actionable measures that customers can take to mitigate exposure to lead.
Contention
Notably, the bill also requires public community water systems to provide advance notifications (at least 48 hours) to all customers when construction, maintenance, or repairs that may disturb lead service lines are scheduled, especially if such actions could temporarily elevate lead levels in the water supply. This provision is designed to enhance safety but may generate concerns among operators of water systems regarding compliance and the feasibility of timely notifications, particularly in emergency scenarios. The requirement for communicating in multiple languages for communities with substantial non-English-speaking populations adds another layer of complexity to the implementation.
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 water supplier to notify affected municipalities, school districts, charter schools, nonpublic schools, and institutions of higher education of violations of drinking water quality standards.
Requires landlords of certain properties providing child care services who refuse lead service line replacements to install and maintain water filters.