HB4988: EPA-PUBLIC WATER SUPPLIES

Legislative Summary

Reinserts the provisions of the bill, as amended by Senate Amendment No.1, with the following changes. In provisions containing definitions, provides that the meaning of a disruption event includes any change to a disinfection technique, practice, or technology that could change disinfectant levels in the water within a public water supply that results in a residual disinfectant level 20% above or below normal operating levels (rather than any change to a disinfection technique, practice, or technology that could change disinfectant levels in the water within a public water supply). Removes language providing that a disruption event includes any water main break, system failure or disruption, equipment failure, chemical or disinfectant treatment interruption, or flooding of a public water supply operator's facilities. Changes references from a public water supply operator to a public water distribution entity. In provisions concerning notification, requires a public water distribution entity to notify its water supply operator and all affected health care facilities on the public water supply's health care facility list not less than 14 days before any known, planned, or anticipated disruption event (rather than requiring a public water supply operator to notify its public water supply operator and all health care facilities on the public water supply's health care facility list not more than 30 days or fewer than 15 days before any known, planned, or anticipated disruption event). In the provision requiring that any planned or unplanned disruption event notification sent to a health care facility also be sent to the State agencies within 5 business days, provides that notification shall be sent to the State agencies via email to the email addresses designated by the State agencies. Removes the provisions requiring notification to be posted on the public water supply operator's website or on a social media website. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.