The proposed bill aims to enhance the protection of public drinking water sources in Arkansas by prohibiting the surface discharge of wastewater into watersheds that supply these sources. Specifically, it introduces a new section to the Arkansas Code, designated as 8-3-104, which explicitly states that no person or entity is allowed to discharge wastewater into a watershed upstream of where public water systems draw their water. This measure is intended to safeguard the quality of drinking water by preventing potential contamination from wastewater.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that the prohibition does not apply to discharges that are permitted under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) stormwater discharge program or the state stormwater discharge program. The enforcement of this new regulation will be the responsibility of the Division of Environmental Quality, ensuring compliance and protection of public health and safety regarding drinking water sources.