This bill amends the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1976 by updating Section 5 and adding a new Section 6a. The amendments to Section 5 include changes to the language regarding the Department's responsibilities in promulgating and enforcing rules related to waterworks systems, such as the submission of reports and plans, state drinking water standards, and the classification and certification of waterworks system operators. Notably, the bill specifies that the rules must ensure an adequate and reliable supply of drinking water and introduces a requirement for the establishment and administration of a microplastics program.

Section 6a mandates the Department to establish a microplastics program starting July 1, 2027, to monitor and test public water supplies for microplastics over a three-year period. The program aims to assess the effects of microplastics in drinking water and includes specific monitoring criteria, such as testing shoreline surface water sources and groundwater near agricultural operations. By July 1, 2031, the Department is required to submit a comprehensive report detailing the findings from the quarterly tests, including recommendations for addressing microplastics in public water supplies. The bill also defines "microplastics" and "plastic" to clarify the scope of the program.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 325.1005