The bill amends the Safe Drinking Water Act by updating Section 5 and adding a new Section 6a. It mandates the Department to promulgate and enforce rules in accordance with the administrative procedures act, ensuring that these rules include requirements for the design and construction of waterworks systems, state drinking water standards, operator certification, capacity assessments, and the establishment of a microplastics program. Notably, the language has been revised to clarify that the rules must include provisions for the protection of water quality and ensure an adequate supply of drinking water.

The newly added Section 6a establishes a microplastics program that will be in effect from July 1, 2027, to July 1, 2030. This program requires the Department to monitor and test public water supplies for microplastics on a quarterly basis, using established methodologies. By July 1, 2031, the Department must submit a report detailing the findings from these tests, including the quantities of microplastics detected and recommendations for addressing their presence in drinking water. The section also defines "microplastics" and "plastic" to clarify the scope of the program.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 325.1005