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, construction, and operation of waterworks systems, state drinking water standards, and the classification and certification of waterworks system operators. Notably, the bill introduces a microplastics program that will be established and administered by the Department starting July 1, 2027, to monitor and assess microplastic contamination in public water supplies.

Under the new Section 6a, the Department is required to conduct quarterly testing of public water supplies for microplastics and prepare a comprehensive report by July 1, 2031, detailing the findings and recommendations for addressing microplastic contamination. The report will include information on the sources and quantities of microplastics found, as well as recommendations for future monitoring and public health protection. The bill defines "microplastics" and "plastic" to clarify the scope of the program, emphasizing the importance of addressing this emerging environmental concern in drinking water.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 325.1005