This bill extends the authority of the Department of Environmental Services to evaluate and mitigate contamination risks associated with new community water systems. Specifically, it amends RSA 485-C:26 to require the department to adopt rules that ensure groundwater withdrawals of less than 57,600 gallons over any 24-hour period from new water sources do not adversely affect existing private water supply wells. The bill emphasizes the need for compliance with specific criteria outlined in RSA 485-C:21, including sections V-c(a), V-c(j), and V-c(c).

The new legal language inserted into the bill includes the references to RSA 485-C:21, V-c(j), which were not previously included, thereby enhancing the regulatory framework for assessing the impact of groundwater withdrawals on private water supplies. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage, ensuring that the Department of Environmental Services can promptly implement these necessary evaluations and protections for community water systems.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 485-C:26
HB1089 text: 485-C:26