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 negatively impact existing private water supply wells. The bill includes new legal language that specifies the criteria and procedures for this evaluation, particularly referencing sections RSA 485-C:21, V-c(a), V-c(j), and V-c(c).

The bill is set to take effect 60 days after its passage, with an effective date of August 18, 2026. This extension aims to enhance the protection of water resources and ensure that new community water systems do not adversely affect existing private water supplies.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 485-C:26
Version adopted by both bodies: 485-C:26
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 485-C:26
HB1089 text: 485-C:26