This bill mandates the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to establish maximum contaminant levels for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water, aligning with the United States Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations as of January 1, 2026. Specifically, the DEP is required to set maximum contaminant levels at 4.0 parts per trillion for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), and 10 parts per trillion for perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA). Additionally, the DEP must establish hazard index requirements for other regulated PFAS compounds identified by the EPA.

Furthermore, the bill requires the DEP to implement a Private Well Testing Program within 12 months of the bill's effective date, aimed at enhancing access to and providing financial assistance for PFAS testing in private wells. The program will include identifying households with private wells needing testing, offering financial assistance, developing educational materials on PFAS contamination, and maintaining a database of tested wells. To support this initiative, the bill establishes the Private Well Testing Assistance Fund, which will be funded through state appropriations and potential settlements related to PFAS contamination. The DEP will also be responsible for reporting annually on the program's effectiveness and the financial aspects of the fund.