The bill amends Chapter 46-15.3 of the General Laws, titled "Public Drinking Water Supply System Protection," by introducing a new section, 46-15.3-5.2, which mandates that all entities involved in the supply, transmission, and distribution of drinking water prepare and maintain a water supply resilience plan by January 1, 2026. This plan aims to identify risks and develop assessments and emergency response strategies to enhance the resilience of water supply systems against natural hazards and environmental impacts. The requirement applies to water suppliers that handle more than 50 million gallons of water annually, including municipalities and various water authorities.

The bill outlines specific requirements for the initial risk assessment, which must be completed by July 1, 2026, and shared with key government officials. The assessment will evaluate risks from natural hazards, the resilience of infrastructure, financial stability, chemical handling vulnerabilities, and operational practices. Additionally, water suppliers must coordinate with nearby suppliers and wastewater facilities, designate responsible parties for action items, and document the effectiveness of their measures. The resilience plans and response strategies must be updated every three years, ensuring ongoing compliance and adaptation to emerging risks. The act will take effect upon passage.