The bill H. 4629 aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by adding Section 44-55-55, which mandates the Department of Environmental Services to establish regulations requiring public water systems to maintain a minimum disinfectant level of free or total chlorine in the water supplied to consumers. The regulations must ensure that the minimum disinfectant level is no less than 0.1 parts per million and apply to all public water systems that provide water for residential use. However, the bill exempts private water systems serving three or fewer residences and those primarily used for agricultural purposes.

Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Environmental Services to review these regulations as necessary and to submit an annual report on the status of public water systems in South Carolina to relevant legislative committees by February 1st each year. It also allows industrial users with dedicated water systems to apply for a variance from the minimum disinfectant requirement, with the department responsible for reviewing and potentially approving such requests, provided they comply with federal law. The act will take effect upon the Governor's approval.

Statutes affected:
12/17/2025: 44-55-55
Latest Version: 44-55-55