SB 1962

This bill establishes the maximum allowable hardwater level for water distributed by public water systems in this state to 180 milligrams per liter, measured as calcium carbonate equivalents. As used in such provision, "hardwater"" means water containing dissolved minerals, expressed as calcium carbonate equivalents . APPLICABILITY AND COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS This bill requires a public water system that receives state funds for a system upgrade on or after July 1, 2026, to comply with the maximum hardwater standard as described above upon completion of the system upgrade. On the other hand, p ublic water systems that do not receive state funds for system upgrades on or after July 1, 2026, are grandfathered and are, thereby, not required to comply with the maximum hardwater standard as described above unless and until they receive state funds for a system upgra de. For purposes of these provisions, the receipt of state funds for routine maintenance repairs that cost less than $25, 000, for administrative expenses, or for operational costs do not trigger the compliance requirements. SEASONAL RUNOFF EXEMPTION This bill provides that a public water system that demonstrates that hardwater levels exceeding 180 milligrams per liter are directly caused by seasonal runoff are temporarily exempt from the compliance requirements described above during the affected period. In order to qualify for the seasonal runoff exemption, a public water system must take all of the following actions:  Notify the department within 10 business days of first exceeding the 180 milligrams per liter threshold due to seasonal runoff .  Provide documentation demonstrating that the elevated hardwater levels are directly attributable to seasonal runoff and not to system deficiencies or treatment failures .  Submit a remediation plan, if required by the department, detailing measures to minimize the duration and extent of noncompliance. Following the conclusion of the seasonal runoff period, this bill requires the affected public water system to return to compliance with the maximum hardwater standard established in this bill within 90 days. A public water system may utilize the seasonal runoff exemption for a cumulative period not to exceed 120 days in a 12 -month period without prior approval from the department. Exemptions exceeding 120 days in a 12 -month period require written approval from the commissioner. MONITORING AND REPORTING – ENFORCEMENT This bill requires public water systems subject to the requirements of this bill to monitor hardwater levels in accordance with protocols established by the department. Results of hardwater monitoring must be included in the annual water quality reports required under applicable state and federal law. The department must enforce this bill in accordance with the enforcement provisions set forth in present law."