Relating to the control of contaminants in public drinking water supply systems, and making penalties applicable

This bill relates to the control of contaminants in public drinking water supply systems. Current law requires the environmental protection commission to establish rules relating to drinking water standards for public water supply systems, which standards shall specify maximum contaminant levels or treatment techniques necessary to protect the public health and welfare. Current law defines “maximum contaminant level” as the maximum permissible level of any physical, chemical, biological, or radiological substance in water that is delivered to any user of a public water supply system. The bill requires the commission to adopt maximum contaminant levels for carcinogens and toxic substances likely to pose a substantial health hazard, including perfluorooctanic acid, perfluorooctanesulfonate acid, perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, hexavalent chromium, dioxane, and any substance for which two or more states have established maximum contaminant levels or issued guidance. The bill directs the director of the department of natural resources to annually review maximum contaminant levels adopted by other states and the studies and scientific evidence reviewed by those states and other government agencies. The bill requires the director to provide a list of substances for which maximum contaminant levels are recommended or required. The bill requires the commission to adopt maximum contaminant levels to protect the general public and maximum contaminant levels specific to vulnerable populations. The bill requires the commission to adopt rules in order to maintain compliance with the provisions of the bill. By operation of law, a person who violates a standard adopted by the commission is subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $5,000 for each day a violation occurs. The director may issue an order directing a person to correct a violation of the standards adopted by the commission. A person against whom an order is issued may initiate a contested case pursuant to Code chapter 17A and the commission may affirm, modify, or vacate an order of the director or may approve the director’s request for the attorney general to institute legal proceedings against the person.