Strongly urges DEP to adopt standards for certain drinking water contaminants as recommended by NJ Drinking Water Quality Institute.

SCR 44 is a non-binding resolution urging New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to adopt drinking water standards for 14 specific contaminants, including perchlorate (used in explosives), radon-222 (a radioactive carcinogen), and formaldehyde (used in embalming). The resolution directs the DEP to implement standards previously recommended by the New Jersey Drinking Water Quality Institute (DWQI) since 2005, which the DEP has not adopted despite the DWQI's scientific assessments. These contaminants are present in New Jersey's water supply and pose potential health risks, as noted in the 1983 Safe Drinking Water Act amendments. The resolution serves as a formal request for the DEP to prioritize these standards to better protect public health.