Environment (Drinking Water) in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1141: Requires DEP to adopt Statewide plan to reduce lead exposure from contaminated soils and drinking water.

This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to create a statewide plan within one year to reduce public exposure to lead in soil and drinking water. The plan must use existing soil test data from cleanup sites, public water testing, and private well results to identify high-risk geographic areas and prioritize public funds for remediation. It also mandates the DEP to develop a public education program about lead health risks and prevention measures. The plan must be posted online, submitted to the legislature, and updated every five years.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Drinking Water

died · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1337: Permits fire departments to use certain Class B firefighting foam for one year after prohibition takes effect.

This bill amends New Jersey's law banning PFAS in firefighting foam to extend use for specific facilities. Fixed foam system owners (for class B fires) may continue using PFAS foam until four years after the original law's effective date, and oil refineries may use it for large tank fire suppression until eight years after that date. Both extensions require annual reporting on foam use, containment measures to prevent environmental release, and detailed transition plans to PFAS-free alternatives. Refineries can apply for up to two-year waivers beyond the eight-year period if they prove no commercially available PFAS-free alternatives exist for their specific fire suppression needs.

Topics ✗ Environment

Sub-Topics Drinking Water

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 2463: Makes $100 million in federal funds available to DEP for grants to local governments for drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure projects.

New Jersey's Bill A 2463 allocates $100 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for grants to local governments. The DEP must create a transparent grant program to fund drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure projects, with at least 10% reserved for projects targeting harmful algal blooms in Lake Hopatcong and Greenwood Lake. Grants must be distributed statewide, and the DEP must report all funded projects to the Governor and Legislature within three years, after which the program expires. This directly affects counties, municipalities, and regional entities needing water system upgrades.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Water Quality

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 2273: Establishes municipal water infrastructure planning and design project grant program in DEP; appropriates $100 million.

This bill establishes a $100 million grant program within New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to fund municipal planning and design for water infrastructure projects. Municipalities can apply for grants covering up to $2 million per project to plan drinking water, stormwater, or wastewater system upgrades - without requiring matching funds - prioritizing projects in overburdened communities. The grants specifically cover the upfront planning phase (not construction), helping municipalities later access federal and state financing for actual infrastructure work. The DEP must report annually on the program's effectiveness and develop application guidelines for eligibility.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Water Quality

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1961: Requires institutions of higher education to test for lead in drinking water annually, report test results, and install lead filters or treatment devices.

This New Jersey bill requires colleges and universities to test all drinking water sources (like fountains and faucets) for lead annually, starting within 90 days of the law taking effect. Institutions must report results to state education and environmental agencies, post findings online, and notify students and staff. If lead levels exceed EPA or state standards, schools must immediately close affected water sources, provide alternatives, and install certified lead-removing filters in all buildings with lead pipes or fixtures. The law applies directly to all higher education institutions in New Jersey and mandates ongoing testing, transparency, and remediation.

Topics ✓ Environment ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Drinking Water

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1769: Establishes Water Apprenticeship, Training, and Employment Resources (WATER) Pilot Program in DOLWD; appropriates $1 million.

This bill establishes a five-year WATER Pilot Program within New Jersey's Department of Labor, appropriating $1 million to fund water-sector apprenticeships. It directly affects eligible organizations - such as businesses, unions, colleges, nonprofits, and public utilities - that run accredited water-related training programs (e.g., for wastewater workers) and partner with industry. Key provisions require applicants to demonstrate U.S. Department of Labor accreditation, secure industry partnerships, and prioritize underserved communities, with grants covering program costs. Grantees must report annually on participant enrollment, completion, and job placement, while the Department must evaluate the program’s effectiveness yearly.

Topics ✓ Environment ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Apprenticeships Workforce Development

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3538: Directs BPU to establish two-year innovative drinking water supply and wastewater infrastructure grant program.

This bill directs New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to create a two-year grant program using funds from the societal benefits charge. It provides grants to individuals, businesses, non-profits, and educational institutions to develop innovative technologies for pilot projects at publicly-owned drinking water and wastewater systems. These projects must implement new technology (not routine upgrades) to improve water quality, flow, purification, conservation, energy efficiency, or infrastructure - specifically prioritizing renewable energy solutions like in-pipe hydropower. The BPU must evaluate proposals, coordinate with systems, and report annually on funded projects and their statewide potential. The program expires 25 months after enactment.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Hydroelectric Renewable Energy Conservation Drinking Water Water Quality

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jun 8, 2026

S 3254: Prohibits expenditure of Green Acres funds for purchase, use, installation, or replacement of artificial turf fields.

This bill prohibits New Jersey's Green Acres program from using state funds to purchase, install, or replace artificial turf fields. It directly affects municipalities, school districts, and state agencies that rely on Green Acres funding for recreational facilities. The bill cites health and environmental concerns, including harmful chemicals, microplastics, and PFAS "forever chemicals" in artificial turf, as reasons to redirect funding toward natural grass fields maintained with organic practices. The policy change requires entities using Green Acres funds to prioritize safer, natural grass alternatives instead. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Environment and Energy Committee.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Drinking Water

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 613: Requires landlords of certain properties providing child care services who refuse lead service line replacements to install and maintain water filters.

This bill requires landlords of properties used for child care services (like daycares caring for 6+ children under 13) to install and maintain NSF/ANSI-certified water filters at all fixtures used for drinking, food, or baby formula if they refuse to allow public water systems to replace lead service lines. Landlords must certify annual filter compliance to the Department of Environmental Protection and face civil penalties of up to $500 per day for violations. The requirement applies until lead lines are replaced and for six months afterward, with tenants able to seek court-ordered rent escrow if landlords fail to act. The bill targets lead exposure risks in child care settings where landlords block infrastructure upgrades.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Drinking Water

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Feb 12, 2026

A 3125: Limits perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances in menstrual products.*

New Jersey's Assembly Bill A3125 bans the sale of menstrual products containing regulated perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), chemicals linked to health concerns. It directly affects manufacturers selling products like tampons, pads, cups, or underwear in New Jersey, prohibiting both intentionally added PFAS and PFAS above trace levels. The bill requires the Department of Environmental Protection to establish a testing system using approved labs, with results available for inspection by the Department of Health. Violations would be treated as consumer fraud under state law, with penalties up to $20,000 per offense, and takes effect two years after enactment.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Drinking Water

All environment bills