New Jersey's Senate Resolution 42 requests that the U.S. Congress pass legislation creating legal remedies for people harmed by exposure to PFAS chemicals (commonly called "forever chemicals" found in water, food packaging, and consumer products) and fund research on their health effects. The resolution specifically references the proposed "PFAS Accountability Act of 2024" (S.3725) as the model for federal action. It directly affects individuals exposed to PFAS through contaminated drinking water or consumer products - especially in New Jersey, where over 20 water systems exceeded safety limits in 2022. The resolution does not create new law but urges Congress to establish a federal cause of action against PFAS manufacturers and support research on health impacts.
S 1213 establishes the New Jersey Water Data Center at a public university to collect, analyze, and publish standardized data on drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems across the state. The center must provide specific, publicly accessible information annually, including lead levels in water, leak-related water loss, system budgets, affordability metrics, and combined sewer overflow events. It requires an advisory council with representatives from environmental and utility agencies and mandates the Governor to select the host institution within 30 days. The bill appropriates $1 million from the General Fund to fund the center's initial operations. This directly affects water utilities, state regulators, and residents by creating transparent, statewide data for accountability and informed decision-making.
S 2936 prohibits New Jersey municipalities, school districts, and state agencies from purchasing, installing, or using artificial turf for any new or existing athletic fields. The bill cites health and environmental concerns, noting artificial turf contains harmful chemicals (including carcinogens and "forever chemicals" like PFAS), microplastics, and can reach dangerously high temperatures. Existing artificial turf fields may remain in use but cannot be replaced with artificial turf. The law aims to shift investments toward natural grass fields, which the bill states are free of these hazards and can be maintained safely through organic practices.
S 749 is a procedural bill that would have amended the list of environmental infrastructure projects approved for long-term funding under New Jersey's FY2026 environmental infrastructure program. It detailed how funds from multiple state revolving funds (like the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund) would be allocated to support clean water and drinking water projects, aligning with federal requirements under the Clean Water Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, because it was superseded by an already-enacted bill (P.L.2025, c.182), meaning it did not become law. It directly affected the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) by modifying funding mechanisms for environmental infrastructure projects.
This bill requires financial institutions (like banks) that foreclose on properties to remove all lead water pipes on those properties, unless the pipes are owned by the utility company. It applies to all foreclosed properties after the bill takes effect, directly affecting lenders who sell or transfer such properties. The key provision mandates removal of lead pipes - excluding utility-owned lines - to prevent ongoing lead exposure, which is a significant health risk, especially for children. The bill aims to address lead contamination in water by holding financial institutions accountable for property maintenance post-foreclosure.
This bill allocates $1.3 billion in federal pandemic recovery funds (from the American Rescue Plan Act or similar sources) to New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for lead service line replacement projects. It directly affects water suppliers across the state, requiring them to provide matching funds for replacements - except small suppliers (serving ≤3,300 connections), who may defer matching funds with department approval. The DEP and New Jersey Infrastructure Bank will administer the program, using the funds to support low-interest loans and financial assistance for replacing lead pipes connecting water mains to buildings. The program aligns with existing state infrastructure financing rules and aims to address lead contamination in drinking water systems.
This bill (S 1200) would have required public water suppliers to immediately notify municipalities, school districts, charter schools, nonpublic schools, and colleges when drinking water violations occur that trigger federal Tier 2 Public Notices. The notification would detail specific contaminants, test results, locations, and suggested remedies. The bill was introduced in January 2026 but was withdrawn the same day because it was already enacted as part of P.L.2025, c.341. It does not currently require action, as the requirement is already in effect through prior legislation.
This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to set a legal limit of 10 parts per billion for hexavalent chromium (a toxic form of chromium) in drinking water. It affects all public water systems, with deadlines based on system size: larger systems (10,000+ connections) must comply within 2 years, medium systems (1,000-9,999 connections) within 3 years, and smaller systems (under 1,000 connections) within 4 years after the law takes effect. The bill does not change existing limits for total chromium but specifically restricts hexavalent chromium to the new 10 ppb standard. The DEP may later adopt stricter limits if recommended by the Drinking Water Quality Institute.
This bill requires public water systems in New Jersey to notify customers within 30 days if PFAS levels exceed state limits, including specific details about health effects and directing them to a new DEP educational program. Landlords must distribute these notices to tenants within 3 business days of receiving them from water systems, and post them prominently in rental properties. The notice must cover vulnerable groups like schools, hospitals, and facilities serving children, and include updates on contamination mitigation efforts. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) must create an online educational program about PFAS health risks and water safety. These requirements apply until PFAS levels return to acceptable limits.
This bill requires water utilities (called "water purveyors") to conduct annual water loss audits and submit validated reports to New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). It defines "water loss" as the difference between water entering a distribution system and water measured at customer meters, including leaks, breaks, and unauthorized use. Utilities must follow American Water Works Association standards for data quality and validation when preparing these reports. The requirement directly affects all public water systems serving 25+ people daily, aiming to improve water conservation and infrastructure management.
