SB 1013 (Edwards), as introduced, would have required a public waterworks owner to notify customers via mailings and newspaper publication when a water quality analysis reveals that PFAS chemicals are present in a water supply or when a PFAS contaminant exceeds maximum contaminant levels. VACo opposed the initial iteration of the bill because of the extensive public notification requirement as well as on the belief that this requirement would deter voluntary monitoring by water utilities.
SB 1013 was significantly amended to address VACo member concerns. Specifically, the amended bill states that after a waterworks owner receives finished water test confirming PFAS chemicals that exceeds the notification concentration, as defined in the bill, there are reporting steps to be taken. The waterworks must first report their findings to the Department of Health, provide a public notice in the required consumer confidence report and shall provide additional public notice as the Department of Health may require on a case-by-case basis. VACo believes testing for PFAs chemicals is important and that more study and research of PFAs must be done to understand the full range of implications these forever chemicals may have on human health and our environment. VACo thanks Senator Edwards for working with stakeholders and hearing our concerns. SB 1013 reported out of the Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources Committee and passed the full Senate unanimously.
VACo Contact: James Hutzler