Trenton – To better protect against contaminated water sources, legislation sponsored by Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz and Senator Linda Greenstein was signed by Governor Murphy today. The bill would set disinfectant levels and require testing in high-risk areas to prevent the transmission of Legionnaires’ disease.
“Finally, after nearly a decade of introducing bills to combat the spread of Legionnaires’ Disease, we have produced collaborative standards with the Murphy Administration that will help mitigate the spread of Legionella bacteria,” said Senator Ruiz (D-Essex/Hudson). “Only this comprehensive ‘source to tap’ solution will be effective at reducing the risks of Legionnaires’ disease. This bill is the result of tireless efforts by advocacy groups and those who lost loved ones to Legionella bacteria exposure, fighting for years to implement standards that protect communities and prevent further tragedy. By taking proper precautions against the spread of Legionella bacteria we will help ensure all residents have access to clean, safe drinking water and prevent future outbreaks.”
“This legislation puts in place reasonable measures that protect our children, the elderly, and immunocompromised residents from serious illness,” said Senator Greenstein (D-Mercer/Middlesex). “Legionnaires’ disease can be prevented. By applying more guidance and oversight, we can better safeguard the health and wellness of all New Jerseyans.”
The bill, S-2188, requires the Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Health, owners or operators of public water systems that have more than 100 service connections and utilize surface or ground water under certain conditions, and certain building owners to take steps to prevent and control cases of Legionnaires’ disease.
The owners of certain public water systems would be required to maintain a minimum detectable disinfectant residual of free chlorine or monochloramine, which helps to kill Legionella bacteria and other harmful pathogens.
Under the bill, the Department of Health is required to develop a public awareness campaign to increase understanding, particularly among vulnerable populations, of the environmental sources of Legionella bacteria and its movement through water distribution systems.