New JerseyNew Jersey would set drinking water limits for five PFAS chemicals
New Jersey's environmental agency would set drinking water limits for five PFAS chemicals and offer tests at private wells identified as needing them.
What it does
By April 26, 2029, New Jersey would set drinking water limits for five PFAS chemicals. Those limits would still apply if federal limits weakened or disappeared.
Within 12 months after the law takes effect, New Jersey would offer PFAS tests and help pay for them at private wells needing tests. Treatment help for wells above a PFAS limit would depend on funding.
Argument forOffering tests could help people with private wells identified as needing them learn whether their water contains PFAS and decide whether to treat it.
Argument againstSharing well locations by address with academic institutions and other approved groups could raise privacy concerns for property owners.
More detail
New Jersey's environmental agency would set PFAS drinking water limits and a measure of combined PFAS risk. The individual limits would cover five PFAS chemicals. The combined-risk measure would also cover other PFAS listed in federal rules as of January 1, 2026. The standards could be no weaker than federal rules in effect on January 1, 2026. Existing state limits would remain until the new limits are adopted. Stricter future federal limits would take precedence. The agency would adopt the standards by April 26, 2029.
New Jersey's environmental agency would offer PFAS tests for private wells and help pay for them; if money is available, it could help treat water above a PFAS limit. The program would offer tests for New Jersey private wells identified as needing them. Treatment help would go only to people whose wells test above a PFAS limit. Low-income households would get priority. State-certified labs would conduct the tests. The agency would start the testing program within 12 months after the law takes effect.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed 1st Chamber
- Passed 2nd Chamber
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Oct 8Referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations CommitteeLatest
- Oct 8Reported from Senate Committee with Amendments, 2nd ReadingMinor
- Jun 15Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Environment and Energy CommitteeIntroduced
Environment & Energy