SENATE ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 3283

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  MARCH 9, 2023

      The Senate Environment and Energy Committee favorably reports Senate Bill No. 3283.

      This bill requires the Drinking Water Quality Institute (DWQI) to study the issue of microplastics in drinking water.  It also requires the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to adopt regulations related to the sampling and testing for the presence of microplastics in drinking water by public water systems.

      The bill directs the DWQI to recommend a definition of microplastics in drinking water within two years after the bill’s effective date.  The bill also directs the DEP, within three years after the effective date, to adopt a standard methodology to be used in the testing of drinking water for microplastics, to formulate requirements for testing and reporting the concentration of microplastics in drinking water by public water systems, and to accredit qualified laboratories in New Jersey to analyze microplastics.