Colorado Legislative Council Staff

NO FISCAL IMPACT

TITLE:            CONCERNING EXEMPTIONS UNDER THE FEDERAL "SAFE DRINKING WATER ACT".

Summary of Assessment

            This bill exempts water systems owned and operated by water conservancy districts, that qualify under the provisions of the federal "Safe Drinking Water Act" (SDWA), from future state regulation requiring them to undertake surveys, certification, or any other requirements for such water systems subject to the federal SDWA. The bill would become effective July 1, 1999.

            Background. In 1996, Congress passed the federal Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1996. These amendments changed the definition of a public water system to mean a system for the provision to the public of water for human consumption through pipes, if such system has at least fifteen service connections or regularly serves at least twenty-five individuals as well as systems that utilize "other constructed conveyances", such as water conservation districts. The federal SDWA provides an exemption for some such systems, under certain specified circumstances. In 1998, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) subsequently drafted guidance for state agencies that have primacy in such matters, for determining what type of water systems should be considered public water systems, and subject to regulation.

            The provisions of this bill would not impact the Department of Public Health and Environment, the state agency that has primacy, or any other agency of the state, or unit of local government. Therefore, this bill is assessed as having no fiscal impact.

Departments Contacted

            Public Health and Environment