§ 485:1 — Statement of Purpose

I. The purpose of this chapter is to provide a comprehensive drinking water protection program for the citizens of New Hampshire. It shall be consistent with and at least as stringent as the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
II. In order to implement a comprehensive drinking water protection program, the department of environmental services shall:
(a) Monitor the water quality of public water supplies and privately owned redistribution systems.
(b) Provide technical assistance to water operators and the general public.
(c) Review the design of proposed public water systems, privately owned redistribution systems, and alterations for existing systems. Review of the alteration of existing privately owned redistribution systems shall be limited to alterations that involve more than 500 feet of new installation of distribution piping or the addition of new exterior pumping or storage facilities.
(d) Periodically conduct sanitary surveys of public water systems and privately owned redistribution systems to make certain of proper safety and operation.
(e) Require that public water supplies comply with all pertinent federal and state statutes and rules.
(f) Educate citizens for the need and methods of providing safe and adequate drinking water.
(g) Approve sources of water used in the manufacture of bottled water.
(h) Monitor the operation and maintenance of privately owned redistribution systems.
(i) Adopt primary drinking water standards by establishing maximum contaminant limits or treatment techniques.

Legislative History

1989, 339:1. 1990, 163:1. 1996, 228:108. 1997, 155:4. 2008, 279:1, 2, eff. July 1, 2009. 2018, 368:3, eff. July 10, 2018.