Tennessee House Bill HB1983

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/26
• Refer: 2/4/26

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 68, Chapter 221, Part 7, relative to hardwater standards.

Impact

The passage of HB1983 would enhance the regulatory oversight of water quality in Tennessee, as public water systems would be required to monitor and adhere to the new hardness standards. The bill promotes the responsible management of water resources and ensures that the quality of drinking water is maintained for the public. The monitoring will be in alignment with state and federal laws, enhancing transparency in reporting water quality to consumers. Once implemented, this regulation could lead to significant infrastructure investments by public systems to comply with the hardwater standard.

Summary

House Bill 1983 aims to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated by establishing maximum hardness standards for water distributed by public water systems. The bill defines hardwater and introduces a threshold of 180 milligrams per liter (mg/L) for hardness measured as calcium carbonate equivalents. This standard applies specifically to public water systems that receive state funds for upgrades after July 1, 2026. Such systems must comply with this maximum standard upon completing their upgrades, while those not receiving state funds for upgrades are grandfathered and exempt unless they opt for state funding in the future.

Contention

There are elements of contention regarding HB1983, particularly surrounding the compliance requirements and exemptions. The bill includes a provision for a seasonal runoff exemption, allowing public water systems to temporarily exceed the hardness threshold due to natural events like precipitation, provided they document this as the cause and submit a remediation plan. Critics may argue that this exemption could undermine the intent of establishing strict quality standards, potentially allowing for non-compliance during certain periods. Overall, the balance between maintaining water quality while accommodating natural fluctuations presents a critical discussion point among stakeholders.