Greenstein Bill To Prevent Legionnaires’ Passes Senate

MERCER COUNTY, NJ — A legislation that would set disinfectant levels and require testing to prevent the transmission of Legionnaires’ disease passed the Senate on Monday. The bill was sponsored by Sen. Linda Greenstein (D-Mercer/Middlesex) and Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz.

Under the bill, water systems with 100 or more service connections would have to maintain certain minimum detectible disinfectant levels throughout the water system. They would also be required to conduct frequent testing to determine the amount and type of detectable disinfectant residual existing at different points in the water system.

“This legislation would put in place reasonable measures that protect our children, the elderly, and immunocompromised residents from serious illness,” Greenstein said in a statement.

“Legionnaires’ disease can be prevented. Through the application of more guidance and oversight, we can better safeguard the health and wellness of all New Jerseyans.”

In August, four cases of Legionnaires’ disease were reported in Hamilton. Of the four, one person had died. Another case was reported to the state Department of Health in September, the DOH said. More: 4 Cases Of Legionnaires' Disease Reported In Mercer County

More than half of those homes were served by Trenton Water Works (TWW).

Following that, officials from Mercer County including Lawrence Township, asked the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) to take over direct supervision and operation of TWW, due to its failure to comply with safe drinking water obligations. More:

Trenton Water Works supplies around 29 million gallons of drinking water daily to more than 200,000 residents in Lawrence, Ewing, Hamilton, Hopewell, and Trenton. More: Drinking Water Unsafe, Take Over Trenton Water: Mercer Towns Ask State

In October, water sampled from more than half of 30 homes served by Trenton Water Works tested positive for Legionnaires Disease-causing Legionella bacteria.

The state then took over the supervision and operation of TWW.

Greenstein and Ruiz’s bill, S-1006, would require the Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Health and owners or operators of public water systems to take certain steps to prevent and control cases of Legionnaires’ disease.

Under the bill, the NJDEP is authorized to adopt rules and regulations to implement additional disinfectant or testing requirements to minimize the growth and transmission of Legionella bacteria.

The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 24-13.

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