Collins’ bill helps states support private well owners with contaminated water

U.S. Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) recently signed on as the lead original cosponsor of a bipartisan bill that would better support states in assisting private well owners who want to remove per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and other toxins from their drinking water.

“With more than half of Maine residents getting their drinking water from private wells, and an estimated 23 million people or more nationwide relying on residential wells, it is important that the historic investments in safe drinking water help all families,” Sen. Collins said on Monday.

If enacted, the Technical Fix for the State Response to Contaminants Program Act, S. 3778, which Sen. Collins introduced on Feb. 8 alongside bill sponsor U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), would ensure that states have flexibility to use funding from the $5 billion provided in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for PFAS and other emerging contaminants in small and disadvantaged communities to help support private well owners removing such toxins from their drinking water. 

“PFAS and other harmful contaminants have been discovered in private water systems in Maine and across the country, and contamination will only become more evident as testing becomes more readily available,” said Sen. Collins. “It is crucial that the funding we provided through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law be executed with the appropriate flexibility not only to support public water systems but also to help address contamination for those who rely on private wells.”

As lead negotiators of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Sen. Collins and Sen. Shaheen secured $10 billion to specifically address PFAS and other emerging contaminants, $5 billion of which is targeted to small and disadvantaged communities, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers. 

Currently, the Environmental Protection Agency interprets statute as only allowing for assistance to private wells if it is being used to connect to public water systems, but Congress intended for that funding to be available to states to help address private well contamination, among other eligible funding uses, the summary says.

The legislation has been referred to the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee for consideration.