It has been a busy few months in the halls of Congress and in state capitols across the country. The policymaking this year is colored by a presidential election this November — but it is more than just a president we’re electing. In the 50 states, there are 99 state legislative chambers altogether. Across 44 states, 85 of those chambers are holding regular legislative elections in 2024. These elections are for 5,793 of the country’s 7,386 state legislative seats (78 percent).
On the federal level, we’ve continued to work with the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) on expanding the use of ASSE, IAPMO, and ARCSA standards in its building code (P-100). Recent guidance from GSA includes that all contractors involved in the development of water management practices in federal buildings must possess the ASSE 12080 Legionella Water Safety and Management Specialist Certification, or its equivalent. ASSE met with GSA and further proposed that it require those involved in the development of water management programs possess the ASSE 12060 Water Quality Certification for Employers and Designated Representatives, or its equivalent.
On the state level, we’ve been working on the inclusion of industry standards and third-party certification requirements combatting lead and PFAS in state drinking water legislation, working on several bills combatting Legionella, and working to have the ASSE Series 12000 referenced.
In California, we successfully advocated for ASSE 5000 Backflow Prevention Certification and ASSE backflow product certification to be included in the draft Cross-Connection Policy Handbook, which will replace the existing Title 17 in accordance with Assembly Bill (AB) 1671. We are still working with the State Water Board via a smaller task force to evaluate technical data in the handbook.
We also sponsored CA Senate Bill (SB) 1144, a water quality bill that includes reference to ASSE Series 12000, specifically highlighting ASSE 12080 certification to address the spread of Legionella within state-funded buildings and public schools. Unfortunately, the bill was vetoed by the governor for potential financial impacts to school officials after the bill successfully passed the legislature.
In Colorado, the Colorado Water Quality Commission has issued proposed changes to the state’s primary drinking water regulations. The proposed regulation references third-party certification for ANSI standards, but does not cite specific standards for water filters. A coalition of interested stakeholders met with regulators and proposed policy recommendations. The rule would go into effect in October and apply to all public water utilities in Colorado.
In Iowa, there have been proposed rule changes to Iowa Administrative Code, Chapter 26, Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester Registration. We have provided recommendations to the changes and are awaiting further updates.
In Minnesota, the city of Grand Rapids reported Legionella throughout a multiple block area of the city. The source was determined to be the municipal water supply. An introductory letter, which offered resources to mitigate and prevent Legionella going forward, was provided to the state representative and senator of the region.
In New Jersey, Sen. Ruiz again introduced her Legionella bill when the 2024-25 legislative session began on Jan. 9, with a companion bill in the Assembly (SB2165/AB521). The bill has been referred to the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee.
In New Mexico, House Bill (HB) 291 would have promoted the use of rainwater harvesting systems through tax incentives. A coalition of industry stakeholders were working with the bill sponsor to ensure it referenced the ASSE Series 21000 for Rainwater Catchment Systems Personnel. Regrettably, due to the state’s short session this year, the bill did not progress in time and was not passed.
In Pennsylvania, SB 571 on Legionella mitigation was introduced on May 17, 2023, but still has not progressed. The bill was referred to the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee but has not yet received a hearing. The bill includes ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 188, Legionellosis: Risk Management for Building Water Systems, but does not include ASSE/IAPMO/ANSI Standard 12080, Professional Qualifications Standard for Legionella Water Safety and Management Specialists. A letter was sent to the sponsor, committee chair, and other leadership encouraging the inclusion of the ASSE standard. This bill is still pending.
