A bill aimed at bolstering safe drinking water protections across Illinois is now headed to Governor JB Pritzker’s desk, following approval by both chambers of the General Assembly. Senate Bill 2266 seeks to enhance oversight and enforcement for non-community water systems, facilities like schools, factories, restaurants, resorts, and churches that typically draw water from their own wells rather than municipal sources.

Under current law, non-community water systems are regulated by the IDPH, while community water supplies fall under the IEPA’s jurisdiction. The new measure enhances the IDPH’s authority to enforce compliance by allowing the imposition of civil penalties—up to $1,000 for each violation, with each day’s violation constituting a separate offense. The bill also mandates public notification requirements when water quality standards are not met, ensuring transparency for users of these systems.

By strengthening enforcement mechanisms and clarifying agency responsibilities, SB 2266 aims to reduce the risk of waterborne contaminants.

Key Provisions of Senate Bill 2266

• The legislation empowers the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to impose civil penalties on non-community water supplies that violate established drinking water standards.
• The bill also clarifies that the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) is the primary agency responsible for implementing the federal Safe Drinking Water Act within the state, aligning state law with federal requirements.
• Non-community water systems, as defined by the bill, include any public water supply not classified as a community water supply—meaning they serve at least 15 service connections used by nonresidents or regularly serve 25 or more nonresident individuals daily for at least 60 days per year.

Senate Bill 2266 passed the Illinois House of Representatives with a 75-39 vote after previously clearing the Senate 44-11.