In a recent Assembly Committee meeting, discussions centered around Assembly Bill 1970, aimed at combating Legionnaires' disease in New Jersey. The bill mandates the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the Department of Health (DOH), and public water system operators to implement measures to prevent and control outbreaks of this potentially fatal illness.

Tom Leach, representing the Alliance to Prevent Legionnaires Disease, emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach among water providers, government agencies, and building owners to effectively manage Legionella bacteria. He noted that the bill proposes a chlorine residual standard of 0.3 parts per million (ppm), significantly lower than the federal limit of 4.0 ppm, yet still within the range that most New Jersey residents currently receive.

Darren Klein, the Alliance's Director of Technology and Science, highlighted the alarming statistics surrounding Legionnaires' disease in the state, citing dozens of cases and several deaths reported in recent years. He pointed out that New Jersey averages about 350 cases annually, with a mortality rate of approximately 10%. Klein argued that the state has a unique opportunity to lead the nation in addressing this public health issue through the proposed legislation.

The bill has faced opposition from groups such as the New Jersey Utilities Association, which argue that disinfectant standards should be set by the DEP rather than the legislature. However, proponents of the bill contend that existing standards are insufficient and that legislative action is necessary to protect public health.

Gwen Hanlon, a victim's advocate, shared a personal testimony about her late husband, who died from Legionnaires' disease in 2017. She urged the committee to support the bill, emphasizing the need for accountability and preventive measures to ensure clean and safe water for all New Jersey residents.

As the committee deliberates, the future of Assembly Bill 1970 remains uncertain, but the discussions underscore the critical need for effective strategies to combat Legionnaires' disease in the state.