NewsSWRCB Issues Definition of 'Microplastics in Drinking Water' for Public Comment
In response to SB 1422 (Portantino, 2018), the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) recently released its proposed definition of ‘Microplastics in Drinking Water’ for public review and comment. As you may recall, SB 1422 required the SWRCB to adopt a definition of microplastics in drinking water on or before July 1, 2020 and on or before July 1, 2021 to adopt a standard methodology to be used in the testing of drinking water for microplastics. The bill also included requirements for four years of testing and reporting of microplastics in drinking water, including public disclosure of that information.
It should be noted that the SWRCB may conduct these requirements through the adoption of a Policy Handbook, which is not subject to the Administrative Procedures Act (APA). Nevertheless, staff does intend to hold a workshop on the proposed definition via webcast on April 8th at 9:30 a.m. with written public comments due to the SWRCB by 12:00 noon on April 24th. At this point, the SWRCB anticipates adoption of the proposed definition at its Board meeting set for June 16th.
For more information, please see https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/drinking_water/certlic/drinkingwater/microplastics.html.