THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2889
THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2022		S.D. 2
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO WATER CATCHMENT SYSTEMS.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that water is a vital resource for the people of Hawaii. Water catchment systems capture and store rainwater from a roof for human consumption. Currently, only residential users of rain catchment systems are permitted to utilize water for everyday needs. Manufacturers are not permitted to use water collected through a catchment system to produce products for public consumption.

Therefore, the purpose of this Act is to require the department of health to regulate water catchment systems used for business activities and establish standards for filtration that would allow water from catchment systems to be used for the manufacture or production of goods.

SECTION 2. Chapter 340E, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§340E-   Water catchment systems; business activities. (a) The department shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 to regulate water catchment systems, including filtration quality of water catchment systems, used for business activities. Rules adopted by the department under this section shall comply with the state plumbing code, including appendix K of the state plumbing code, and chapter 448E.

(b) The department shall allow business owners to participate in the department's annual testing of water program established under section 340E-4.8; provided that:

(1) The participating business owner shall pay $           for the tests and the department shall cover the remainder of the testing cost;

(2) The business owner shall utilize a certified private analytical laboratory specified by the department or the department may conduct the tests; and

(3) One set of tests a year for each registered business utilizing filtered water produced from a water catchment system may be requested.

(c) The department shall establish a nonregulatory program that provides technical assistance to business owners who wish to utilize filtered water from a water catchment system. To the extent practicable, the department shall assist the business owner by recommending practical, affordable, and safe methods to improve water quality and filtration based on the specific design and conditions of the water system."

SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on January 1, 2050.

Report Title:

Water Catchment; Filtration; DOH; Small Businesses

Description:

Requires the Department of Health to regulate water catchment systems used for business activity and provide testing to businesses that utilize water catchment systems; provided the regulations comply with the Hawaii state plumbing code, including appendix K of the state plumbing code, and Chapter 448E, Hawaii Revised Statutes. Requires the department to provide technical assistance on water catchment systems and filtration to business owners who wish to utilize captured water for business activities. Effective 1/1/2050. (SD2)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.