Water Systems PFAS Liability Protection Act

This bill, titled the "Water Systems PFAS Liability Protection Act," aims to shield specific entities from liability under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) concerning releases of certain perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The legislation designates a category of "protected entities" , which includes public water systems, publicly or privately owned wastewater treatment works, municipalities with stormwater discharge permits, and wholesale water agencies. Contractors working for these entities are also covered under the exemption. The exemption applies when these protected entities transport, treat, or dispose of covered PFAS in a manner consistent with all applicable laws at the time of the activity. This includes activities such as the management or disposal of biosolids, the discharge of effluent under a permit, and the handling of water treatment residuals or other byproducts. Importantly, the bill includes a savings provision , ensuring that the exemption does not apply if a protected entity acts with gross negligence or willful misconduct in the discharge, disposal, management, conveyance, or storage of PFAS.