Bill Summary: HB 6673

• Amends Connecticut General Statutes Section 22a-471(a)(1) to explicitly authorize the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection to order repair or replacement of contaminated private wells when groundwater pollution creates an unacceptable health risk.

• Commissioner of Public Health must determine whether pollution poses an unacceptable risk by balancing all relevant facts and evidence related to human health risks, not limited to statistical analysis alone.

• If multiple responsible parties exist, the commissioner shall attempt to apportion responsibility; if apportionment is not made, all responsible parties are jointly and severally liable for providing potable water.

• When the state or state agency is responsible for pollution, that entity must prepare an engineering report and provide or arrange for long-term potable water supply.

• If responsible parties cannot be determined or lack sufficient assets to secure reasonable-rate loans for water provision, the commissioner may provide engineering reports and water supply or order municipalities to provide short-term water to residential buildings and schools and long-term water to all affected persons.

• Effective October 1, 2023.