SB2770 Summary

• Requires every community water supply in Illinois (except exempt supplies) to designate either one Responsible Operator in Charge supervising both treatment and distribution, or separate operators for each function.

• Establishes new position of "Responsible Operator in Charge" with joint accountability with water supply owner for proper operation and duties including direct supervision and submission of consumer confidence reports, monthly operating reports, and drinking water compliance monitoring results.

• Adds new definitions for "Official custodian," "Person," and "Responsible Operator in Charge" to clarify roles and responsibilities in water supply operations.

• Authorizes the Agency to issue administrative citations for violations of reporting requirements by Responsible Operators in Charge, with civil penalties of $500 per violation ($1,500 for second or subsequent violations), enforceable through the Illinois Pollution Control Board.

• Allows community water supplies to contract with qualified certified operators to serve as Responsible Operator in Charge through written agreement approved by the Agency.