NJ S4897

DEP must develop within one year a process to identify and designate municipalities containing "critical headwaters" as "headwater guardians," with critical headwaters defined as those providing primary drinking water to at least 1,000,000 New Jersey residents

Within 30 days of establishing the designation process, DEP must publish a list of headwater guardian municipalities on its website, and within 6 months determine whether environmental protections such as enhanced stormwater management, groundwater recharge standards, or impervious cover limits are needed

Headwater guardian designation becomes a material planning factor under the Municipal Land Use Law and State Development and Redevelopment Plan, with all related legal protections applying to designated municipalities

DEP may provide grants and technical assistance to headwater guardian municipalities and establish a recognition program for those demonstrating exemplary watershed stewardship

Annual reporting to the Governor and Legislature begins two years after enactment, covering designations, required protections, interagency coordination recommendations, and measurable outcomes like pollutant reductions and flood damage avoided