NY S04405

Establishes the "public water justice act" declaring that state waters are held in public trust for New York residents, requiring the state to protect water flows, quality, fish habitat, and access to safe drinking water

Creates a permit system for bottled water sales requiring a $500 application fee plus $5,000+ processing fee, and imposes a royalty fee of at least $0.25 per gallon on all water withdrawn for bottled water production

Limits spring water withdrawals for bottled water sales to 50,000 gallons per day unless the permittee demonstrates the withdrawal will not measurably diminish connected wetlands, streams, lakes, or wildlife habitat

Establishes a "public water justice fund" to collect royalty revenues, with at least 35% of funds directed to disadvantaged communities for water affordability assistance, infrastructure repairs, and public health protection

Requires 60-day public notice, comment periods, and consultation with local governments and tribal nations before issuing bottled water permits, with mandatory evaluation that the withdrawal serves the public interest