|
The bill below is aimed at protecting lakes from septic pollution:
HB 1540: relative to municipal health ordinances and accessory dwelling units.
What the Bill Does: HB 1540 clarifies that municipalities retain authority to enforce local health ordinances related to septic system safety and maintenance when regulating accessory dwelling units (ADUs).
This includes authority over the inspection, maintenance, upgrade, and replacement of septic systems to ensure they are functioning safely and effectively.
Why It Matters: An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a smaller, independent living space—such as an in-law apartment, garage conversion, or backyard cottage—located on the same property as a single-family home.
In 2025, the New Hampshire Legislature passed a law requiring municipalities to allow at least one ADU by right on most single-family lots. While this may expand housing opportunities, it can increase pressure on septic systems—especially in lakefront and environmentally sensitive areas.
HB 1540 provides an important clarification that ADUs remain subject to municipal health ordinances related to septic systems, ensuring communities can continue to protect water quality and public health.
Properly functioning septic systems are essential to keeping our lakes clean. When systems fail or are overloaded, they can release excess nutrients that fuel cyanobacteria blooms, which are increasing in frequency and severity in lakes across New Hampshire. These blooms pose serious public health concerns, reduce property values, and discourage recreation and tourism—negatively impacting local communities and the state’s economy.
Clean and healthy lakes are a cornerstone of New Hampshire’s economy. Recurring cyanobacteria blooms can lower waterfront property values, reduce visitor spending, and strain local economies that depend on lake-based recreation.
HB 1540 helps prevent septic pollution before it reaches our lakes—protecting both environmental quality and economic vitality.
Hearing Date/Time: Tuesday, April 21, 10:15 AM, State House, Room 100 (107 North Main Street, Concord) **If you plan to attend the hearing, let Andrea LaMoreaux, NH LAKES President and Policy Advocate, know in advance so you can coordinate your talking points.
Sign-in Online in Support:
STEP 1: Register your SUPPORT online for this bill!
Go to the online Senate Sign-in Sheet.
Select the hearing date: April 21, 2026
Select the committee: Senate Commerce Committee
Choose the bill: 10:15 a.m. - HB 1540
I am: A member of the public.
I'm representing: Myself
Indicate your position on this bill: I support this bill.
Select “Continue” at the bottom of the page.
Provide your personal information.
Select “Continue” at the bottom of the page.
Click the box that says “By clicking this checkbox, you agree…”
Select “Continue” at the bottom of the page.
STEP 2: Email the Committee
Email members of the Senate Commerce Committee to share why you support HB 1540. A brief, personal message can make a strong impact.
Subject line:
Support HB 1540 and protect lakes from septic pollution (April 21)!
In your message, explain that you support HB 1540 because it ensures municipalities can continue enforcing local health ordinances for septic systems when regulating accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Note that this is important for protecting lake health and supporting our local and state economy.
Copy and paste the following email addresses into the “to” line of your email:
Daniel.Innis@gc.nh.gov
Denise.Ricciardi@gc.nh.gov
Regina.Birdsell@gc.nh.gov
Keith.Murphy@gc.nh.gov
Donovan.Fenton@gc.nh.gov
Tara.Reardon@gc.nh.gov
aaron.jones@gc.nh.gov
And, please cc Andrea LaMoreaux on your emails: alamoreaux@nhlakes.org
| 
