An act relating to authorizing municipalities to regulate the surface water use of public waters used as drinking water supplies

This bill authorizes Vermont towns and cities to adopt local regulations governing surface water use for public drinking water supplies, but only when the municipality owns all land adjacent to the water source. It specifically applies to public water systems serving the municipality, excludes transboundary lakes or ponds, and allows local ordinances to override state rules from the Secretary of Natural Resources if conflicts arise. The law amends existing state statute (24 V.S.A. § 2291) to add this new municipal power, directly affecting local governments managing drinking water sources within their owned watersheds. This change provides towns with greater control over water use impacting their public water systems.