Allows water agencies to begin construction on ailing systems as soon as an application for state funding is accepted, rather than waiting several months or more for the money to be received. The legislation also would create new assistance and increase transparency of small, community-run mutual water agencies by providing training to board members. It also would require them to provide basic information to regional agencies about their operations.
Requires drinking water alerts to be translated when 10 percent or more of water district customers speak a second language.
Makes it possible for "severely disadvantaged communities" to obtain 100 percent grant funding for water infrastructure improvement projects. Currently, these communities can qualify only for up to 80 percent in grants and must take out the remaining 20 percent in loans that residents may have difficulty repaying.
Allows state-recognized tribes and nonprofit organizations (such as mutual water agencies) access to the state's Cleanup and Abatement Account to pay for pollution mediation. Although these organizations pay into the account in the form of pollution fines, they do not currently qualify for cleanup money.
Requires cities and counties to consider the infrastructure needs - including clean drinking water access - of disadvantaged and unincorporated communities in urban planning efforts, including general plan updates.
Makes adjustments to and clarifies drinking water laws to ensure that state public health laws conform with the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. For example, the California Department of Public Health now will interpret laws involving human consumption of water to include cooking and food preparation. Failure to comply with national drinking water statutes could have resulted in a loss of about130 million in federal funds.
Authorizes the issuance of revenue bonds, which will be deposited into the Safe Drinking Water State Revolving Fund so the state can satisfy federal matching requirements under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/13/california-clean-drinking-water-bills_n_1010014.html
As of 5.15.11, this is the status of current water-related legislation in California.
AB 157; Jeffries R Safe, Clean, and Reliable Drinking Water Supply Act of 2012.
Would reduce by 25% the total amount of bonds authorized to be issued pursuant to the Safe, Clean, and Reliable Drinking Water Supply Act of 2012, and would make conforming reductions to amounts specified to be allocated from these bond funds for certain purposes. This bill contains other related provisions. Introduced: 1/19/2011 pdf html 4/5/2011 - In committee: Set, first hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author.
AB 275; Solorio D Rainwater Capture Act of 2011.
Would enact the Rainwater Capture Act of 2011, which would authorize residential, commercial, and governmental landowners to install, maintain, and operate rain barrel systems, as defined, and rainwater capture systems, as defined, for specified purposes, provided that the systems comply with specified requirements. This bill contains other related provisions and other current laws. Amended: 3/25/2011 pdf html 5/2/2011 - In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.
AB 359; Huffman D Groundwater Management Plans.
Would require the local agency to provide a copy of a resolution of intention to the Department of Water Resources within 30 days of the date of adoption. The bill would require the local agency, upon written request, to provide a copy of the proposed groundwater management plan to an interested person. The bill would require the local agency to provide each of those interested persons with a specified notice at least 30 days prior to the commencement of the 2nd hearing to determine whether to adopt the plan. The bill would require the department to post on its Internet Web site the information the department possesses regarding the local agencies that have jurisdiction to develop groundwater management plans. This bill contains other related provisions and other current laws. Amended: 4/11/2011 pdf html 4/28/2011 - From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 5. Noes 3.) (April 27). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
AB 531; Olsen R Groundwater.
Current law relating to groundwater management declares the intent of the Legislature to encourage local agencies to work cooperatively to manage groundwater resources within their jurisdictions, and makes related legislative findings and declarations. This bill would make technical, nonsubstantive changes to those legislative findings and declarations. Introduced: 2/15/2011 pdf html 2/16/2011 - From printer. May be heard in committee March 18.
AB 550; Huber D Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta: Peripheral Canal.
Would prohibit the construction of a peripheral canal, as defined, that conveys water from a diversion point in the Sacramento River to a location south of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, unless expressly authorized by the Legislature. The bill would require the Legislative Analyst's Office to complete an economic feasibility analysis prior to the enactment of a statute authorizing the construction of a peripheral canal. The bill would prohibit the construction and operation of a peripheral canal from diminishing or negatively affecting the water supplies, water rights, or quality of water for water users within the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta watershed, or imposing any new burdens on infrastructure within, or financial burdens on persons residing in, the Delta or the Delta watershed. Introduced: 2/16/2011 pdf html 3/25/2011 - Referred to Coms. on W., P. & W. and APPR.
AB 640; Logue R Water Discharges: Mandatory Minimum Civil Penalties. Would expand that definition to include a POTW serving a community of 20,000 persons or fewer. The bill also would authorize the state board or a regional board to waive specified nonpayment penalties for a POTW that is subject to the compliance project provisions. This bill contains other current laws. Amended: 4/12/2011 pdf html 4/13/2011 - Re-referred to Com. on E.S. & T.M.
AB 685; Eng D State Water Policy.
Would declare that it is the established policy of the state that every human being has the right to clean, affordable, and accessible water for human consumption, cooking, and sanitary purposes, that is adequate for the health and well-being of the individual and family. The bill would require all relevant state agencies, including the Department of Water Resources, State Water Resources Control Board, and State Department of Public Health, to employ all reasonable means to implement this state policy. Those state agencies would be required to revise, adopt, or establish policies, regulations, and grant criteria to further this state policy, to the extent that those actions do not affect eligibility for federal funds. Introduced: 2/17/2011 pdf html 4/27/2011 - From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 8. Noes 3.) (April 26). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
AB 745; Valadao R California Water Plan.
Current law requires the Department of Water Resources to update every 5 years the plan for the orderly and coordinated control, protection, conservation, development, and use of the water resources of the state, which is known as the California Water Plan. This bill would make technical, nonsubstantive changes to that requirement. Introduced: 2/17/2011 pdf html 2/18/2011 - From printer. May be heard in committee March 20.
AB 849; Gatto D Water: Use Efficiency: Graywater Building Standards. Would repeal the authority of a city, county, or other local agency to adopt building standards that prohibit entirely the use of graywater. The bill would require that an ordinance enacted pursuant to this authority must include the local climatic, geological, topographical, or any other cond itions requiring the more restrictive building standards . Amended: 5/2/2011 pdf html 5/2/2011 - Read second time and amended. 5/11/2011 1:30 p.m. - State Capitol, Room 447 ASSEMBLY LOCAL GOVERNMENT, SMYTH, Chair
AB 921; Allen Agriculture Water Efficiency and Compost
This bill requires the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), in conjunction with the California Department of Water Resources (DWR), to quantify water use efficiency in relation to use of compost in agriculture (Ag). Amended: 4/25/2011 05/05/2011 LAST HIST. ACTION: From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 5. Noes 3.) (May 4). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
AB 938; V. Manuel Pérez D Public Water Systems.
Would add environmental documentation to the costs of a single project that the department is required to determine by an assessment of affordability. This bill contains other related provisions and other current laws. Amended: 5/4/2011 4/26/2011 - Do pass as amended and be re-referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
AB 983; Perea D Safe Drinking Water State Revolving Fund.
Would authorize the department to take specified actions to improve access to financial assistance for projects serving small water systems, as defined. The bill would require the department to give priority in funding to projects that include consolidation with a small water system and that will enable that system to meet drinking water standards, without regard to the project proponent. This bill contains other related provisions and other current laws. Amended: 3/31/2011 pdf html 4/26/2011 - Do pass as amended and be re-referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
AB 1002; Butler D California Water Plan: Stormwater Recovery. Would additionally require the department to include in the plan a discussion of strategies relating to stormwater recovery. Introduced: 2/18/2011 pdf html 4/26/2011 - In committee: Set, first hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author.
AB 1058; Smyth R Water Quality: Salinity: Agricultural Use.
Would require the state board, on or before July 1, 2013, to adopt a statewide policy establishing a statewide water quality objective and plan of implementation for chloride and other measures of salinity that may affect the suitability of water used for agricultural purposes, in accordance with prescribed requirements. Amended: 3/31/2011 pdf html 4/26/2011 - In committee: Set, first hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author.
AB 1152; Chesbro D Groundwater.
Would authorize a monitoring entity to report groundwater elevations using specified alternate monitoring techniques for certain groundwater basins and subbasins meeting prescribed conditions. The bill would condition this authorization upon submission of a report to the department and a determination by the department that the monitoring entity may use the alternate monitoring techniques. The bill would require a monitoring entity, every 3 years, to submit to the department information establishing its continued eligibility to use the alternate monitoring techniques. This bill contains other related provisions and other current laws. Amended: 4/28/2011 pdf html 5/2/2011 - Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
AB 1187; Fong D California Water Plan: Safe Drinking Water.
Would additionally require the department to include a specified safe drinking water plan prepared by the State Department of Public Health in updates of the California Water Plan. The bill would require the department to contract with the State Department of Public Health for that purpose. This bill contains other related provisions and other current laws. Introduced: 2/18/2011 pdf html 4/27/2011 - From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 9. Noes 0.) (April 26). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
AB 1194; Block D Drinking Water. Would include cooking, including, but not limited to, preparing food and washing dishes, in the definition of human consumption. This bill contains other related provisions and other current laws. Introduced: 2/18/2011 pdf html 4/27/2011 - From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: to consent calendar. (Ayes 9. Noes 0.) (April 26). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
AB 1221; Alejo D State Water Quality Control Fund: State Water Pollution Cleanup and Abatement Account.
Would additionally authorize the state board to pay these moneys to tribes, as defined, and not-for-profit organizations serving disadvantaged communities, as defined, that have authority to clean up or abate the effects of waste. By authorizing new expenditures from a continuously appropriated account, this bill would make an appropriation. This bill contains other current laws. Amended: 4/13/2011 pdf html 4/27/2011 - From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 8. Noes 1.) (April 26). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
AB 1283; Berryhill, Bill R Safe, Clean, and Reliable Drinking Water Supply Act of 2012.
Current law creates the Safe, Clean, and Reliable Drinking Water Supply Act of 2012, which, if approved by the voters, would authorize the issuance of bonds in the amount of $11,140,000,000 pursuant to the State General Obligation Bond Law to finance a safe drinking water and water supply reliability program. Current law provides for the submission of the bond act to the voters at the November 6, 2012, statewide general election. This bill would declare the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation relating to the Safe, Clean, and Reliable Drinking Water Supply Act of 2012. Introduced: 2/18/2011 pdf html 2/22/2011 - From printer. May be heard in committee March 22.
SB 34; Simitian D California Water Resources Investment Act of 2011. Would enact the California Water Resources Investment Act of 2011 to finance a water resources investment program. To finance the program, the bill would impose on each retail water supplier in the state an annual charge based on the volume of water provided in its service area that is provided for nonagricultural uses and an annual charge based on each acre of land within its service area that is irrigated for agricultural purposes . The bill would require the State Board of Equalization to collect the charges from retail water suppliers in accordance with the Fee Collection Procedures Law, and would authorize the State Board of Equalization and the Department of Water Resources to adopt and enforce regulations for the administration and enforcement of the charges and related requirements as emergency regulations. This bill contains other related provisions and other current laws. Amended: 4/13/2011 pdf html 4/21/2011 - Set for hearing May 4. 5/4/2011Do pass Sen. Com. On Governance and Finance, re-refer to Com. On Appropriations
SB 263; Pavley Wells: Reports: Pubic Availability
Requires a person who digs, bores, or drills a water well, cathodic protection well, or a monitoring well, or abandons or destroys a well, or deepens or reperforates a well, to file a report of completion with the Department of Water Resources (DWR). Existing law prohibits those reports from being made available to the public, except under certain circumstances. Introduced: 2/10/2011 4/12/2011 Com. On E. Q. Do pass (Ayes 5, Noes 3). Re-refer to Com. On Appropriations. 5/2/2011 Do pass re-refer to Com. On Appropriations
SB 267; Rubio D Water Supply Planning: Renewable Energy Plants. Current law requires a city or county that determines a project is subject to the California Environmental Quality Act to identify any public water system that may supply water for the project and to request those public water systems to prepare a specified water supply assessment. If no public water system is identified, the city or county is required to prepare the water supply assessment. This bill , until January 1, 2017, would revise the definition of "project" to exclude a proposed photovoltaic or wind energy generation facility approved on or after the effective date of the bill that would demand an amount of water equivalent to, or less than, the amount of water required by a 250 dwelling unit project. This bill contains other related provisions and other current laws. Amended: 4/13/2011 pdf html 5/2/2011 - Senate Rule 28.8. 5/4/2011 Read second time, ordered to third reading
SB 496; Fuller R State Water Resources Development System.
The Department of Water Resources operates the State Water Resources Development System, commonly referred to as the State Water Project, in accordance with the California Water Resources Development Bond Act. This bill would make technical, nonsubstantive changes to a provision that authorizes the issuance of bond funds in the amount of $1,750,000,000 for the purposes of that bond act. Introduced: 2/17/2011 pdf html 3/3/2011 - Referred to Com. on RLS.
SB 571; Wolk D California Water Commission: California Water Plan: Water Resources Investment.
Would provide for the organization of the commission as a separate agency in state government, instead of as an agency within the Department of Water Resources. The bill would recast and revise provisions relating to the commission's selection of a chairperson and executive officer employment of staff, and delegation of its functions. This bill contains other related provisions and other current laws. Amended: 4/13/2011 pdf html 4/27/2011 - Set, first hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author.
SB 834; Wolk D Integrated Regional Water Management Plans: Contents. Would additionally require an integrated regional water management plan to demonstrate the manner in which the plan complies with a specified state policy concerning reducing reliance on the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta for water supply and improving regional self-reliance for water, if the region covered by the plan receives water from the Delta watershed . Amended: 4/13/2011 pdf html 4/13/2011 - Read second time and amended. Ordered to third reading. 5/5/2011 #49 SENATE SENATE BILLS-THIRD READING FILE
SB 900; Steinberg D California Regional Water Quality Control Boards: Members: Proceedings.
Would delete the provisions prohibiting a board member from participating in actions that involve the member or a waste discharger with which the member is connected. The bill would specify that the limitation on a board member's financial interest applies only to a disqualifying financial interest within the meaning of the Political Reform Act of 1974. This bill contains other related provisions and other current laws. Amended: 4/6/2011 pdf html 5/2/2011 - Do pass as amended, and re-refer to the Committee on Appropriations
