Latest news with #WaterSupplyStrategy
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Local rep pushing bill to boost use of recycled water
Feb. 13—Sen. Jerry McNerney, D-Pleasanton, on Tuesday introduced new legislation on Tuesday that would boost the use of recycled water in California. Senate Bill 31 would also enhance the state's fresh water supply by allowing businesses, homes, and agencies to expand their use of recycled water for irrigation and other uses, rather than relying on drinking water. "Instead of water wars pitting one region of the state against the other — North versus South — California must develop commonsense solutions that enable us to use the water we have more efficiently," McNerney said. "SB 31 is a pragmatic approach that will enhance our supplies of fresh water by expanding the use of recycled water for irrigation and commercial uses. It will also help protect the state during devastating droughts caused by climate change." Recycled water is wastewater that has been treated to make it safe for instances in which using drinking water is unnecessary. It is commonly used in irrigation and groundwater recharge, among other uses. California law requires state and local agencies to use recycled water for irrigating parks, golf courses, cemeteries, landscaping along highways, and other uses when possible. In addition, state law allows agencies to require the use of recycled water for toilet and urinal flushing in public buildings. Lodi Public Works Director Charles Swimley said the city currently uses very little recycled water, but it will be exploring opportunities associated with the bill for expanding its recycled water infrastructure. "While we have existing recycled water infrastructure in some of our subdivisions, we don't serve recycled water in the city proper," he said. "We do however utilize approximately 2,700 acre-feet of recycled wastewater annually to irrigate the land application areas that are located at the White Slough Water Pollution Control Facility." Governor Gavin Newsom's Water Supply Strategy aims to meet a goal of recycling 1.8 million acre-feet per year by 2040. California currently uses more than 700,000 acre feet of recycled water a year, saving the state roughly the equivalent of enough drinking water for 1.4 million households. SB 31 would enable parks to expand the use of recycled water and ensure that using recycled water in lakes and golf courses, among other "decorative" areas, isn't deterred by overly burdensome regulations. It also requires homeowners' associations to use recycled water, where available, to irrigate outdoor common areas, and makes sure that homeowners' associations won't have to install new plumbing systems to use recycled water. In addition, the bill allows food handling and processing facilities to use recycled water for toilet or urinal flushing or outdoor irrigation as long as the recycled water doesn't enter a room where food handling or processing occurs. "Increased use of recycled water is imperative to ensuring local communities have access to safe and reliable drinking water," WateReuse California managing director Brenley McKenna said. "WateReuse California thanks Senator McNerney for introducing SB 31, which will update the Code of Regulations and expand the allowable uses of recycled water throughout the state. Aligning regulations with advancements in technology and increased investment in recycled water are critical to implementing the Governor's Water Supply Strategy."
Associated Press
27-01-2025
- Politics
- Associated Press
Senator Anna Caballero Introduces Senate Bill 72, Would Secure Long-term Water Supply for California
SACRAMENTO, CA, January 27, 2025 (EZ Newswire) -- CA Water for All is excited to share that last week Senator Anna Caballero (D - Merced) introduced Senate Bill 72, which will establish statewide water supply targets while requiring the State, water community, and stakeholders come together to achieve comprehensive, long-term water supply solutions that will transform water management in California, ensuring adequate and reliable supplies across the State. 'CMUA is proud to co-sponsor this vital legislation with the California State Association of Counties and the California Council for Environmental and Economic Balance. Our state is long overdue for a new strategy on how to best manage our water supply and plan for the future,' said Danielle Blacet-Hyden, Executive Director. 'With SB 72, California can finally begin to reverse the trend of overreliance on water cutbacks and rationing by working with the water community to rectify the decades-long, water supply threats that are impacting 40 million Californians and our communities statewide.' SB 72 would secure California's future water supply by doing the following: Establish necessary water supply targets to capture and produce enough water for all uses. Modernize the California Water Plan for a 21st-century climate. Ensure accountability for state agencies on water management issues. Complement and amplify Governor Newsom's Water Supply Strategy, ensuring water supply targets extend beyond any single Administration. 'By establishing a statewide water supply target and transforming the California Water Plan into a strategic action plan to implement the target, we can finally address critical water supply challenges that are a product of climate change, weather whiplash, and an antiquated system,' said Senator Anna Caballero, author of SB 72. 'We cannot afford to wait any longer to plan and implement solutions to address California's water supply needs. I'm proud to author this proposal and look forward to working with the Legislature and Governor Newsom on this critical bill.' 'Communities, residents, businesses, the economy, and jobs are threatened across the state as our water supply challenges continue to get worse,' said Craig Miller, General Manager, Western Water. 'By establishing water supply targets, SB 72 will give us a new path forward that will not only bolster the Governor's current Water Supply Plan, but will also create necessary accountability and a commitment from the State, the water community, and all stakeholders to establish necessary change.' As a result of evolving and worsening climate conditions, an aging water infrastructure, a growing population, a global economy, and antiquated state policies, California will continue to face an ongoing water supply shortage of historic proportions. California's current water systems require extraordinary commitment and investment in new water supplies. We all have a responsibility to ensure the future of our water supplies. Policy solutions must be advanced to meet environmental, agricultural and urban uses. Last year, Senator Caballero authored a similar bill that enjoyed unanimous support from the Legislature in both houses but was vetoed by Governor Newsom due to budget concerns and a budget deficit. SB 72 includes many of the same provisions and with a better budget year projected and increased pressure from climate driven wildfires, the coalition is optimistic that the bill can get a signature from Governor Newsom. Co-sponsors of SB 72 include the California Municipal Utilities Association (CMUA), the California State Association of Counties (CSAC), and the California Council for Environmental and Economic Balance (CCEEB). To learn more about SB 72, visit the state's Legislative Bill Information portal. ### SOURCE: CA Water For All
