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The Legislature has passed two pills aimed at helping alleviate the impacts of the severe California drought. The bills – Senate Bill 555 and Assembly Bill 606 – have been sent to Governor Jerry Brown, where they await his signature. Both bills passed their respective chamber based on bipartisan support.
SB 555, drafted by Senator Wolk (D-Davis), would require water agencies to conduct annual inspections of their pipes to detect leaks and breaks in their systems. Agencies would then have to submit their findings to the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB). SWRCB would then develop standards for water agencies in order to minimize water loss.
“It’s estimated that 40 percent of the 870,000 acre-feet of urban water lost to leaks could be cost-effectively recovered by detecting and repairing leaks. That’s 350,000 acre-feet in water savings,” Wolk explained.
“Water lost from leaking underground water mains is a 24/7/365 drain on our drinking water supplies, all the more objectionable because of the current drought,” said Ed Osann, Senior Policy Analyst on Water Efficiency for the Natural Resources Defense Council, which supports the bill. “This bill moves California to the forefront among states requiring the posting of validated water loss data and setting standards for water loss reduction that utilities must achieve. It is estimated that more than 1/3 of the current losses of treated drinking water could be cost-effectively prevented or eliminated. SB 555 takes aim at this waste of water and calls for action to reduce hidden leaks in urban water systems.”
AB 606, drafted by Assemblyman Levine (D-San Rafael), aims to reduce water consumption by requiring state-owned properties to modernize their irrigation system. The bill would also require drought-tolerant landscaping, specifically plants that are native to California.
Students at Manor Elementary School in Fairfax originally pitched the bill. Once Assemblyman Levine drafted the bill, students from Ms. Honda’s 4th grade class testified in front of the legislature.
“The drought is hard on people, animals and plants. Native plants are adapted to our California climate so they don’t need much water,” Ms. Honda said. “I want my students to understand the importance of conserving energy and water for wildlife. These things go hand in hand.”
Assemblyman Levine says he’s inspired by the students’ commitment to protecting the environment.
“It is my honor to carry out this bill for the students at Manor Elementary. This bill is a great example of civic engagement,” Levine said. “These students testified in support of the bill in the Legislature. It is now my hope that they will also see their bill become law.”
