LEGISLATIVE DEVELOPMENTS

June 2008

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AB 2175: Making Water Conservation Plans Mandatory

Although the average Sierra Nevada snowfall early this past winter appeared encouraging for California’s water problems, dry and sunny weather in March and April has melted much of the snowpack, erasing any gains that may have been made throughout the winter. With no end to California’s water shortage in sight, some politicians are focusing on legislating conservation as a way to ensure adequate water supplies. Assembly Bill 2175 would require water suppliers to adopt comprehensive water conservation plans by setting feasible and cost-effective numeric conservation targets for urban and agricultural uses. The bill also conditions water management grant funding on local agency implementation of conservation measures. By shifting from voluntary to mandatory water conservation, the bill seeks to ensure efficient management of California’s water resources, thereby stretching water supplies, protecting aquatic eco-systems and reducing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions associated with water delivery and use.