New California Legislation to Help Protect Local Water Resources

On Oct. 8, 2013, Gov. Jerry Brown signed into law a measure granting greater flexibility and oversight to the Water Replenishment District of Southern California (WRD), which manages the groundwater supply for one in 10 Californians.

Senate Bill (SB) 620, authored by Sen. Roderick Wright, will remove outdated financial restrictions and allow WRD to determine its reserve fund policy to better replenish, protect and preserve groundwater supplies within the district's service area. SB 620 will also allow WRD to recoup attorney fees incurred due to delinquent payments and increases fees for failure to file state required reports by groundwater producers.

SB 620 will replace the district's already established advisory budget and audit committee with a budget advisory committee to review and make recommendations regarding its annual operating budget, replenishment assessment and reserves. The budget advisory committee will consist of seven representatives elected by the groundwater producers within the district.

"Groundwater is a safe, sustainable and economical source of fresh water for millions of people in the 43 cities we serve," said WRD Board President Rob Katherman. "SB 620 will protect the stability of the region's groundwater supply by allowing us to gradually shift away from purchasing imported water for groundwater replenishment, and ultimately, help us achieve 100% independence from that imported water in the next five years."

SB 620 takes effect on Jan.1, 2014.

Source: Water Replenishment District of Southern California