BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Appropriations Committee Fiscal Summary
Senator Christine Kehoe, Chair
1173 (Wolk)
Hearing Date: 05/03/2010 Amended: 03/24/2010
Consultant: Brendan McCarthy Policy Vote: NR&W 5-3, EQ 4-2
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BILL SUMMARY: SB 1173 defines raw water in statute and prohibits
the use of raw water when recycled water is available and
appropriate for use.
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Fiscal Impact (in thousands)
Major Provisions 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 Fund
Water Board unreasonable About $65, once every two to
three years Special *
use proceedings
* Water Rights Fund.
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STAFF COMMENTS:
Current law prohibits the waste or unreasonable use of water and
provides that the right to use water does not extend to water
that is unreasonably used or wasted.
Current law also prohibits the use of potable water for
non-potable purposes (for example outside irrigation) if
recycled water is available at adequate quality, cost, and will
not have adverse impacts on public health, the environment, or
other water rights holders.
SB 1173 defines "raw water" as surface or ground water that has
not been treated. The bill expands on the current prohibition
against the use of potable water when recycled water is
available to include a prohibition on the use of raw water when
recycled water is available.
The State Water Resources Control Board estimates that under the
bill an additional waste and unreasonable use hearing will occur
once every two to three years. A typical hearing costs about
$65,000 to complete.