CA AB1975

Water purveyors must either adopt a general policy or inform applicants on an individual basis whether water meters or submeters are required for individual dwelling units in newly constructed multiunit residential or mixed-use structures.

The Department of Housing and Community Development must develop building standards requiring installation of water meters or submeters in individual dwelling units within newly constructed multiunit structures, with exemptions for low-income housing, student dormitories, long-term health care facilities, and timeshare properties.

Water purveyors are prohibited from charging fees for submeter installation, approval, or connection; owners of rental structures with installed submeters cannot assess tenants charges or fees based on submeter water usage readings.

The California Building Standards Commission must verify sufficient supply of water meters and submeters are available in the market before adopting the proposed building standards.

The Department of Housing and Community Development must convene a task force by January 1, 2011 to develop recommendations for legislation governing assessment and charging of occupants in rental dwelling units for water and sewer usage, with final recommendations due to the Legislature by December 31, 2011.