CA SB1478

Extends the deadline for urban retail water suppliers to adopt an urban water management plan from 2010 to July 1, 2011 to allow use of technical methodologies developed by the Department of Water Resources for water conservation purposes.

Requires urban retail water suppliers to develop urban water use targets and interim targets by July 1, 2011, with the goal of achieving a cumulative 20% reduction in per capita daily water use statewide by December 31, 2020.

Establishes four methods for suppliers to determine water use targets, including: 80% of baseline per capita use, performance standards for residential and landscape irrigation, 95% of state hydrologic region targets, or a method developed by the Department of Water Resources.

Requires the Department of Water Resources to develop and post technical methodologies and criteria for consistent implementation by October 1, 2010, covering calculations for baseline water use, compliance measures, and service area populations.

Grants an extension to July 1, 2011 for urban wholesale water suppliers to adopt their 2010 urban water management plan to allow coordination with urban retail water suppliers.