AB 115 Summary

• Authorizes State Water Resources Control Board to order consolidation of failing public water systems with adequately functioning systems and to extend service to underserved areas, with requirements for public meetings, hearings, and specified findings before ordering consolidation.

• Limits liability of consolidated water systems and wholesalers for claims related to operation of subsumed systems during interim periods, provided they meet drinking water quality standards and maintain reasonable service.

• Requires persons diverting 10 or more acre-feet of water annually to install measuring devices and maintain diversion records by January 1, 2016, and to report water use at least annually to the State Water Resources Control Board.

• Expands civil liability for violations of water regulations to $500 per day (eliminated previous limitation to drought emergency periods) and authorizes public entities to impose civil penalties up to $10,000 for violations of water conservation programs, with first residential violations capped at $1,000 except in extraordinary circumstances.

• Exempts from California Environmental Quality Act review certain groundwater replenishment projects, building standards for recycled water systems, and local ordinances regulating groundwater well permits through July 1, 2017.