CA AB1649

Requires the Department of Water Resources to develop a state water policy by April 30, 2017 that prioritizes formation of joint powers authorities to address critical surface water storage needs.

Directs priority funding toward joint powers authorities' surface water storage projects.

Declares that Temperance Flat Dam and Sites Reservoir will meet statewide water storage goals and provide maximum public benefits including ecosystem improvements, water quality enhancement, flood control, emergency water supplies, and recreation.

References Proposition 1 (2014), which authorized $7.545 billion in general obligation bonds with $2.7 billion continuously appropriated for water storage projects including dams and reservoirs.

Establishes legislative findings that California's water storage system built in the 1960s for 16 million people must now serve 38 million residents and accommodate 50 million by 2050.