AB 2617 Summary

• Requires the Department of Water Resources to develop a proposed report by December 1, 2017 analyzing the costs, benefits, and environmental impacts of various water efficiency measures in consultation with UC, CSU, State Water Resources Control Board, Energy Commission, and local water districts.

• Mandates analysis of specific water efficiency measures including turfgrass removal and replacement, native plant landscaping, smart irrigation controllers, graywater infrastructure, and rebates for efficient appliances and landscape systems.

• Requires the department to issue a final report by July 1, 2018 containing recommendations to public entities for achieving water-resilient communities and prioritizing cost-effective water efficiency measures with minimal adverse environmental impacts based on local conditions.

• Defines key terms including "adverse environmental impacts" (climate change, carbon sequestration, erosion, stormwater runoff impacts) and "evapotranspiration" to guide the analysis.