CA SB1263

Requires applicants for new public water systems to submit a preliminary technical report to the State Water Resources Control Board at least 6 months before construction, including analysis of nearby systems and feasibility of consolidation or connection.

Authorizes the state board to direct applicants to negotiate with existing public water systems and can deny permits for proposed new systems if it determines they cannot provide affordable, safe drinking water in the foreseeable future.

Requires local primacy agencies to obtain state board concurrence before issuing permits for new public water systems.

Prohibits cities and counties from issuing building permits for new residential developments that rely on water haulers, bottled water, water-vending machines, or retail water facilities as their primary water source.

Exempts applications deemed complete before January 1, 2017, extensions or annexations of existing systems, and systems consolidating multiple existing water systems or replacing individual domestic wells from preliminary report requirements.