CA SB471

Establishes legislative findings that water and energy are inextricably connected, with California's water system accounting for nearly 20 percent of total electricity usage and 30 percent of nonpower-related natural gas consumption.

Adds water treatment to eligible investments under the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, allowing cap-and-trade revenues to fund projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with water use, supply, and treatment.

Requires the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission to conduct a study of water-related energy use in California in cooperation with the State Water Resources Control Board, State Air Resources Board, Public Utilities Commission, and Department of Water Resources.

Directs the State Water Resources Control Board to establish a grant and loan program for water projects that reduce water-related greenhouse gas emissions, funded by appropriations from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund.

Specifies eligible project categories including precision irrigation, water recycling, stormwater capture, clean energy generation, leak detection, and water monitoring software, with all funds to private utilities used for ratepayer or public benefit under Public Utilities Commission oversight.