CA AB2501

Authorizes State Water Resources Control Board to order consolidation of water systems or extension of service if a disadvantaged community's public water system, state small water system, or domestic well consistently fails to provide safe drinking water.

Requires State Water Resources Control Board to conduct a second public meeting if consolidation has not concluded within 6 months of the first public meeting, replacing previous requirement for a public hearing at the deadline's expiration.

Prohibits receiving water systems from charging subsumed customers different fees or imposing conditions not applied to new customers not subject to consolidation, and requires state board compensation for capacity lost through consolidation or service extension.

Authorizes State Water Resources Control Board to contract with or grant funds to administrators to provide administrative, technical, operational, or managerial services to water systems serving disadvantaged communities, or to appoint administrators for oversight of consolidation or service extension projects.

Requires State Water Resources Control Board to develop standards, terms, and procedures in a policy handbook before ordering water systems to accept administrator services, including provisions for public comment, financial transparency, and community engagement.