CA AB2953

Eliminates use of potable groundwater from critically overdrafted groundwater basins for highway landscaping and cleaning, except when a district director determines it is necessary to protect public health or safety.

Requires the Department of Transportation to discontinue water-intensive freeway landscaping and use drought-resistant landscaping whenever feasible, considering erosion control and fire retardant needs.

Mandates elimination of dependency on imported water for landscaping as soon as practicable.

Requires use of recycled water for freeway landscaping irrigation when adequate quality and quantity are available, approved by regional water quality control boards, and supplied by local agencies or water utilities.

Permits local public agencies and water utilities to place recycled water transmission lines in freeway rights-of-way subject to specified liability and maintenance requirements.