CA SB1217

Revises the method for calculating urban water use targets to allow urban retail water suppliers to use their own criteria for indoor residential water use instead of the fixed 55 gallons per capita daily standard.

Eliminates prescribed per capita indoor residential water use standards (55 gallons through 2025, 52.5 gallons through 2030, and 50 gallons after 2030) that were previously established in law.

Requires the Department of Water Resources and State Water Resources Control Board to conduct studies and investigations and jointly recommend to the Legislature a standard for indoor residential water use that reflects best practices, with flexibility for individual urban water suppliers to consider local hydrologic conditions annually.

Extends the deadline for the department and board to submit their report and recommendation to the Legislature from January 1, 2021 to January 1, 2022.

Requires the studies and report to analyze impacts on potable water usage, wastewater, recycled water systems, infrastructure, and operations, with input from environmental groups, plumbing experts, and water agencies.