CA AB1642

Exempts well projects from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review until January 1, 2028, if the domestic well or connected water system is designated as high or medium risk by the State Water Resources Control Board in its drinking water needs assessment.

Requires well projects to be designed to mitigate or prevent well failures that would leave residents without adequate safe drinking water, and prohibits projects primarily serving irrigation or future growth.

Restricts exemption eligibility by requiring the lead agency to determine that the project does not affect wetlands, sensitive habitats, historical resources, or sites on hazardous waste lists, and that no unusual circumstances exist.

Mandates lead agencies contact the State Water Resources Control Board before claiming the exemption to determine if it will affect federal financial assistance eligibility.

Requires lead agencies to file notices of exemption with the Office of Planning and Research and county clerk, including information about whether other exemptions under CEQA could apply to the project.