HI SB2645

Establishes a five-year program requiring the commission on water resource management to provide technical assistance to public water systems to conduct standardized water audits using American Water Works Association methods (Manual M36).

Mandates counties conduct water audits for county-operated public water systems in the first two years, followed by all remaining large capacity public water systems (serving 1,000+ people) and systems in designated water management areas in years three and four.

Requires counties to submit completed and validated water loss audit reports by July 1, 2018 annually, with all other qualifying water systems submitting reports beginning July 1, 2020, including information on steps taken to reduce apparent and real losses.

Authorizes $600,000 in federal funds plus $100,000 in required private matching funds, totaling $700,000 appropriation for fiscal year 2016-2017 to establish and implement the water audit program.

Takes effect on July 1, 2016.