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Take Action Now
If you would like to help make sure these water efficiency standards become law, please send a letter immediately to your state Assembly member. Decisions are being made on this legislation in the coming weeks, so a fast response will greatly help the effort.
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AB 2153, the Water Efficiency & Security Act will ensure that California can meet water demands of existing and new residents while adapting to climate change by:
- Requiring new residential & commercial developments that are subject to CEQA to incorporate cost-effective water efficiency measures.
- Requiring that any water use in the new development be fully mitigated through water efficiency measures in existing communities or by developing local water supplies.
- Directing a portion of the benefits from mitigation projects to disadvantaged communities that otherwise would not be able to afford efficiency and adaptation measures.
Background
California requires a reliable water supply to sustain our population, accommodate our economic growth, and maintain our unique environment.
Regions throughout the state are learning that their water supply reliability is threatened as climate change exacerbates the already critical problems affecting the Colorado River, the Bay Delta Estuary, groundwater and other important water resources. For instance, by 2050 California’s Sierra snowpack is estimated to decrease by 4.5 million acre-feet (maf) – enough for 9 million households a year.
Yet, while California must address lost water supply reliability associated with climate change, the state must also accommodate millions more residents. Our population is expected to nearly double - reaching nearly 60 million by 2050. In short, we will need to serve more people with less supply from traditional water sources.
As we adapt to California’s new water future we cannot afford to leave disadvantaged communities behind. Disadvantaged communities already struggle with failing water systems that lose water through leaking pipes and require wasteful and frequent pipe flushing to rid pipes of contaminants. Many communities, suffering from historical infrastructure neglect, do not have the resources to make water-saving repairs. Many disadvantaged communities do not have funds to install water meters, a useful tool to promote water conservation.
California must minimize new demands & aggressively develop climate resilient water supplies for all communities. Immediate action is necessary to provide for residents, accommodate new residents & support economic growth.
AB 2153 Accommodates Growth and Secures Water Reliability
The Water Efficiency & Security Act will ensure that California can meet water demands of existing and new residents while adapting to climate change. Specifically, AB 2153 requires new development to incorporate water efficiency measures as well fully mitigate all new demands on existing water supplies. The water mitigation will be accomplished through efficiency measures within existing communities and the development of regional water supplies. This allows communities to maintain reliable water supplies while accommodating new growth.
The Water Efficiency & Security Act will help California meet the water needs of our growing economy and population, including those of disadvantaged communities, while maintaining service to existing residents and adapting to climate change.
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