Laird Water Quality and Conservation Bills Signed by Governor

SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember John Laird (D-Santa Cruz) today announced Governor Schwarzenegger has signed four bills related to water quality and water conservation including AB 739 (stormwater runoff), AB 1130 (above-ground petroleum storage tanks), AB 1404 (water use measurement) and AB 1420 (urban landscape water conservation).

The four bills join four other water quality- and conservation-focused bills already signed this year by the governor, including AB 156 (Delta-area flood control), AB 715 (high-efficiency toilets), AB 740 (invasive species and commercial vessels) and AB 1220 (oil spill cleanup funding).

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AB 739 – Stormwater Runoff 

Stormwater runoff, a significant source of pollution to coastal and other water bodies, has been regulated by the state since the early 1990s by requiring the adoption of “best management practices” to reduce pollution.  However, there is no comprehensive system in place that can demonstrate that the program is effectively protecting the water quality.  AB 739 requires the State Water Resources Control Board to assess the effectiveness of the stormwater management program in order to ensure the program is improving water quality.  The bill also defines the priorities for expenditure of the stormwater funds in Proposition 84 and Proposition 1E.

AB 1130 – Above-Ground Petroleum Storage Tanks  

AB 1130 transfers the inspection of above-ground petroleum storage tanks from the state to those local safety agencies which inspect below-ground storage tanks, hazardous materials storage and hazardous waste disposal.  The shift of the program should reduce total costs and improve safety by having better trained inspectors.

AB 1404 – Water Measurement

AB 1404 is intended to fill critical data gaps to enable more effective water management planning and investment decisions at the state and regional levels, and to demonstrate the effects of water conservation measures. Currently, water use information reported by local entities is collected by 3 different state agencies.   The bill requires agricultural water suppliers to report their water use information to the state, and requires state agencies to report on the feasibility of a coordinated database of urban and agricultural water use. 

AB 1420 – Urban Water Conservation

Increased compliance with water conservation measures in urban areas is estimated to result in an annual water savings of approximately 300,000 acre feet statewide.  Currently, state law requires 14 conservation measures to be included in a local water supplier’s Urban Water Management Plan.   AB 1420 requires, as a condition of eligibility for state water management grants, that urban water suppliers implement the water conservation measures in order to increase water use and energy efficiency in urban areas.