Bill > AB514

This bill establishes a state policy to encourage, but not mandate, the development of emergency water supplies by local and regional water suppliers in California. The bill recognizes the state's variable climate, which cycles between periods of high precipitation and drought, and acknowledges that climate change is likely to bring more frequent and intense droughts. It defines "emergency water supplies" as additional water sources that a water supplier has a legal right to and has identified in their water shortage contingency plan, which can be used during drought or unplanned service disruptions. The bill aims to support water supply resilience by incentivizing the development of these emergency supplies, while explicitly stating that water suppliers are not required to modify their existing plans or operations, and cannot interfere with existing water rights or contractual obligations. The legislation seeks to help California better adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change on water resources by encouraging proactive water supply planning, recognizing that current investment in emergency water supplies has been limited.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB514