AMENDED IN SENATE JULY 3, 2025
AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY MAY 23, 2025
AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY MARCH 19, 2025
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2025–2026 REGULAR SESSION
96
Introduced by Assembly Member Celeste Rodriguez
(Coauthors: Assembly Members Bauer-Kahan and McKinnor)
February 13, 2025
An act to add Section 10566 to the Water Code, relating to stormwater.
Vote: majority Appropriation: no Fiscal committee: yes Local program: no
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL’S DIGEST
Existing law, the Stormwater Resource Planning Act, authorizes one or more public agencies to develop a stormwater resource plan that meets certain standards to address the capture of stormwater, as defined, and dry weather runoff, as defined. The act requires the State Water Resources Control Board, by July 1, 2016, to establish guidance for purposes of the act.
This bill would require the board, by December 1, 2026, to develop recommendations for stormwater capture and use for the irrigation of urban public lands, as defined. The bill would require the recommendations to address, but not be limited to, opportunities for the use of captured stormwater for irrigation to offset the use of potable water, as specified, and recommendations for, among other things, pathogens and pathogen indicators and total suspended solids. Prior to approving the recommendations, the bill would require the board to solicit and receive written public comment on proposed recommendations.
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
SECTION 1.
Section 10566 is added to the Water Code, immediately following Section 10565, to read:
10566.
(a) On or before December 1, 2026, the board shall develop recommendations for stormwater capture and use for the irrigation of urban public lands for the purpose of providing guidance. The recommendations shall address, but not be limited to, both of the following:
(1) Opportunities for use of captured stormwater for irrigation to offset potable water demand in a manner that poses minimal to no public health risks.
(2) Recommendations for pathogens and pathogen indicators, total suspended solids, toxics, and structural and nonstructural best management practices to reduce potential health risks.
(b) The board shall solicit and receive written public comment on the proposed recommendations described in subdivision (a). The board shall approve the final recommendations described in subdivision (a) following the completion of a public hearing.
(c) “Urban public lands” as used in this section means land in an urban area that is owned by the state, a city, or a county, or land that has been dedicated for public access, including, but not limited to, parks, street medians and parkways, and golf courses.