Creates standards for onsite water reuse systems

Existing law requires the State Water Resources Control Board to establish uniform statewide recycling criteria for each varying type of use of recycled water where the use involves the protection of public health.

This bill would, on or before December 1, 2022, require the state board, in consultation with the California Building Standards Commission and the Department of Housing and Community Development, to adopt regulations for risk-based water quality standards for the onsite treatment and reuse of nonpotable water, as provided. The bill would authorize the state board to contract with public or private entities regarding the content of the standards. The bill would require a local jurisdiction, as defined, that elects to establish a program for onsite treated nonpotable water systems to, among other things, adopt, through ordinance, a local program that includes the risk-based water quality standards established by the state board. The bill would, on or before December 1, 2023, require the department, in consultation with the state board, to develop and propose for adoption any necessary corresponding building standards to support the risk-based water quality standards established by the state board. The bill would prohibit an onsite treated nonpotable water system from being installed except under a program established by a local jurisdiction in compliance with the bill’s provisions.