In recent years as concerns over water shortages have consistently persisted, Californians have often pinned their hopes on higher levels of rain or snowfall to “to fill the reservoirs and replenish the groundwater basins that serve as the water supply for cities and farms.”[1] This reality has increased awareness and conservation efforts throughout the state; however, many have long felt that conservation, alone, cannot adequately address the water scarcity. Water recycling programs have not been an option, though, “due to a lack of state standards on how to permit on-site water reuse systems.”[2]
To address the lacking standards, Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) introduced Senate Bill 966 which will “[develop] statewide on-site water reuse regulations so local governments can increase water reuse across California.”[3] On September 28 of this year, the legislation was signed into law. In a statement posted on the Senator’s website, he sates, “SB 966 gives cities the tools they need to put water recycling programs in place. It also gives innovative water reuse businesses clear standards for designing new technologies. California must take bold steps today to prepare for tomorrow’s drought.[4] More specifically, the law establishes a state standard that gives local communities guidelines for “how rainwater, graywater, stormwater, blackwater and foundation drainage need to be treated and used for non-potable purposes like irrigation and toilet flushing.”[5]
Water reuse programs’ benefits are far-reaching and not limited to just water. Senator Weiner’s website also highlights that “one-fifth of all energy used in California goes to pumping water, so increasing water reuse reduces pressure on the electric grid and air quality impacts.”[6] Furthermore, for communities with aging water infrastructure, the ability to have on-site recycling provides alternatives to locations where it is cost prohibitive to do the necessary upgrades.
In total, the impact of this legislation can’t be understated. As communities begin to explore and develop new recycling solutions, those ideas will germinate in other places, both within the state and nationally.
[1] James, Kirsten. “The Most Important New Water Bills Facing California Lawmakers.” Water, News Deeply, 21 Feb. 2018, www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/02/21/the-most-important-new-water-bills-facing-california-lawmakers.
[2] “Senator Wiener’s Bill to Help California Cities Expand On-Site Water Recycling Passes the Legislature.” Senator Scott Wiener, 31 Aug. 2018, https://sd11.senate.ca.gov/news/20180830-senator-wiener%E2%80%99s-bill-help-california-cities-expand-site-water-recycling-passes-0
[3] “Senator Wiener’s Bill to Help California Cities Expand On-Site Water Recycling Passes the Legislature.” Senator Scott Wiener, 31 Aug. 2018, https://sd11.senate.ca.gov/news/20180830-senator-wiener%E2%80%99s-bill-help-california-cities-expand-site-water-recycling-passes-0
[4] “Senator Wiener’s Bill to Help California Cities Expand On-Site Water Recycling Passes the Legislature.” Senator Scott Wiener, 31 Aug. 2018, https://sd11.senate.ca.gov/news/20180830-senator-wiener%E2%80%99s-bill-help-california-cities-expand-site-water-recycling-passes-0
[5] “Senator Wiener’s Bill to Help California Cities Expand On-Site Water Recycling Passes the Legislature.” Senator Scott Wiener, 31 Aug. 2018, https://sd11.senate.ca.gov/news/20180830-senator-wiener%E2%80%99s-bill-help-california-cities-expand-site-water-recycling-passes-0
[6] “Senator Wiener’s Bill to Help California Cities Expand On-Site Water Recycling Passes the Legislature.” Senator Scott Wiener, 31 Aug. 2018, https://sd11.senate.ca.gov/news/20180830-senator-wiener%E2%80%99s-bill-help-california-cities-expand-site-water-recycling-passes-0
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