Wholesale water suppliers: water loss audit reports.
The enactment of AB 2656 is expected to have a significant impact on state water laws, as it will create a formal mechanism for monitoring water loss among wholesale suppliers. This could lead to more precise tracking and management of water resource efficiency, potentially reducing waste and improving the sustainability of water supplies in urban areas. The bill also necessitates that suppliers set defined urban water use targets, further promoting efficient water utilization.
Assembly Bill 2656, introduced by Assembly Member Eggman, aims to require wholesale water suppliers in California to conduct and submit annual water loss audit reports to the Department of Water Resources. This initiative aligns with existing state law that mandates a 20% reduction in urban per capita water use by the end of 2020. By imposing this requirement on wholesale suppliers, the bill intends to enhance the accountability and oversight necessary to support the state's water conservation goals.
Despite its supportive framework, the bill may encounter opposition from suppliers concerned about the financial and logistical implications of implementing annual audits. Critics might argue that the added regulatory burden could strain resources, especially for smaller suppliers. Additionally, some stakeholders could question the efficacy of further regulations in improving water conservation, pushing for alternative approaches that minimize costs while achieving the same environmental goals.