Water quality: Safe Drinking Water Fund.
The bill creates a framework for financial assistance through the Safe Drinking Water Trust, allowing the State Water Resources Control Board to allocate funds to support community water systems that lack the financial capacity for compliance. This ensures these systems can cover operating and maintenance costs, ultimately aiming for self-sufficiency. By providing a reliable funding source, the bill also addresses the broader implications of drinking water quality on economic development and community health.
Senate Bill 669, titled 'Water quality: Safe Drinking Water Fund', aims to address the challenges faced by community water systems in disadvantaged communities in California. The bill establishes the Safe Drinking Water Fund, which is continuously appropriated to assist these communities that are chronically noncompliant with state and federal drinking water standards. It recognizes the right of every individual to access safe, clean, and affordable drinking water, affirming the state's commitment to public health and safety.
Notable points of contention surrounding SB 669 stem from the legislative findings that highlight significant societal and economic concerns, particularly for small disadvantaged communities relying on unsafe drinking water. While proponents argue for the necessity of this funding to ensure compliance and address longstanding inequalities, critics may question the sustainability of funding mechanisms and the effectiveness of the trust in achieving long-term solutions.