Water meters: urban water suppliers.
The legislation represents a significant shift in the timeline for compliance with water meter installation requirements, allowing urban water suppliers more flexibility in managing resources and installations. Supporters of the bill argue that the extension is a necessary response to operational challenges faced by these suppliers, particularly in regard to financial constraints and logistical hurdles involved in installing the required meters. This change is anticipated to give urban water suppliers the opportunity to develop better infrastructure and improve customer service through accurate water usage measurements.
Assembly Bill 2742, introduced by Assembly Member Friedman, seeks to amend Section 527 of the Water Code regarding the installation of water meters by urban water suppliers. Originally, the Water Measurement Law mandated that urban water suppliers must install water meters on all municipal and industrial service connections by January 1, 2025. However, AB 2742 proposes to extend this deadline to January 1, 2030. This delay aims to provide urban water suppliers with additional time to comply with the existing requirements of the law, which has been particularly impactful for areas facing implementation challenges.
Despite the proposed benefits, the delay outlined in AB 2742 may raise concerns among environmental advocates and consumers about the potential impact on water conservation efforts. Critics might argue that extending the deadline could hinder progress toward effective water management and efficiency, particularly as California continues to face challenges related to drought and water scarcity. The bill underscores ongoing debates around regulatory timelines and the balance between provider capabilities and conservation needs.
Overall, AB 2742 reflects a legislative effort to address the complexities surrounding water meter installations while recognizing the practical realities of urban water supply management. The discussions surrounding this bill highlight the ongoing need for policies that adapt to current circumstances and support both the suppliers' operational realities and the broader goals of resource conservation.