California Safe Drinking Water Act.
The bill places new obligations on domestic well owners, particularly those who rent properties. If the owner does not consent to consolidation with a receiving water system, they must guarantee that tenants have access to safe drinking water. This requires annual testing of water for various contaminants, compliance reporting to tenants and health officials, and provision of replacement water service if standards are not met. By mandating these actions, the bill ensures tenant rights are protected, particularly in disadvantaged communities relying on at-risk domestic wells.
Assembly Bill No. 664, relating to the California Safe Drinking Water Act, introduces significant changes in the regulation and enforcement of drinking water standards. The bill empowers the State Water Resources Control Board to issue citations not only to public water systems but also to any person found in violation of drinking water regulations. This expansion broadens the scope of responsibility for ensuring water safety and compliance with state standards, thus aiming to enhance the overall quality of drinking water throughout California.
The legislative sentiment around AB 664 is largely positive among advocates for public health and environmental safety, who see it as an essential step toward ensuring access to safe drinking water. However, concerns have been raised by some stakeholders about the practicality of enforcing these new obligations on private well owners, particularly regarding the financial implications for compliance and potential liabilities associated with violations.
Notably, AB 664 introduces discussions around local control versus state requirements. While it aims to improve water safety, some critics argue it could impose significant burdens on well owners and raise questions about the equitable application of these responsibilities. Additionally, the enforcement provisions and potential penalties could lead to contentious interactions between the State Board and individual well owners, especially where compliance is concerned.