Sustainable groundwater management: managed wetlands.
The bill prohibits groundwater sustainability agencies from imposing fees on small community water systems that serve disadvantaged communities and mandates that any groundwater usage by these systems must not exceed average extraction levels from 2015 to 2020. This provision aims to protect vulnerable communities by ensuring they are not burdened with additional costs that could exacerbate water access issues. It also directs groundwater sustainability agencies to include assessments regarding the economic impacts on managed wetlands and small community water systems in their sustainability plans, encouraging a more holistic approach to groundwater management.
Assembly Bill 828, introduced by Assembly Member Connolly, addresses sustainable groundwater management with a particular emphasis on managed wetlands and small community water systems serving disadvantaged communities. The bill amends various sections of the Water Code related to groundwater sustainability, adding definitions for terms like 'managed wetland' and 'small community water system'. It aims to ensure that groundwater sustainability plans recognize the impacts on these systems while promoting water sustainability across high- and medium-priority groundwater basins in California. The bill emphasizes the importance of ground and surface water resources for various ecosystems and communities, significantly those facing challenges regarding fresh water accessibility.
The sentiment around AB 828 appears largely positive, especially among environmental advocates and lawmakers focused on equitable access to water resources. Proponents argue that the bill is vital for ensuring that the basic human right to water is recognized and upheld in California, particularly for disadvantaged communities that rely heavily on groundwater. However, there may be some contention from operators of large-scale agricultural or industrial water systems who could view these regulations as overly restrictive, potentially complicating their groundwater extraction rights.
Key points of contention include the balance struck between protecting water resources for managed wetlands and the needs of larger agricultural and industrial users. Critics of AB 828 might argue that while the intent to safeguard vulnerable community systems is commendable, it could lead to unintended consequences for existing water management practices and allocations. The requirement for sustainability plans to accommodate both managed wetlands and small community systems has the potential to complicate regulatory frameworks, provoking debates on compliance and enforcement among local agencies.