Revises provisions relating to water conservation. (BDR 48-697)
The adjustments made by AB191 are significant as they redefine the landscape of water conservation requirements across the state. While supporters argue that the bill will help lower compliance costs for smaller water suppliers and thus encourage their operational viability, critics raise concerns about the potential lapse in water conservation efforts in areas served by these small suppliers. The bill changes how water conservation is managed, as it prioritizes easing regulations at the potential risk of declining water management standards in parts of the state that rely on these smaller suppliers.
Assembly Bill 191 revises existing legislation concerning water conservation in Nevada. The bill primarily affects the definition of 'supplier of water,' which now excludes any public or private entity with fewer than 15 service connections. As a result, these smaller entities are relieved from the obligation to adopt a water conservation plan, perform water loss audits, or calculate water losses, thus streamlining regulations for smaller water suppliers while still requiring larger entities to comply with established conservation measures. This change is viewed as an effort to reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens on small providers who may not have the resources to manage compliance with such laws.
Notably, the transformation of the definition of 'supplier of water' sparks debate regarding the implications for water resource sustainability. Critics caution that easing regulations may lead to increased water loss and less accountability among smaller water entities. Proponents, however, emphasize the necessity of bifurcating regulations to align with the capacity of smaller providers. This ongoing discussion highlights the tension between regulatory oversight and the flexibility needed by small businesses to thrive under Nevada's varying resource challenges.