CHAPTER
3.8. Cost-Effective Water Conservation Measures
390.
It is the intent of the Legislature to promote water-resilient communities by having the state identify the relative cost-effectiveness of water efficiency measures and recommend those that have the potential to cost-effectively achieve the greatest reduction in water use, taking into consideration local conditions, and to produce net environmental benefits that outweigh any adverse environmental impacts.391.
As used in this chapter:(a) “Adverse environmental impacts” include, but are not limited to, impacts on climate change, net effects on carbon sequestration, increased erosion, and impacts to stormwater runoff.
(b) “Evapotranspiration” means a loss of water from the soil, including losses resulting from evaporation and losses resulting from transpiration from the plants growing on the soil.
(c) “Highly efficient consumer appliances and landscape systems” include, but are not limited to, irrigation systems, toilets, showers, pool covers, and clothes washers.
(d) “Public entity” has the same meaning as defined in Section 375.
(e) “Turfgrass” means any living grass that is used in fields or yards at a residential or commercial property, private park, athletic field, or public school.
392.
By December 1, 2017, the department, in consultation with persons that include, but are not limited to, subject matter experts at the University of California, the California State University, the board, the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission, and local water districts, shall develop and solicit comments on a proposed report that contains all of the following:(a) An analysis of the relative costs and benefits of incentives for various water efficiency measures, including the consideration of the impact of evapotranspiration rates in different hydrological regions of the state. The water efficiency measures considered shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
(1) Turfgrass removal and replacement with either drought-resistant turfgrass or artificial turf.
(2) Turfgrass removal and replacement with native or drought-tolerant plants.
(3) Non-native or high water using plant removal and replacement with native or drought-tolerant plants, drought-resistant turfgrass, or artificial turf.
(4) The use of conservation-based irrigation technology such as smart controllers.
(5) Investments in graywater infrastructure to supply water to outdoor landscapes.
(6) Rebates for highly efficient consumer appliances and landscape systems.
(b) An analysis of adverse environmental impacts
that would result from the water efficiency measures considered pursuant to subdivision (a).
(c) The projected benefits of recommended voluntary water efficiency measures.
393.
By July 1, 2018, the department shall issue a final report that contains both of the following:(a) All material developed pursuant to Section 392, updated as appropriate to further the intent of this chapter.
(b) Recommendations to public entities to help them achieve water-resilient communities and prioritize cost-effective water efficiency measures with low adverse environmental impacts based on local conditions, such as education, granting incentives or rebates, or other voluntary measures.