California bill targeting water-main leaks sent to governor's desk

The California State Senate sent SB 555, which aims to prevent water loss at utilities by better managing leakage, to Gov. Jerry Brown's desk late last week.

If Brown signs the bill into law, it would tackle water waste at urban suppliers by requiring them to report their losses each year. The State Board would then be able to set mandatory performance standards for these suppliers.

“Leaking water mains are a 24/7/365 problem for California, all the more unacceptable in the midst of the drought,” Natural Resources Defense Council Senior Water Policy Analyst Ed Osann said. “This bill takes a whack at this hidden problem and puts the state at the forefront of water-loss reductions. California is in the fourth consecutive year of its worst drought in more than 1,200 years. It’s critical that we take charge of our water use by investing in smart water practices that protect and preserve our water supply.”

The NRDC said the state loses almost 1 million acre-feet of drinking water to leakage every year. This bill would require utilities to take steps to reduce that figure, which could be cut by a third with cost-effective measures.