Existing law, the Stormwater Resource Planning Act, authorizes one or more public agencies to develop a stormwater resource plan that meets certain standards to address the capture of stormwater, as defined, and dry weather runoff, as defined. The act requires the State Water Resources Control Board, by July 1, 2016, to establish guidance for purposes of the act.

This bill would require the board, by December 1, 2026, to develop recommendations for stormwater capture and use for the irrigation of urban public lands, as defined. The bill would require the recommendations to address, but not be limited to, opportunities for the use of captured stormwater for irrigation to offset the use of potable water, as specified, and recommendations for, among other things, pathogens and pathogen indicators and total suspended solids. Prior to approving the recommendations, the bill would require the board to solicit and receive written public comment on proposed recommendations.