The bill amends the Water Code and the Special District Local Laws Code to regulate the transfer of groundwater outside the boundaries of groundwater conservation districts. Specifically, it introduces a new requirement that if an application for a permit or an amendment proposes the transfer of groundwater from a well capable of producing 25,000 gallons or more per day, the district must notify other districts in its management area. The permit cannot be issued unless at least two-thirds of the districts in that area approve it by a majority vote. Additionally, the boards of these districts are required to consider the potential impact of the permit on achieving desired future conditions for the management area.

Furthermore, the bill modifies existing language regarding the conditions under which a transfer of groundwater within a district's boundaries for use outside those boundaries is not considered a transfer. The previous conditions for such transfers have been deleted, streamlining the process for emergency potable water interconnects between retail public utilities. The new provisions will apply only to permits issued on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set to take effect 91 days after the end of the legislative session.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Water Code 36.122, Special District Local Laws Code 8863.103 (Water Code 36, Special District Local Laws Code 8863)