The bill amends the Water Code to regulate the production and transfer of groundwater within groundwater conservation districts. A new provision prohibits districts from issuing permits after December 1, 2025, that would allow an applicant to produce and transfer more than five percent of the total modeled available groundwater apportioned to the district. Additionally, if a permit application proposes transferring groundwater from a well capable of producing 25,000 gallons or more per day outside the district's boundaries, the district must notify other districts in its management area. The permit can only be issued if at least two-thirds of those districts approve it by a majority vote, considering the potential impact on desired future conditions.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the Special District Local Laws Code to clarify that certain transfers of groundwater for use outside a district may not be considered as such if they meet specific criteria. The previous conditions for such transfers have been deleted, streamlining the process for emergency potable water interconnects between retail public utilities. The new regulations 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 legislative session concludes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Water Code 36.1132, Water Code 36.122, Special District Local Laws Code 8863.103 (Special District Local Laws Code 8863, Water Code 36)