Legislation to Ease Water Conservation Mandates Gains Regional Support by Walnut Valley Water District Mar 22, 2024 Member Submitted News In a significant move aimed at alleviating the financial strain on water suppliers and households, Walnut Valley Water District (WVWD), Rowland Water District (RWD), and Bellflower-Somerset Mutual Water Company have come together to co-sponsor a landmark bill, SB 1330, introduced by Senator Bob Archuleta (D-Pico Rivera). This common-sense legislation, designed to address concerns raised by water suppliers across the state, seeks to provide relief from the costly burdens associated with complying with water conservation mandates. With water bills on the rise and concerns about meeting regulatory requirements mounting, the co-sponsored bill aims to offer a lifeline to Californians grappling with increasing costs and environmental challenges. “My goals for SB 1330 are simple: to provide flexibility for water suppliers, reduce costs, and ultimately, make water conservation achievable for all Californians,” Senator Archuleta emphasized. “In a state known for its high cost of living, ensuring affordable access to water is not just a necessity, but a responsibility.” The proposed legislation, SB 1330, introduces practical measures such as extending compliance timelines and simplifying administrative processes for water suppliers. By offering more flexibility and reducing administrative burdens, the bill aims to make it easier for water agencies to meet conservation goals without placing undue strain directly on local households and businesses. “Having appropriate representation in government is crucial to ensuring that the voices of those on the ground, who work tirelessly to implement water conservation efforts and ensure affordable access to water, are not forgotten. Senator Archuleta’s bill is a testament to the importance of listening to the needs of communities and working collaboratively to address challenges facing water suppliers and residents alike.” – Sheryl Shaw, General Manager, Walnut Valley Water District With support from local water agencies and communities, Senator Archuleta’s bill represents a collaborative effort to address pressing water challenges facing California. By championing regional support and practical solutions, the co-sponsored legislation aims to pave the way for a more sustainable water future for all Californians. “We recognize the importance of making conservation a way of life in California, but not at the expense of our customers’ needs,” stated Tom Coleman, General Manager of Rowland Water District. “By supporting Senator Archuleta’s bill, we are advocating for a balanced approach that ensures affordable access to water while promoting responsible conservation practices.” ### Senator Bob Archuleta Senator Bob Archuleta currently represents the 30th Senate District, which includes portions of Los Angeles County and Orange County. He is the Chair of the Senate Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, and a member of the Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee, Government Organization Committee, Transportation Committee, as well as the Joint Legislative Committee on Emergency Management. Website of Senator Bob Archuleta: https://sd30.senate.ca.gov/ About Walnut Valley Water District Walnut Valley Water District was formed in 1952, and after seven decades of service to the community, the District operates and maintains a drinking water and recycled water system serving a population of nearly 100,000 residents. The WVWD team is comprised of water professionals dedicated to meeting the water supply needs of the communities it serves (Diamond Bar, Walnut, Rowland Heights, Pomona, Industry, and West Covina). WVWD is committed to leading with integrity and does so through excellence in customer service, communication, accountability, reliability, efficiency, and quality. About Rowland Water District Rowland Water District (RWD) is dedicated to providing reliable, high-quality water services to customers in Rowland Heights, California, and surrounding areas. Committed to promoting conservation and environmental stewardship, RWD strives to meet the needs of its customers while ensuring the sustainability of water resources. About Bellflower-Somerset Mutual Water Company Bellflower-Somerset Mutual Water Company is a non-profit mutual water company serving customers in Bellflower, Paramount, Lakewood, and surrounding areas in California. Committed to providing high-quality water and excellent customer service at reasonable rates, the company is dedicated to meeting the needs of its customers while promoting water conservation and sustainability.