California governor signs bills to improve sewer systems, expand access to clean water

(UI) — Governor Gavin Newsom has signed legislation aimed at addressing failing sewer systems in California communities, such as East Orosi. The new law gives the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) greater authority to intervene where sewer services are inadequate. This includes appointing administrators to ensure the provision of essential wastewater services.

“Every Californian deserves access to basic sanitation services and clean drinking water, regardless of where they live. These new laws will help support these communities that have been neglected for too long, helping restore their basic access to services that many of us take for granted,” Newsom said.

AB 805, introduced by Assemblymember Dr. Joaquin Arambula (D-Fresno), mandates a public process to assess the need for an administrator and enables the state to offer technical and financial support. Key provisions of the law include:

• Designating failing sewer systems for administrative intervention.
• Appointing qualified administrators for operational and technical services.
• Providing technical assistance and financial aid to enhance service quality.
• Coordinating efforts between sewer and drinking water administrators to maximize resources.

“I deeply appreciate Governor Newsom signing Assembly Bill 805 and understanding the importance of this legislation to disadvantaged communities exposed to poorly managed sewer systems,” Arambula said. “Everyone should have access to safe and affordable drinking water and sanitation, and the residents of East Orosi know this better than almost anyone in California.”

Additionally, the governor signed SB 1188 by Senator John Laird (D-Santa Cruz), which provides technical resources to small water systems to prevent failures, and AB 2454 by Assemblymember Alex Lee (D-Milpitas), requiring rental property owners to engage in state programs for domestic well testing.

“I thank Governor Newsom for signing this critical public health bill to further access to safe drinking water, a human right that over 700,000 Californians lack,” Laird said. “Senate Bill 1188 helps safeguard this fundamental right by empowering the state to proactively identify and assist small water systems struggling with operational capacity that threatens water reliability.”

“Everyone should have the human right to safe drinking water,” Lee stated. “Even when free domestic well testing programs are available, participation remains far too low. It puts people at risk of exposure to dangerous contaminants in their water, and AB 2454 will help prevent community members from drinking toxic water. We have to ensure that free domestic well testing programs are reaching the people who need them most.”

The need for this legislation is evident in communities like East Orosi, where residents have suffered from chronic sewage overflows. AB 805 allows the SWRCB to appoint administrators to manage sewer services, bringing expertise and accountability essential for protecting public health. The legislation aligns with California's efforts to ensure that all residents, particularly in underserved rural areas, have access to clean, safe, and affordable drinking water and sanitation.

California’s Safe and Affordable Funding for Equity and Resilience (SAFER) program has made significant strides in connecting disadvantaged communities to clean drinking water, distributing over $1 billion in grants since its inception. Nearly 900,000 Californians gained access to clean drinking water through these efforts since 2019.

This month marks ten years since the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) was enacted, a law aimed at reducing groundwater overuse to safeguard drinking water supplies. Additionally, California distributed $880 million through the Water and Wastewater Arrearages Payment Program, clearing bills for over 1.3 million households and businesses.

Over the past fiscal year, California allocated $880 million to water systems for projects benefiting around 12 million Californians, funding 395 projects to capture and recycle water, recharge groundwater, improve stormwater management, and enhance access to safe drinking water.

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