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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 25, 2009
Senate Approves Ted Lieu’s Water Conservation Bill
(SACRAMENTO) - Assemblymember Ted Lieu (D-Torrance) announced today that the California Senate gave unanimous approval to AB 1061, important environmental legislation that will significantly increase water conservation across the state.
Assembly Bill 1061 will remove water conservation obstacles by permitting homeowners in common interest developments or CIDs to conserve water by installing water efficient landscaping.
“California is heading into a record third year of drought, and we are facing the worst water crisis in modern history,” said Assemblymember Lieu. “It is ridiculous that many homeowners who want to do the right thing and reduce their home water consumption are impeded by antiquated, environmentally-unfriendly landscaping rules of their homeowner associations.”
On average, landscaping accounts for nearly 60 percent of a property’s overall water budget. By January 2010, state law will require local water agencies to adopt the state’s updated Model Landscape Ordinance to encourage the use of low-water landscapes. There is potential for significant water savings across California by removing impediments to low-water use landscapes and complying with state and local water conservation and drought requirements.
Under current law, property owners within CIDs who take responsible steps to reduce their water use by installing water efficient landscapes or by changing their outdoor irrigation practices, while reducing their water costs, could be cited and fined by their CID. AB 1061 eliminates the ability of CIDs to prohibit, fine or assess a property owner for installing water efficient landscaping.
“AB 1061 is especially significant in light of the state’s current water supply condition,” said Jeffrey Kightlinger, general manager for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, the bill’s co-sponsor. “This bill will ensure the implementation of responsible outdoor water efficiency practices throughout communities in California. And, since landscape irrigation accounts for nearly 60% of a household’s water use, this bill is an extremely important tool that can help California bridge the gap between supply and demand.”
AB 1061 is also cosponsored by East Bay Municipal District and supported by the Natural Resources Defense Council and Sierra Club California. The bill moves back to the Assembly for final approval, and then to the Governor’s desk for signature.