Governor Gavin Newsome | Facebook Website
Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a bill aimed at addressing failing sewer systems in communities such as East Orosi. The new legislation provides the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) with increased authority to intervene where sewer services are inadequate. This includes appointing administrators to ensure essential services and promote access to reliable wastewater systems.
"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," said Governor Newsom.
The bill, AB 805, introduced by Assemblymember Dr. Joaquin Arambula (D-Fresno), mandates a public process to determine the need for an administrator and allows the state to provide both technical and financial support. Under this law, the SWRCB can designate failing sewer systems for administrative intervention, appoint qualified administrators, offer technical assistance and financial support, and facilitate coordinated efforts between sewer and drinking water administrators.
"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," stated Assemblymember Arambula. "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."
In addition to AB 805, Governor Newsom signed SB 1188 by Senator John Laird (D-Santa Cruz), which supports small water systems by providing them with technical resources to prevent failure. He also signed AB 2454 by Assemblymember Alex Lee (D-Milpitas), requiring rental property owners to participate 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," said Senator Laird regarding SB 1188.
Assemblymember Lee added about AB 2454: "Everyone should have the human right to safe drinking water. Even when free domestic well testing programs are available, participation remains far too low."
The necessity of these legislative measures is highlighted by incidents in communities like East Orosi plagued by chronic sewage overflows. AB 805 aims directly at these crises by allowing SWRCB-appointed administrators to manage sewer services effectively.
California's Safe and Affordable Funding for Equity and Resilience (SAFER) program has made significant strides since its inception in connecting nearly 900,000 Californians with clean drinking water through more than $1 billion in grants distributed since 2019.
Additionally, California recently marked ten years since the enactment of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), designed to reduce groundwater overuse. The state also announced that it had distributed $880 million through its Water and Wastewater Arrearages Payment Program during the past fiscal year.
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