Governor’s Desk Update: On Friday, September 28, 2018 Governor Brown vetoed EMWD’s cosponsored bill AB 2050 – Small System Water Authority Act of 2018.

End-Of-Session Update: After widespread support by both houses, AB 2050 passed out of the Legislature on Monday, August 28, 2018. This legislation, co-sponsored by EMWD, now awaits the signature of Gov. Jerry Brown. Gov. Brown is anticipated to take action on the bill in the coming weeks.

Read the Press Release: EMWD Sponsored Legislation Awaits Gov. Brown’s Signature

EMWD believes that failing systems need a sustainable approach to operate safely and responsibly, and WITHOUT the need for a water tax. AB 2050 can help provide all Californians with access to safe and reliable drinking water, now and into the future.

In an effort to propose a long-term method for providing all Californians with clean water, EMWD and the California Municipal Utilities Association have co-sponsored AB 2050, the Small System Water Authority Act of 2018. AB 2050 proposes to merge multiple, non-compliant water systems—that are close in general proximity but don’t have to share boundaries—into larger and more robust systems that can operate together for lower cost overall. The newly formed special district would then have better financing opportunities due to a larger customer base, with increased access to state grants and municipal bonds or other funding mechanisms which are historically used by larger public agencies. These newly created special districts would also be held to public agency accountability standards, which would ensure funds are used appropriately to develop necessary infrastructure to treat contamination issues so that safe and affordable water is delivered to customers.

Learn more about this piece of legislation and review the long list of supporters.
Assembly Bill 2050 - Small System Water Authority Act of 2018 Fact Sheet