SACRAMENTO, Calif., Oct. 20, 2003 -- The Department of Water Resources (DWR) has issued a guidebook for Senate Bill 610 and Senate Bill 221 to assist water suppliers, cities, and counties in integrating water and land use planning. The bills were effective Jan. 1, 2002.
Senate Bill 610 (Chapter 643, Statutes of 2001) and Senate Bill 221 (Chapter 642, Statutes of 2001) require that approvals of large new developments be linked to assurances that there is an adequate water supply. Prior to the legislation, large projects could be approved without a demonstrated water supply.
One year ago, DWR issued a Draft Guidebook for Senate Bill 610 and Senate Bill 221. Cities, counties and water agencies have been using it to achieve compliance with the laws. It provides step-by-step suggestions for developing detailed information about water supplies and completing the SB 610 water supply assessment and the SB 221 verification of sufficient water supply. Minor revisions and clarifications have been added to the Guidebook now being issued.
The Guidebook was developed with input from counties, cities, water agencies, the Bureau of Reclamation, State Department of Real Estate, California Association of Local Agency Formation Commissions, Sacramento Local Agency Formation Commission, Water Education Foundation, Planning and Conservation League, California Urban Water Conservation Council, the development community, the bills' sponsors - East Bay Municipal Utility District (SB 610, SB 221) and California Farm Bureau Federation (SB 610), and the State Attorney General's Office.
Copies of the Guidebook for Senate Bill 610 and Senate Bill 221 will be mailed to water suppliers, cities, and counties. The Guidebook is also available on the DWR Office of Water Use Efficiency web site at http://www.owue.water.ca.gov, or by calling Dave Todd at 916-651-7027.
The Department of Water Resources operates and maintains the State Water Project, provides dam safety and flood control and inspection services, assists local water districts in water management and water conservation planning, and plans for future statewide water needs.
Visit DWR's web site at http://www.water.ca.gov/.
