SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Senate Bill 31, authored by Senator Jerry McNerney of Pleasanton, a measure aimed at helping drought-proof California by expanding the use of recycled water across homes, businesses, and public agencies. The law, which takes effect January 1, allows greater use of recycled water for irrigation and other non-drinking purposes, reducing the strain on the state’s freshwater supplies.
“Expanding the use of recycled water is exactly the type of commonsense proposal that will help solve our state’s water issues,” said Sen. McNerney. “SB 31 is a pragmatic approach that will protect fresh water supplies by expanding the use of recycled water for irrigation and commercial uses. It will also help safeguard the state during devastating droughts caused by climate change.”
The bill passed both houses of the Legislature unanimously and was sponsored by WateReuse California. Brenley McKenna, managing director of WateReuse CA, praised the new law, saying, “WateReuse California applauds the Governor’s approval of SB 31. By opening new pathways for recycled water, this legislation helps communities build resilience, safeguard water supplies for future generations, and bring California closer to achieving its bold water recycling vision. We thank Senator McNerney for his leadership and look forward to working with him and the Legislature to turn these opportunities into lasting solutions for our state.”
Recycled water, also known as reclaimed water, is treated wastewater safe for uses such as irrigation and groundwater recharge. California currently produces more than 700,000 acre-feet of recycled water annually—enough to supply about 1.4 million households.
Governor Newsom’s Water Supply Strategy calls for expanding that amount to 1.8 million acre-feet per year by 2040. SB 31 helps advance that goal by removing regulatory barriers and enabling more parks, homeowners’ associations, and businesses to adopt recycled water use across the state.