To advance the economic, social and environmental sustainability of Northern California by enhancing and preserving the water rights, supplies and water quality. June 8, 2018

The Honorable Bob Wieckowski Chair, Senate Committee on Environmental Quality State Capitol, Room 2205 Sacramento, CA 95814

RE: AB 2050 (Caballero) – Support

Dear Senator Wieckowski:

On behalf of the Northern California Water Association (NCWA), I am writing to request your support for AB 2050, the Small Water System Water Authority Act, when the bill is heard in the Senate Environmental Quality Committee on June 20, 2018. AB 2050 will create an innovative new approach to small water system governance that can help ensure that all Californians have access to safe drinking water.

All Californians deserve clean and safe drinking water, and there should be no higher priority in California water policy than addressing the lack of safe and reliable drinking water in some communities across the state. AB 2050 will enable noncompliant drinking water systems to come together and consolidate within a larger “small system water authority” where they can achieve the technical, managerial and financial capacity needed to be sustainable over the long term. Under a responsible water authority, these water systems would benefit from larger economies of scale, expanded ratepayer bases, operational efficiencies, and enhanced funding opportunities.

NCWA is committed to advancing the economic, social, and environmental sustainability of the Sacramento Valley by enhancing and preserving our region’s water rights, supplies, and water quality for all uses, including for our cities and rural communities. Through all of our efforts, we have found that locally-developed collaborative solutions provide the most successful path to addressing water management challenges. Consistent with this approach, AB 2050 will empower local water management entities to develop and implement solutions that are specifically tailored to their local situations and needs.

NCWA enthusiastically supports AB 2050 and we request your “aye” vote when the bill is heard in the Senate Environmental Quality Committee. Please contact me at (916) 442-8333 if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Adam W. Robin Director of Legislative Affairs cc: The Honorable Jeff Stone, Vice-Chair, Senate Committee on Environmental Quality Honorable Members, Senate Committee on Environmental Quality The Honorable Anna Caballero, California State Assembly Rachel Machi Wagoner, Chief Consultant, Senate Committee on Environmental Quality Morgan Branch, Consultant, Senate Republican Caucus

455 Capitol Mall, Suite 335, Sacramento, California 95814-4496 Telephone (916) 442-8333 Facsimile (916) 442-4035 www.norcalwater.org