Appropriation of water: Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District.

Under existing law, the State Water Resources Control Board administers a water rights program pursuant to which the state board grants permits and licenses to appropriate water. Existing law requires the owner of a wastewater treatment plant to obtain the approval of the state board prior to making any changes in the point of discharge, place of use, or purpose of use of treated wastewater, and requires the state board to review the proposed changes in accordance with prescribed procedures. This bill would authorize the Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District to file an application for a permit to appropriate a specified amount of water that is based on the volume of treated wastewater that the district discharges into the Sacramento River, as specified. The bill would authorize the state board to grant a permit to appropriate that treated wastewater upon terms and conditions determined by the state board. The bill would require the board, prior to granting a permit pursuant to these provisions, to comply with permit, approval, and review requirements and other laws applicable to the appropriation of water. This bill would make legislative findings and declarations as to the necessity of a special statute for the Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District.