Water Recycling Act of 2013.

(1) Existing law requires the State Department of Public Health to establish uniform statewide recycling criteria for each varying type of use of recycled water where the use involves the protection of public health. Existing regulations prescribe various requirements and prohibitions relating to recycled water. Existing law requires any person who, without regard to intent or negligence, causes or permits any sewage or other waste, or the effluent of treated sewage or other waste, to be discharged in or on any waters of the state, or where it probably will be discharged in or on any waters of the state, to immediately notify the local health officer of the director of environmental health of the discharge, as prescribed. This bill, the Water Recycling Act of 2013, would provide that this notification requirement does not apply to an unauthorized discharge of effluent of treated sewage defined as recycled water, as defined. (2) Existing law provides for the regulation of cemeteries, including, among others, private cemeteries, public cemeteries, and cemeteries operated by a religious organization. Existing law permits a governing board of a city or county to prescribe standards of maintenance for cemeteries to protect the public health or safety. This bill would specify that hose bibs are approved for use at cemeteries supplied with disinfected tertiary treated recycled water. The bill would require a cemetery supplied with disinfected tertiary treated recycled water that installs a hose bib in a public access area to post visible signage and labeling indicating that the water is nonpotable. (3) Existing law establishes the State Water Resources Control Board and the California regional water quality control boards as the principal state agencies with authority over matters relating to water quality. This bill would authorize compliance with effluent limitations and any other permit or waste discharge requirements for the release or discharge of recycled water determined to be suitable for direct potable reuse or surface water augmentation into a conveyance facility to be determined at the point where the recycled water enters the conveyance facility but prior to commingling with any raw water. The bill would require, before a discharge may be allowed, that consent be obtained from the owner or operator of the conveyance facility that directly receives the recycled water.