State Water Board adopts on-site nonpotable reuse regulations required by SB 966 – Citizen Portal AI

Report on the Adoption of Statewide Regulations for On-site Nonpotable Water Reuse in Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction and Alignment with SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

The State Water Resources Control Board has adopted new regulations establishing statewide criteria for the on-site treatment and reuse of nonpotable water. This action, fulfilling the requirements of Senate Bill 966, represents a significant advancement toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), which aims to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. By creating a framework for safe water recycling at the local level, these regulations directly support SDG Target 6.3 on improving water quality and increasing reuse, and Target 6.4 on enhancing water-use efficiency.

Regulatory Framework and Contribution to Sustainable Cities (SDG 11)

The adopted regulations are designed to foster water resilience within urban environments, contributing to the objectives of SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). The framework is specifically tailored for building-scale installations, promoting self-sufficiency and reducing the strain on municipal water supplies.

• Scope: The risk-based regulations cover on-site treated nonpotable water from sources including graywater, roof runoff, stormwater, and wastewater.
• Application: Prescriptive pathogen log-reduction treatment trains are established for specified indoor and certain outdoor end uses.
• Jurisdiction: The statute grants primary implementation responsibility to local jurisdictions, empowering community-level water management.
• Integration: The rules are intended to complement, not replace, existing Title 22 regulations governing recycled water (“purple pipe”) systems.

Collaborative Development Process and Partnerships (SDG 17)

The development of the regulations exemplified a multi-stakeholder approach, aligning with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The process ensured scientific rigor and incorporated diverse perspectives from public and private sectors.

1. An expert panel convened by the National Water Research Institute established the foundational pathogen log-reduction targets.
2. A formal peer review of the scientific basis was completed.
3. The formal rulemaking process was initiated on March 21, 2025, followed by two public comment periods.
4. Feedback from 24 comment letters submitted by industry groups, technology firms, and environmental organizations led to key revisions.

Stakeholder Engagement and Scope Clarification

During the public comment period, stakeholders raised concerns regarding the regulations’ potential effects on broader water management strategies. The Board provided crucial clarifications to ensure the rules are implemented as intended, reflecting a commitment to responsible policy-making under SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

• Concerns Raised: Commenters noted potential unintended effects on regional stormwater capture initiatives and the cost of compliance for certain industrial or off-site projects.
• Board Clarification: Staff and Board members repeatedly affirmed that the regulations are narrowly focused on building-scale, on-site reuse and are not intended to apply to landscape infiltration or regional stormwater capture projects, which are being addressed in separate forums.
• Revisions: In response to feedback, revisions were made to streamline alternative treatment approvals, add notification requirements for water providers, and allow greater flexibility in signage and labeling.

Adoption and Implementation Pathway for Climate Resilience (SDG 13)

The Board unanimously adopted the regulations via a roll-call vote. The subsequent implementation plan will integrate these water reuse standards into state and local practice, strengthening California’s resilience to climate change in alignment with SDG 13 (Climate Action). By diversifying water sources, the state can better adapt to periods of drought and water scarcity.

1. Administrative Review: The regulations will undergo a review by the Department of Finance.
2. Legal Codification: The complete rulemaking package will be submitted to the Office of Administrative Law (OAL).
3. Effective Date: The regulations are projected to become effective in March 2026.
4. Guidance and Integration: The Board will develop guidance for local jurisdictions and coordinate with the California Building Standards Commission and the Department of Housing and Community Development to integrate the standards into state building codes.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

   • The article’s central theme is the adoption of regulations for the on-site treatment and reuse of nonpotable water, including graywater, roof runoff, and stormwater. This directly addresses the sustainable management of water resources and sanitation, which is the core focus of SDG 6.

2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • The regulations are specifically designed for “building-scale installations in urban settings.” By promoting water reuse within cities, the policy aims to make urban areas more resource-efficient and resilient, which is a key objective of SDG 11. It addresses the environmental impact of cities by providing a framework for managing water locally.

3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

   • The initiative to reuse water promotes a circular economy model for water resources. Instead of a linear “use and dispose” approach, the regulations encourage the efficient use and recycling of water. This aligns with SDG 12’s goal of ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns by reducing resource use.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Under SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

   • Target 6.3: “By 2030, improve water quality by… halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally.” The regulations establish “prescriptive pathogen log-reduction treatment trains” for nonpotable water, directly contributing to treating wastewater and promoting its safe reuse at the building level.
   • Target 6.5: “By 2030, implement integrated water resources management at all levels…” The article details a state-level action by the “State Water Resources Control Board” to create and adopt a comprehensive regulatory framework. This represents the implementation of integrated water management policies.
   • Target 6.b: “Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management.” The article explicitly states that “local jurisdictions will have primary implementation responsibility under the statute,” highlighting the role of local authorities in managing water at the community level.

2. Under SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Target 11.6: “By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to… municipal and other waste management.” The regulations for treating and reusing graywater, stormwater, and on-site wastewater are a direct measure to manage a city’s water footprint and reduce its environmental impact.
   • Target 11.b: “By 2030, substantially increase the number of cities and human settlements adopting and implementing integrated policies and plans towards… resource efficiency, mitigation and adaptation to climate change, resilience to disasters…” The adoption of these statewide regulations is a clear example of an integrated policy aimed at increasing water resource efficiency in urban settlements.

3. Under SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

   • Target 12.2: “By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.” The regulations for water reuse directly support the efficient use of water, a critical natural resource, by creating a legal framework for recycling it at its point of use.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Indicators for SDG 6 Targets

   • For Target 6.3: The article implies a future measurement of the volume of reused water. The “notification requirements for water and sewer providers during commissioning/decommissioning” of these systems suggests a mechanism for tracking their implementation. A relevant indicator would be the “volume of nonpotable water safely treated and reused” under the new regulations.
   • For Target 6.5: The primary indicator is the existence and implementation of the policy itself. The article details the entire process, from the “expert panel” to the “unanimously adopted the regulations.” Therefore, an indicator is the “degree of implementation of integrated water resources management,” with the adoption of these regulations being a key milestone.

2. Indicators for SDG 11 Targets

   • For Target 11.6 & 11.b: Progress can be measured by the uptake of these regulations. An implied indicator is the “number of building-scale installations” operating under the new framework. The article mentions coordination with the “California Building Standards Commission and Housing and Community Development for building-code integration,” which suggests that tracking will be part of the implementation process.

3. Indicator for SDG 12 Target

   • For Target 12.2: A direct indicator of progress would be the reduction in freshwater consumption in buildings that implement these systems. While not explicitly mentioned, a measurable indicator is the “reduction in municipal water demand” in areas where on-site reuse is adopted, contributing to overall resource efficiency.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: citizenportal.ai