Sen. Dodd Introduces Remote Water Monitoring Bill

SACRAMENTO – With global warming triggering longer and more frequent droughts, making California’s water supply more precious than ever, Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, announced today he has introduced legislation authorizing the remote sensing of water diversions, creating more accurate measurement of available resources and encouraging the most efficient use of water possible.

“Climate change means Californians must continue to remain vigilant about our water use,” Sen. Dodd said. “This bill takes a big step in that direction by helping us more accurately track where this vital resource is going and empowering us to chart a more sustainable water future. It’s a commonsense measure that will help ensure we have water for generations to come.”

Sen. Dodd has been a leader in water management and conservation efforts amid the ongoing drought. He previously wrote laws to the Open and Transparent Water Data Act and to reinvigorate the state’s stream gage program to measure in-stream flows. This latest proposal, Senate Bill 832, would authorize the California Department of Water Resources to allow remote sensing technology to measure diversions from major water users including agriculture and municipal water districts. Information would be reported to the California Water Resources Board.

The bill is expected to be supported by California water managers and environmental stewards.

“This is another example of how Sen. Dodd is improving the way we manage our precious water resources across the state,” said Grant Davis, Sonoma County Water Agency general manager.

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Senator Bill Dodd represents the 3rd Senate District, which includes all or portions of Napa, Solano, Yolo, Sonoma, Contra Costa, and Sacramento counties. You can learn more about the district and Senator Dodd at www.sen.ca.gov/dodd.