California Water Resources Control Board held a hearing on 4 October in Sacramento, where it proposed regulations which could negatively impact swimming pools in the future.
The proposed water regulations aim to reduce water consumption by limiting how much water water providers can provide to their customers each year.
California Pool & Spa Association is leading the charge against these potentially harmful regulations. The Association sent a letter to the State Board criticizing the proposed regulations. It is now asking the members of the Industry to do the same and voice their concerns, as their jobs could be affected if this proposal becomes law.
A statement by the CPSA states:
The new law, if passed, would require water providers to reduce their water consumption by 20 percent. These limits will be lowered again in 2030, and then again in 2035.
As written, this regulation is incorrect because it treats swimming pools and spas as if they were plant-based landscaping. This approach ignores the massive reduction in water consumption due to the installation of swimming pools, hardscape, and fixtures that enhance the pool project. These areas are removed from irrigation, saving approximately 120,000 acre feet of water per year. This number increases every year as new pools are installed. According to the Water Board’s background paper, the biggest factor in achieving water conservation goals is the elimination of grass. Swimming pools and spas are a great way to eliminate turf.
The Water Board failed to consider the impact their proposed regulation would have on the pool industry as a whole, including the small businesses that are associated with it. They also did not examine the possible adverse effects on employment in the industry. This is required by law.
The Water Board is now required to respond to all written submissions regarding the proposed regulation. CPSA plays a key role in the process, and will educate the Board on its alternative approach. “Additional hearings will be held in the next few months on these regulations.”
