The Legislature finds and declares the following:
(a)
In February 2009, the state board unanimously adopted, as Resolution No. 2009-0011, an updated water recycling policy, which includes the goal of increasing the use of recycled water in the state over 2002 levels by at least 1,000,000 acre-feet per year by 2020 and by at least 2,000,000 acre-feet per year by 2030.
(b)
Section 13521 requires the department to establish uniform statewide recycling criteria for each varying type of use of recycled water where the use involves the protection of public health.
(c)
The use of recycled water for indirect potable reuse is critical to achieving the state board’s goals for increased use of recycled water in the state. If direct potable reuse can be demonstrated to be safe and feasible, implementing direct potable reuse would further aid in achieving the state board’s recycling goals.
(d)
Although there has been much scientific research on public health issues associated with indirect potable reuse through groundwater recharge, there are a number of significant unanswered questions regarding indirect potable reuse through surface water augmentation and direct potable reuse.
(e)
Achievement of the state’s goals depends on the timely development of uniform statewide recycling criteria for indirect and direct potable water reuse.
(f)
This chapter is not intended to delay, invalidate, or reverse any study or project, or development of regulations by the department, the state board, or the regional boards regarding the use of recycled water for indirect potable reuse for groundwater recharge, surface water augmentation, or direct potable reuse.
(g)
This chapter shall not be construed to delay, invalidate, or reverse the department’s ongoing review of projects consistent with Section 116551 of the Health and Safety Code.