Known as the Open and Transparent Water Data Act, the law “creates a transparent and universal platform for sharing water data across the state,” Dodd’s office said. “In the midst of the most devastating drought in California history, this law will help move California toward a more effective water management system.”

Dodd, a candidate for State Senate, said, “The drought has exposed the need for a modern water information system to address the state’s water supply. California does not suffer from a lack of water data, but from a lack of usable water data needed to make smart decisions. This bill will create instant and accessible water information that will better enable water managers to cope with future drought conditions.” 

Water Foundation Senior Advisor Lester Snow applauded the move, saying, “As California rapidly approaches a population of 40 million, with the world’s sixth largest economy, and in an era of climate change, we need to do a better job of measuring and managing the water we use. Only with long-term policy changes like the Open and Transparent Water Data Act of 2016 can we guarantee enough water for California’s farms, cities and environment.”

California has a number of databases containing information on hydrology, biology, water quality, the physical environment, and water use, but the information is not uniformly collected, easily accessible, or publicly shared, Dodd said. This has largely prevented water managers from making timely and science-based decisions to lead California into a more sustainable water future, he said. 

“This landmark legislation will be a game-changer for managing California’s most precious resource for decades to come,” Bay Area Council President and CEO Jim Wunderman said. “California’s current water transfer market is inefficient and Assemblymember Bill Dodd’s legislation will create a fair, efficient and functional water marketplace with the power to ease the impact of drought and reduce water waste.”

Also behind the new law, Sonoma Water Agency General Manager Grand Davis said the creation of a statewide information clearinghouse will allow officials to make informed decisions.

The new law also requires the development of open-data protocols for data sharing, transparency, documentation, and quality control that will avoid misunderstandings, reduce disputes, and increase the effectiveness of management decisions, Dodd said.

Dodd represents the 4th Assembly District, which includes all or portions of Solano, Napa, Yolo, Sonoma, Lake, and Colusa counties.

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