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S 10395

Creates a public education program concerning water use reduction; expands the water conservation manual and requires smart controllers for automatic irrigation systems

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Siela Bynoe

The bill creates a public education program on water-use reduction and requires smart irrigation controls, plus a regularly updated Water Conservation Manual.

REFERRED TO ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
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Bill Summary · S 10395

Overview

Bill S. 10395 (2025-2026 Session, New York) would strengthen state water conservation efforts by creating a public education program on water use reduction and expanding the state’s Water Conservation Manual. The measure aims to improve water resource sustainability, reduce losses, and promote efficient use across sectors, with specific provisions related to smart irrigation controllers and regular manual updates.

Main Purpose and Intent

  • Establish a public education program to inform water users across all sectors about the necessity of water use reduction, particularly in communities dependent on groundwater facing saltwater intrusion risks.
  • Expand and regularly update the Water Conservation Manual to promote best practices, cost-effective improvements, and comprehensive conservation strategies.

Key Provisions and Changes

  1. Public education program (Environmental Conservation Law §15-1501(8)):

    • The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) would create a program explaining why water use reduction is necessary and how to achieve it.
    • Target audience includes all water users in communities relying on groundwater, especially where saltwater intrusion risks exist.
    • Program goals emphasize watershed protection, sustainable use, and reducing losses and waste.

  2. Requirement for smart controllers (Environmental Conservation Law §15-1503(2)(g)):

    • Any proposed water withdrawal project must incorporate environmentally sound and economically feasible conservation measures, including mandating the use of smart controllers for automatic irrigation systems.

  3. Expanded Water Conservation Manual and updates (Environmental Conservation Law §15-1503(3)):

    • DEC would continue publishing and distributing a Water Conservation Manual with near-term and long-range procedures tailored to local water resource needs.
    • The Manual must be revised every five years, with the first update due in 2028 and subsequent updates every five years.
    • The Manual would include:
      • Cost-effectiveness analysis for distribution system rehabilitation to reduce water loss.
      • Maintenance practices and conservation measures.
      • Public information programs promoting conservation (including industrial/commercial recycling and reuse).
      • Household conservation measures.
      • Contingency measures for limiting water use during droughts, seasonal shortages, and local emergencies.
      • Best management practices for specific water-using sectors to boost engagement and actions.
      • Recommended changes to irrigation practices.
      • Rebates to offset the cost of smart irrigation controllers.

Who Would Be Affected

  • State agencies and municipalities involved in water supply planning and permitting for withdrawals.
  • Water utilities and public water systems implementing conservation measures.
  • Water users across sectors (residential, commercial, industrial) guided by the education program and manual.
  • Property owners and managers seeking smart irrigation controllers (potentially aided by rebates).

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Effective date: immediate upon enactment.
  • Manual update cadence: every five years, with the first update in 2028.
  • Ongoing requirement for public education and integration of smart controller mandates for eligible withdrawals.

Potential Impacts

  • Enhanced public awareness of water-use efficiency and sustainability.
  • More widespread adoption of smart irrigation technology, reducing outdoor water use.
  • Structured, locally adaptable conservation practices through a regularly updated manual.
  • Potential financial support via rebates for smart controllers, lowering barriers to adoption.

This bill emphasizes proactive water conservation, modern irrigation technology, and systematic, periodic guidance to align user practices with sustainable water management goals.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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