The department, in consultation with the Agricultural Water Management Council, academic experts, and other stakeholders, shall develop a methodology for quantifying the efficiency of agricultural water use. Alternatives to be assessed shall include, but not be limited to, determination of efficiency levels based on crop type or irrigation system distribution uniformity. On or before December 31, 2011, the department shall report to the Legislature on a proposed methodology and a plan for implementation. The plan shall include the estimated implementation costs and the types of data needed to support the methodology. Nothing in this section authorizes the department to implement a methodology established pursuant to this section.
(Added by Stats. 2009, 7th Ex. Sess., Ch. 4, Sec. 1. (SB 7 7x) Effective February 3, 2010.)