The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
(a) The waters of the state are a limited and renewable resource.
(b) The California Constitution requires that water in the state be used in a reasonable and beneficial manner.
(c) The efficient use of agricultural water supplies is of great statewide concern.
(d) There is a great amount of reuse of delivered water, both inside and outside the water service areas of agricultural water suppliers.
(e) Significant noncrop beneficial uses are associated with agricultural water use, including the preservation and enhancement of fish and wildlife resources.
(f) Significant opportunities exist in some areas, through improved irrigation water management, to conserve water or to reduce the quantity of highly saline or toxic drainage water.
(g) Changes in water management practices should be carefully planned and implemented to minimize adverse effects on other beneficial uses currently being served.
(h) Agricultural water suppliers that receive water from the federal Central Valley Project are required by federal law to prepare and implement water conservation plans.
(i) Agricultural water users applying for a permit to appropriate water from the board are required to prepare and implement water conservation plans.
(Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 15, Sec. 9. (AB 1668) Effective January 1, 2019.)