California water regulators proposed conservation rules for cities. A legislative review found the rules, as written, would be costly and complex to implement.

Others disagree with some of the criticisms leveled by the Legislative Analyst’s Office.

Tracy Quinn, president and CEO of the environmental group Heal the Bay, said the State Water Board’s staff has been working to simplify and streamline the proposed rules, and held workgroup meetings over the last two months where they discussed ways of addressing water suppliers’ concerns.

Quinn said she was surprised the legislative report “does not seem to acknowledge any of the progress that has been made in the last several months.” She also was disappointed the report “seemed to select the worst-case data,” and she disagreed on various points, including the characterization that it’s unclear if the benefits will outweigh the costs.