Cal. CIV § 1954.201

It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this chapter to do both of the following: (a) To encourage the conservation of water in multifamily residential rental buildings through means either within the landlord’s or the tenant’s control. (b) To establish that the practices involving the submetering of dwelling units for water service are just and reasonable, and include appropriate safeguards for both tenants and landlords.