Golden State Today

The State of California, led by Governor Gavin Newsom, has reported substantial progress in securing water supplies and enhancing climate resilience over the past year. The state has been implementing various strategies to manage water resources effectively, focusing on groundwater recharge and infrastructure improvements.

One significant achievement is the increase in access to clean drinking water. Since 2019, approximately 900,000 more Californians have gained access to clean drinking water. This was achieved through consolidation efforts and infrastructure upgrades that targeted underserved regions. Under Governor Newsom's administration, the number of people without access to clean water has decreased from 1.6 million to around 700,000.

To support drinking water systems further, nearly 400 communities received financial aid amounting to $880 million during the 2023-2024 fiscal year from the State Water Board. These funds are intended for enhancing both immediate and long-term needs of local communities' water systems. Since 2019, over 140 consolidations of water systems have been facilitated to provide safe drinking water. Recently, SB 1188 (Laird) was signed into law to assist struggling small water systems with technical resources.

Progress is also being made on major projects like the Sites Reservoir project which could potentially store enough water for three million households annually. This project overcame a legal challenge under expedited judicial review facilitated by an infrastructure streamlining law.

Another critical initiative is the Delta Conveyance Project. The final Environmental Impact Report was released along with a cost-benefit analysis suggesting that every dollar spent would generate $2.20 in benefits for California communities through reliable water supplies and improved climate change adaptation.

Marking a decade since its inception, the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) continues to protect groundwater supplies by empowering local agencies against overpumping risks. More than 300 local Groundwater Sustainability Agencies are now enforcing sustainability plans with nearly $1 billion invested by the state towards achieving long-term goals.

In addition to these measures, California added 4.1 million acre-feet of water to underground aquifers in 2023 alone through managed groundwater recharge projects capturing excess stormwater.

Governor Newsom also unveiled an updated California Water Plan addressing extreme weather challenges like floods with proposed infrastructure improvements aimed at building climate resilience across the state.

Furthermore, an $880 million fund was distributed statewide clearing debts owed by four million Californians for their utility bills ensuring continued access amidst economic difficulties faced during recent times.

As new weather conditions approach this year alongside potential dry spells forecasted up till 2040 reducing overall supply levels significantly; efforts remain focused on safeguarding future provisions via comprehensive strategies outlined within key documents such as “California Water Plan,” “Water Supply Strategy,” and “Water Resilience Portfolio.”