By Joel Metzger, Deputy Director of Statewide Water Resources Planning and Enterprise Project Management with the Department of Water Resources
The Advisory Committee for the California Water Plan 2028 held its first meeting this week, marking an important milestone in California’s effort to modernize statewide water planning for the future.
Earlier this year, Governor Gavin Newsom formally launched the California Water Plan 2028, describing it as “the most ambitious water plan in California history.” Established through SB 72, the effort includes a statewide goal to develop 9 million acre-feet of additional water supply by 2040 through a combination of storage, conservation, groundwater recharge, and other long-term resilience strategies. Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot and DWR Director Karla Nemeth describe this in more detail in the videos shown below.
California’s hydrology is changing rapidly, with more extreme swings between wet and dry conditions continuing to challenge water systems across the state. The California Water Plan 2028 is intended to help California plan smarter, improve coordination across agencies and regions, establish measurable targets, and advance practical strategies that strengthen long-term water resilience. Read DWR’s Announcement on the California Water Plan 2028
Advisory Committee
SB 72 requires DWR, in consultation with the California Water Commission, to establish an Advisory Committee with representation from a broad cross-section of interests. The Advisory Committee will provide recommendations to DWR and inform development of the California Water Plan 2028. Learn More About the Advisory Committee & Public Engagement Process
DWR and the Advisory Committee are seeking input across the state to help inform this Water Plan and to better prepare California for the future. For more information, DWR has launched a dedicated California Water Plan website to serve as the central hub for Water Plan updates, advisory committee materials, timelines, and opportunities for public engagement.
Explore the California Water Plan Website
Additional Resources
