The Northern California Water Association (NCWA) is dedicated to fostering a resilient Sacramento Valley where water resources support vibrant communities, thriving farmlands, abundant wildlife habitats, and healthy rivers. Since 1992, NCWA and its leaders have championed balanced, forward-thinking water management that enhances water supplies, quality, and accessibility for all these purposes across the region.
At NCWA, we believe in innovative, collaborative solutions that sustain Northern California’s unique mosaic of communities, farms, and ecosystems. By working closely with farmers, conservationists, local leaders, and policymakers, NCWA strives to meet present and future water needs with strategies that safeguard our water supplies while embracing shared, sustainable outcomes. Our approach celebrates collective stewardship, where diverse interests come together to secure reliable water resources for all—today and for generations to come.
Who We Are
We are the water districts, water companies, small towns, rural communities and landowners that beneficially use both surface and groundwater resources in the Sacramento Valley. NCWA’s Board of Director’s and staff are committed to safeguard water supplies in the Sacramento Valley and constructive leadership in the pursuit of solutions to resolve California’s most perplexing water problems. As a result, NCWA is the recognized voice of Northern California water. NCWA represents the entire Sacramento Valley, which extends from Sacramento to north of Redding, and between the crests of the Sierra Nevada and the Coast Range.
NCWA Mission and Guiding Principles
Board of Directors
NCWA is governed by a Board of Directors (Board) who are elected by the NCWA members every other year. The Board meets six times a year in different places throughout the Sacramento Valley. The Board sets the priorities for NCWA, oversees the organization and actively represents NCWA in various state and federal venues. The Board members are listed at www.norcalwater.org/about/board-members.
NCWA Staff
NCWA is actively involved in all aspects of California water at both the state and federal level, including the various regulatory, legislative, legal, and communication arenas. A full listing of the NCWA staff and their biographies can be seen at www.norcalwater.org/about/staff. NCWA staff are always available to help NCWA members at any time by phone and we can attend Board meetings, annual meetings and any other meeting upon request.
What We Do
NCWA brings the water leaders in the region together to safeguard the region’s water rights and supplies by working with Congress, the State Legislature, state and federal agencies, and various stakeholders throughout the state. NCWA has also led and coordinated efforts for water resources managers to implement sustainability initiatives and integrated regional planning across this diverse region.
NCWA Priorities
The NCWA Board of Directors annually develops priorities for the upcoming year. The current Strategic Planning and Priorities is available from NCWA.
We Support
NCWA members provide reliable supplies of clean water for the natural and working landscapes between the crests of the Sierra Nevada and the Coast Range, which includes a unique mosaic:
- Two million acres of family farms are the economic engine for the region, provides a working landscape and pastoral setting and serves as valuable habitat for fish and waterfowl along the Pacific Flyway;
- The small towns and rural communities that form the backbone of the region, as well as the State Capital that serves as the center of government for the State of California;
- Freshwater habitat for four runs of Chinook salmon; including the threatened and endangered winter-run and spring-run salmon, steelhead and green sturgeon;
- Six National Wildlife Refuges, more than fifty State Wildlife Areas and other privately managed wetlands that support the annual migration of waterfowl, geese and waterbirds in the Pacific Flyway. These seasonal and permanent wetlands provide for 65% of the North American Water-fowl Management Plan objectives;
- The forests and meadows in the numerous watersheds of the Sierra Nevada and Coast Range.
NCWA Generations
Leaders in the Sacramento Valley talk about NCWA and their parent’s important role in the formation of NCWA in the early 1990s.
Communications and Information
For more information on NCWA communications and how to get more information on California water issues, please see: How to Get Water Information Affecting the Sacramento Valley.
Meetings
NCWA hosts an annual meeting in March to showcase the region and to invite diverse parties to share their perspectives on water and the Sacramento Valley. NCWA also has various Task Forces on topics that are important to the Sacramento Valley. This includes the Bay-Delta, Groundwater Management, and Communications. NCWA also has managers meetings to discuss timely topics of interest.
NorCal Water Leaders Program
NCWA hosts an intensive 6-month water leaders program every other year. Representatives for NCWA members and partners are encouraged to participate in the program and to assist us in cultivating future water leadership in the Sacramento Valley.
Contact
We can be reached at:
455 Capitol Mall, Suite 703
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 442-8333
