Just over 75 years ago, the California Legislature passed the Dickey Water Pollution Act, the nation’s first comprehensive attempt to address pollution control at the state level. Though still protective of industry, the act established the framework for the State Water Board and nine Regional Water Quality Control Boards. … The Dickey Act created the State Water Pollution Control Board, a predecessor to the State Water Board, that was comprised of gubernatorial appointees and state officials who set statewide policy and coordinated pollution control efforts. … Here are stories about the dramatic improvement in the San Diego Bay, San Francisco Bay and the Klamath River.