In 2022, Governor Newsom released California’s Water Supply Strategy, outlining how the state must adapt to a hotter, drier future. As temperatures rise, more precipitation will be absorbed by dry soils, consumed by plants, or evaporate — meaning less water reaches streams, rivers, and reservoirs, placing new strain on the state’s water supply. In October 2025, the Governor and Legislature gave the Department of Water Resources (DWR) an important opportunity to address this challenge: Senate Bill 72 (SB 72). SB 72 directs DWR to modernize the California Water Plan by building a data-driven playbook for the state’s water future.

Other California Water Plan news:

• Maven’s Notebook:Blog: Building California’s water future — DWR’s framework for the 2028 Water Plan and SB 72 implementation
• California Department of Water Resources: News release: Implementing SB 72 — modernizing California’s Water Plan