Governor's Office details California's water agenda and compliance goals for 2026

The recent Water Quality Coordinating Committee (WQCC) meeting held on May 1, 2025, highlighted significant initiatives aimed at improving water quality and management across California. Key discussions involved leadership from the governor's office and the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA), focusing on strategic objectives to enhance the state's water systems by the end of the current administration in 2026.

Bianca Sievers, Deputy Cabinet Secretary in the governor's office, emphasized the administration's commitment to ensuring safe and reliable water in the face of climate change. A major goal is to provide clean drinking water to an additional 1.1 million Californians. The plan includes returning 90% of community and school water systems that were failing in 2019 back into compliance by 2030, with specific targets set for 2025 and 2026.

Another critical topic was the Bay Delta Plan update, which aims to improve water management in the region. The governor's office is closely monitoring progress and outstanding issues related to this plan, viewing it as essential for maintaining credibility and operating under the best available science.

The meeting also addressed the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, with efforts to promote groundwater recharge. The governor's recent executive order aims to maximize groundwater supplies, especially following recent storms. Streamlining application and permit processes for temporary groundwater recharge projects was identified as a priority to expedite these efforts.

Additionally, discussions included the Delta Conveyance Project, which the governor considers vital for climate adaptation. The administration is focused on advancing this project and ensuring it is ready for implementation by the next governor. The Sites Reservoir Project was also mentioned, which could significantly increase water storage capacity, benefiting millions of households.

Overall, the WQCC meeting underscored the state's proactive approach to addressing water quality and management challenges, with clear objectives set for the near future. These initiatives are expected to have a lasting impact on California's water systems and the communities that rely on them.