Division of Drinking Water staff told webinar attendees that the process for reducing fees for disadvantaged community (DAC) water systems will change from the current self‑certification approach to a State Water Resources Control Board determination beginning in fiscal year 2026–27.

Jonathan Swayde, of the division's data support unit, said the change "is not gonna take place in this upcoming reporting year, but they will take effect for the fiscal year, 2026 through 2027." He emphasized that systems should follow the existing self‑certification process for the 2026 EAR cycle.

The division did not provide additional procedural details or a policy document during the forum; staff presented the timing and noted the administrative change so that stakeholders could plan for the future procedure. The webinar did not record any formal vote or regulatory text adopting the new determination process.

Attendees did not receive guidance in the session on how existing self‑certifications will be transitioned, what documentation the board will require, or whether regulators will re‑evaluate prior certifications; staff said detailed processes would be issued separately and that the change will be effective in the stated fiscal year.

Because the webinar did not include a formal adoption action or a citation to a new or amended rule, the division's announcement should be treated as an administrative timetable and notice of intent rather than a regulatory change in force.

The announcement followed a broader discussion about next year's reporting and authentication changes and was presented as part of the webinar's summary of proposals and upcoming enhancements.