DWR’s California Water Plan webpage has been updated to include information about Senate Bill 72. Signed into law in October, SB 72 requires the 2028 update to the California Water Plan to address climate change and ensure a sustainable water supply. It gives DWR the authority to set long-term water supply targets, including an interim goal of identifying 9 million acre-feet (maf) of additional water by 2040 (9 maf reflects the projected shortfall of water in California by 2040 as a consequence of a hotter, drier climate). The bill requires more comprehensive planning from DWR that considers environmental, agricultural, and urban needs, along with potential solutions like desalination, recycling, and groundwater management. 

The Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) Water Policy Center has released a new report highlighting the critical need for ongoing research to address water challenges such as drought and climate change. Priorities for California's Water – Advancing Research During Uncertain Times emphasizes the importance of building strategic partnerships with State agencies, federal agencies, universities, consulting firms and non-government organizations. The report also focuses on key priorities (such as developing and sustainably managing groundwater), all of which are supported by decades of applied research that guides policy and actions for a more resilient water future.

The State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) will host two public webinars to introduce the new water rights data system, CalWATRS (California Water Accounting, Tracking, and Reporting System). The first webinar, CalWATRS for Organizations, will provide an overview of how businesses, agencies, and other groups can activate organization profiles, add users, access water right records, and navigate key system features. The second webinar, CalWATRS for Agents, will cover how water rights agents can set up CalWATRS accounts, become the official agent of a water right, and view and manage client records. Both sessions will include a Q&A period. Registration is not required for either webinar. Both hour-long webinars will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 9. The first one begins at 11 a.m., the second, at 1:30 p.m. See the State Water Board’s official notice for these workshops for webinar links and information on how to join by phone. To learn more about CalWATRS, visit the CalWATRS webpage.

On Saturday, Jan. 24, DWR, Marin Water, and the California Project WET program will host a one-day workshop in Corte Madera for educators working with students in grades 3 through 12. The Project WET workshop will center on climate change and its impact on California resources. At this in-person event, educators will engage in activities designed to help students understand the impacts of climate change on water and how to adapt to our changing environment. The workshop runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and offers an attendees an opportunity to receive CEU credit and a $120 stipend. Registration is limited to 30 individuals and closes on Friday, Jan 16. For more details, see the Project WET Workshop notice on DWR’s Events webpage.

The State Water Resources Control Board will accept comments on the proposed approval of the Amendment to the Water Quality Control Plan for the North Coast Region to Establish a Total Maximum Daily Load and Fecal Waste Discharge Prohibition and Incorporate the Action Plan for Pathogens in the Russian River Watershed. This Basin Plan amendment and supporting documents are available for review online on the California Northcoast Regional Water Quality Control Board website. Written comments should be emailed to commentletters@waterboards.ca.gov and must be received by noon on Thursday, Feb. 12. For more detailed information, see the Notice of Opportunity to Comment.