California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) Secretary Wade Crowfoot, DWR Director Karla Nemeth, and a panel of experts will discuss how the 2028 California Water Plan will help California adapt to a warming climate and help the management of water for people, agriculture, and nature. This water plan will be the first to set state law-required targets to expand water supplies over the next two decades. The panel will also talk about current water supply conditions among record breaking spring temperatures and what it means to the state’s water supply for the rest of the year. This hour-long webinar starts at noon today; registration is required.

Today at 10 a.m., Sustainable Conservation will kick off the spring 2026 season of its successful webinar series “Voices from the Field.” Today’s webinar, “From Climate Challenges into Watershed Solutions,” features DWR Director Karla Nemeth, CDFA Deputy Director Virginia Jameson, and Sustainable Conservation CEO Dr. Josette Lewis. These leaders will discuss the importance of why healthy watersheds — above and below ground —– are central to California’s climate future. They will explain how climate extremes are reshaping water management, why the San Joaquin Valley is often considered “ground zero” for both the state’s water challenges and opportunities, and how collaborative strategies, such as groundwater recharge, land repurposing, habitat restoration, and soil health practices, can work together to build resilience. The hour-long webinar begins at 10 a.m. today. Registration is required.

In a recent online article, Sustainable Conservation asked the question “Who is groundwater recharge for?” The short answer is: everyone. Groundwater recharge, particularly managed aquifer recharge (MAR), benefits a wide range of stakeholders rather than a single group. When done correctly, MAR projects foster collaboration across sectors, helping regions improve water resilience, stabilize groundwater supplies, and deliver shared environmental, economic, and social benefits. As California faces increasing signs of a new drought (preliminary data shows that this year’s April 1 snowpack is the second lowest on record), the value of MAR as an important climate change adaptation strategy is gaining attention. Visit Sustainable Conservation to read more on how MAR provides resources for growers, water districts and groundwater sustainability agencies, communities, ecosystems, and policymakers.

If DWR had to be defined with one word, that word very well could be “science.” Literally every decision made by DWR, be it in the field, laboratory, or office, is informed by scientific research and results. That science wields even more influence when coupled with solid partnerships that include other state and federal agencies, academic institutions, and the like and when supported by independent scientific review. “DWR Celebrates Science and Partnerships as Essential Guides to California Water Management,” a March 2026 article on DWR’s website, explores and celebrates the rigorous science and strong partnerships that guide decisions and help prepare California for an increasingly uncertain water future.

DWR’s Groundwater Basin Characterization Program recently announced the release of Basin Characterization Tools (BCTools) — a new open‑source software suite for building hydrostratigraphic models, sediment‑texture models, and aquifer‑parameter datasets for groundwater flow models. BCTools is designed to support groundwater sustainability agencies, consultants, researchers, and other technical users working to characterize basin conditions and develop groundwater flow models. See the BCTool webpage to download the software and user manuals and to access training and support. An overview of the BCTools suite is planned for the June 16 Basin Characterization Exchange Hub meeting. Details forthcoming.

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