The State Water Resources Control Board of California distributed approximately $880 million in the past fiscal year to bolster water resilience and climate adaptation efforts, benefiting around 12 million Californians. These funds, drawn from historic state and federal infrastructure investments, were allocated to 395 projects aimed at increasing water capture, recycling, groundwater protection, stormwater management, access to clean drinking water, and improved sanitation systems across the state.
Since 2019, state initiatives, including these investments and the Safe and Affordable Funding for Equity and Resiliency (SAFER) program—largely funded by cap-and-trade revenues—have provided nearly 900,000 more Californians with access to clean drinking water.
Governor Gavin Newsom emphasized the importance of these efforts, stating, “California is taking action to build a climate-resilient water system that meets the needs of our communities for the long haul. These projects breaking ground across the state will help hundreds of communities expand access to safe drinking water, improve stormwater management, and secure water supplies now and into the future.”
The projects align with the Newsom Administration’s comprehensive approach to water resilience, which includes water storage, recycling, desalination, and conservation, while focusing on upgrading critical infrastructure across the state.
Approximately two-thirds of the financial assistance—about $570 million—was allocated as grants for drinking water and wastewater projects in disadvantaged communities, as well as for groundwater recharge, remediation, and stormwater initiatives. Additionally, $62.8 million was dedicated to new projects that will enhance water recycling, capture, and storage, contributing over 8,300 acre-feet of water annually to California’s supplies.
In the last three years, the State Water Board has distributed over $5.2 billion to infrastructure projects and drinking water systems, supported by multiple funding sources such as the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This unprecedented federal support is expected to reach a cumulative $2.8 billion by 2026.
With projections indicating that hotter, drier conditions could reduce California’s water supply by up to 10% by 2040, the state is implementing a multi-faceted strategy to safeguard and enhance water availability, as outlined in the California Water Plan, Water Supply Strategy, and Water Resilience Portfolio.