California Invests $880 Million in Water Resilience and Infrastructure to Prepare for Severe Drought

As California faces potential water supply reductions due to climate change, these investments are crucial for ensuring water security.Photo byAmritanshu SikdaronUnsplash

The State Water Resources Control Board has allocated approximately $880 million in the past fiscal year to enhance California's water systems and climate resilience. This substantial investment supports 395 projects statewide, benefiting around 12 million Californians.

The funding aims to advance water capture, recycling, groundwater recharge, stormwater management, and sanitation improvements. Since 2019, these efforts, including the Safe and Affordable Funding for Equity and Resiliency (SAFER) program, have increased access to clean drinking water for nearly 900,000 additional residents.

Governor Gavin Newsom emphasized the importance of these initiatives in building a climate-resilient water system that meets long-term needs. This past year, nearly two-thirds of the State Water Board's financial assistance, about $570 million, was directed towards projects in disadvantaged communities and critical infrastructure upgrades.

The funding includes $62.8 million for new water recycling and storage projects, adding over 8,300 acre-feet annually to state water supplies. Over the last three years, the board has invested more than $5.2 billion in infrastructure projects, bolstered by federal support from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which will total $2.8 billion by 2026.

As California faces potential water supply reductions due to climate change, these investments are crucial for ensuring water security and resilience, in alignment with the state’s comprehensive water management strategies.