CA Water for All Coalition Urges Policymakers to Address Water Supply Challenges Through Collaborative Legislative Solutions

Sacramento, CA – Despite heavy precipitation, California continues to face long-term water supply challenges across the State that will threaten communities, businesses, our economy, jobs, and the California way of life. For California’s future, it’s critically important that policymakers address the inadequacies in the water system that are evident in times of drought and heavy rain.

A newly established education effort, CA Water for All, formed by the California Municipal Utilities Association (CMUA) with growing support from water agencies and stakeholders across the State, is urging California lawmakers to act now on a legislative solution to address the threat that continues to loom over the Golden State.

“The impacts of the failure to act now are far too consequential to ignore. We have a generational responsibility to fulfill by developing a water system that will adapt to changes in the environment and allow the State to thrive now and for future generations,” said Barry Moline, Executive Director, CMUA.

CMUA is sponsoring Senate Bill 366 by Senator Anna Caballero (D-Merced). This monumental piece of legislation would transform California water management so that instead of managing for scarcity, the State will work toward water supply targets to ensure we have enough water for all beneficial uses. SB 366 would:

• Establish bold, necessary water supply targets to capture and produce enough water for all uses
• Modernize the California Water Plan for a 21st century climate
• Ensure accountability for state agencies on water management issues
• Compliment and amplify Governor Newsom’s Water Supply Strategy, ensuring there are water

supply targets that extend beyond any single Administration

“Targets create accountability and generate a commitment from the State, the water community, and all stakeholders to follow through on comprehensive solutions that can make meaningful and necessary change,” said Craig Miller, General Manager, Western Water. “Targets and goals have long been successful in California on some of our highest priority issues including housing, climate, education, energy, workforce development, transportation, and public safety. The time is past due to create targets for our most precious and vulnerable resource – SB 366 does just this.”

As a result of changing and worsening climate conditions, an aging water infrastructure, a growing population, a global economy, and antiquated state policies, California is facing an ongoing water supply shortage of historic proportions. While there have been some investments by the State and federal governments to start on a path toward sustainability, a major effort is needed to create a fully functioning water supply system that is reliable for future generations.

California’s current water system requires extraordinary commitment and investment in new water supplies. Policy solutions must be advanced to meet beneficial uses for all, we all have a responsibility to ensure the future of our water supply.

To learn more about SB 366, click here.

About CA Water for All

CA Water For All is a statewide effort seeking to educate policymakers on the urgent need for a legislative solution to address California’s ongoing water supply challenges. We are focused on bringing together the water community, policymakers, and stakeholders to collaborate on ensuring Californians have a sustainable and reliable water supply for all beneficial uses now and for future generations. To learn more or become a supporter, visit www.CaWaterForAll.com.