California has formally launched the California Water Plan 2028, initiating what state authorities describe as the most ambitious water planning process in state history. The updated plan establishes, for the first time, an interim statewide objective to identify 9 million acre-feet of additional water supply by 2040 in response to projected climate-related losses, including declining snowpack and intensifying drought.
The initiative aims to modernize a water management system facing climate-driven extremes, long-term supply uncertainty, and aging infrastructure. California — now the world’s fourth-largest economy — is experiencing increasingly volatile hydrological patterns, with sharp transitions between extreme rainfall and severe dry conditions.
The California Water Plan 2028 aims to modernize a water management system facing climate-driven extremes, long-term supply uncertainty, and aging infrastructure
“California’s hydrology is changing,” said Department of Water Resources (DWR) Director Karla Nemeth. “We’re living that now. Extreme wet swings to intensely dry within the same season. The work of crafting the next California Water Plan will help us plan smarter to deal with the way climate change is testing our water systems.”
The 2028 update represents the first implementation phase of Senate Bill 72 (SB 72), which requires the Water Plan to evolve from a descriptive assessment into a more directive framework. The legislation calls for improved statewide and watershed-scale data, evaluation of economically informed water management strategies, quantification of beneficial uses, expanded stakeholder engagement, and measurable supply targets aligned across jurisdictions.
“I authored Senate Bill 72 to modernize the California Water Plan so it meets the challenges we face today,” said Senator Anna Caballero. “For the first time, we are setting a clear statewide target of 9 million acre-feet of additional water supply and establishing measurable benchmarks that hold us accountable.”
DWR has structured the 2028 Water Plan around three primary workstreams:
- Data for water use and supply balances: Developing statewide and watershed-scale datasets, integrating advanced technologies, and strengthening planning models to better quantify supply-demand gaps.
- Targets for long-term water supply: Establishing credible, localized supply targets, expanding hydrologic region coverage, and aligning planning with existing state strategies.
- Actions for adaptation and implementation: Advancing place-based strategies — including nature-based solutions — supported by cost-benefit analysis, progress tracking, and coordination across state, federal, and local agencies.
An Advisory Committee representing water suppliers, Tribes, environmental and environmental justice groups, business, labour, and local governments will guide the process through public meetings, regional forums, caucuses, and technical workgroups. A dedicated platform, CaliforniaWaterPlan.com, will provide updates and participation opportunities.
