From the Department of Water Resources:
The California Department of Water Resources is pleased to announce the publication of Bulletin 161–2026 – The 2026 Annual Water Supply and Demand Assessment Summary Report to the State Water Resources Control Board.
This year, all urban water suppliers that are required to submit an Annual Water Shortage Assessment report have done so, achieving 100% reporting compliance for the third year in a row!
This milestone is a direct reflection of the urban water suppliers’ commitment, diligence, and professionalism. Thank you all for your outstanding work.
Among this year’s submissions, only a small percentage (3.6% of suppliers) projected a potential shortage if next year turns out to be a dry year. More importantly, every supplier that identified a potential shortage also determined that they could fully eliminate it through proactive drought response actions, whether through demand reduction efforts or supply‑augmentation strategies.
Through continued engagement, thoughtful planning, and readiness, California Urban Water Suppliers continue to proactively plan for the reliability of water supplies in each of their service areas. We truly appreciate the suppliers’ dedication and collaboration throughout this reporting cycle.
