California’s Water Resilience Portfolio outlines a comprehensive strategy to tackle the state’s water challenges by enhancing supply reliability, protecting ecosystems, and preparing for climate-related risks through 142 targeted actions and key legislative measures.
California is currently facing a pressing array of water issues, some of which have been exacerbated by the warming climate. These challenges include unreliable and unsafe drinking water, significant flood risks, dwindling groundwater levels, and declining populations of native fish species. Tackling these complex issues, adapting to climate change, and safeguarding our natural resources necessitates a multifaceted approach.
Therefore, in July 2020, the Newsom administration introduced the Water Resilience Portfolio, a strategy designed to equip California to collectively confront these pressing challenges.
The portfolio outlines 142 actions for state agencies to bolster local efforts to maintain water supplies, enhance natural systems, build vital connections, and prepare for future risks. These actions include implementing the Safe and Affordable Drinking Water Act of 2019, the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act of 2014, and the 2018 water-use efficiency laws. The portfolio also prioritizes the construction of new groundwater and surface water storage, the development of Direct Potable Reuse regulations, the reconnection of aquatic habitats, and the promotion of sustainable farming practices to improve soil health and biodiversity.
Since the 2020 release of the portfolio, the Newsom administration has issued progress reports in 2021 and 2023.
Final_California-Water-Resilience-Portfolio-2020_ADA3_v2_ay11-optThis page was updated on August 17, 2024.
