News

California public water agencies are reviewing the State Water Board’s latest Bay-Delta Plan updates as the Healthy Rivers and Landscapes Program moves closer to implementation. The science-based approach seeks to balance reliable water supplies with strategic flows, habitat restoration, adaptive management, and long-term ecosystem improvements.

From January 28–30, 2026 the California State Water Resources Control Board heard testimony from state, regional and local water managers, local elected officials, state natural resource agency leaders, scientists, and community members from across the state expressing support

The Newsom Administration’s innovative Healthy Rivers and Landscapes Program, which improves environmental conditions and provides more water supply certainty for California’s communities, farms, and businesses, is moving forward for consideration in the Bay-Delta Plan.

On July 24, 2025, the State Water Board released another draft update to its Bay-Delta Water Quality Plan that includes two regulatory pathways: 1) a comprehensive Healthy Rivers and Landscapes (HRL) Program; and 2) a flow-only approach for parties not participating in the HRL Program.

Public water agencies in California — from Redding to San Diego — strongly support the Healthy Rivers and Landscapes Program as the best approach for California. The HRL Program provides the balance necessary to protect all beneficial uses of water and the best possible outcome for people, farms, fish and wildlife.