California's Bold Move: Governor Newsom Signs SB 72 to Secure the State's Water Future

With unanimous legislative support, SB 72 sets ambitious water supply targets, modernizes planning, and aims to drought-proof California for generations.

California Takes a Historic Step Toward Water Security

On October 1, 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 72 into law, marking a significant milestone in the state's efforts to address its water challenges. The bill, which passed unanimously through the California Legislature, establishes clear statewide water supply targets and sets in motion long-term strategies to secure reliable water for residents, businesses, agriculture, and the environment.

A Comprehensive Approach to Water Management

SB 72 mandates that the Department of Water Resources update the California Water Plan by 2033, incorporating interim planning targets for 2050. These targets are designed to consider the identified and future water needs for all beneficial uses, including urban, agricultural, tribal, and environmental needs, while ensuring safe drinking water for all Californians. The updated plan will also include discussions on the estimated costs, benefits, and impacts of any recommended projects or actions that could help achieve the water supply targets. More details about the bill can be found here.

Broad Coalition Backs Landmark California Water Law

The legislation has garnered support from a diverse coalition of stakeholders, including the California Municipal Utilities Association (CMUA), California State Association of Counties (CSAC), and California Council for Environmental and Economic Balance (CCEEB). These organizations have emphasized the importance of setting long-term water supply targets to confront the challenges of a more variable water supply and to ensure a reliable and long-term water supply for all Californians. Read more on the coalition’s support here.

Addressing Future Water Shortfalls

Recent research estimates a potential shortfall in California's water supply between 4.6 and 9 million acre-feet annually by 2050 if the state takes no action. SB 72 aims to address this gap by establishing reasonable water supply targets and requiring state agencies to develop a plan to achieve these targets in consultation with local water agencies and other stakeholders. The official press release from Senator Anna M. Caballero discussing the bill is available here.

A Vision for a Drought-Resilient Future

Senator Anna M. Caballero, who introduced SB 72, highlighted the urgency of modernizing the California Water Plan to drought-proof the state and establish long-term water supply targets. She emphasized that while intermittent storms can provide temporary relief, prolonged droughts, aging infrastructure, and climate change present unique challenges that threaten the survival of entire communities and sectors of the economy.

Governor Newsom's signing of SB 72 reflects a commitment to a forward-looking, science-driven, and actionable roadmap to secure enough high-quality water for communities, agriculture, the environment, and the economy. The legislation aims to transform California's water management by shifting from managing for scarcity to working toward water supply targets, ensuring that the state has enough water for all its needs.

Looking Ahead: What SB 72 Means for California

SB 72 represents a bold and necessary step toward securing California's water future. By setting clear targets, modernizing planning processes, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, the state is taking proactive measures to address its water challenges. The law provides a roadmap to ensure a reliable and sustainable water supply for generations to come, helping California prepare for droughts, climate change, and population growth.