California Water Views

Federal regulation under the Clean Water Act (CWA) continues to evolve rapidly, creating ongoing uncertainty for project planning and permitting. Recent actions—from new executive directives aimed at expediting permits to updated guidance following the Supreme Court’s Sackett v. EPA decision—are reshaping how the meaning of “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS) is defined and regulated. At the same time, court decisions are narrowing federal authority in some areas while introducing new complexities in others, including changes to CWA National Pollutant ...

California’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) is entering a critical phase as the focus shifts from planning to implementation and measurable outcomes. State agencies are taking a more assertive role, with the Department of Water Resources continuing to evaluate the adequacy of Groundwater Sustainability Plans and the State Water Resources Control Board increasingly exercising its enforcement authority—particularly in critically overdrafted basins. As a result, Groundwater Sustainability Agencies are facing heightened scrutiny, new reporting ...

Water affordability in California is becoming an increasingly complex challenge as rising costs are driven by aging infrastructure, climate pressures and stricter water quality requirements. Investments in system upgrades, along with the need to address emerging contaminants like PFAS, are placing upward pressure on rates—costs that are ultimately passed on to customers. At the same time, while tap water remains relatively inexpensive, many households—particularly in disadvantaged and smaller communities—face growing difficulty managing their bills.