For Immediate Release

September 10, 2025

Contact: Elisa Rivera

Senator Caballero’s Bill to Modernize California’s Water Plan Heads to Governor’s Desk

Elisa.Rivera@sen.ca.gov (559) 264-3070

(Sacramento, CA) — Senator Anna Caballero (D-Merced) announced that her bill, SB 72, has passed the Legislature and now heads to the Governor’s desk for signature. The measure will modernize and reinvigorate the California Water Plan to reflect the state’s new climate reality and establish long-term water supply targets that ensure reliable water for generations to come.

“The California Water Plan hasn’t seen meaningful revisions in 20 years,” said Senator Caballero. “Meanwhile, climate change has reshaped every aspect of how we manage water. SB 72 creates a forward-looking, science-driven, actionable roadmap to secure enough high-quality water for communities, agriculture, the environment, and our economy. California cannot afford to wait — we must act now to ensure a drought-proof future.”

The California Water Plan, updated every five years, serves as the state’s strategic guide for sustainably managing water resources. Yet in the face of prolonged droughts, extreme weather, and growing demand, the plan has not kept pace with California’s challenges.

Key provisions of SB 72 include:

• Setting water supply targets: An interim goal of 9 million acre-feet of additional water by 2040, with the Department of Water Resources to develop a long-term target for 2050.
• Grounding targets in research: A UC study, The Magnitude of California’s Water Challenges, projects a future shortfall of 4.6–9 million acre-feet annually by 2050 — the equivalent of 50–90% of urban water use, or between 1.5 and 3 million acres of irrigated farmland.
• Protecting California’s economy: Another UC study, Inaction’s Economic Cost for California’s Water Supply Challenges, estimates that failing to address water shortages could cost the state up to $14.5 billion annually and result in 67,000 lost jobs every year.
• Comprehensive planning: SB 72 ensures the state will consider every tool available — including desalination, recycling and reuse, conservation, groundwater recharge, stormwater transfer and demand management — to meet its goals. The bill also requires each update to include a discussion of environmental, urban sector, and agricultural water needs, on a regional basis.

Currently, thousands of Californians lack access to clean drinking water and are forced to rely on bottled water. Without clear targets and proactive planning, the state risks continued shortages with devastating consequences for families, farmers, cities and the economy.

“SB 72 is about more than water policy — it’s about protecting our communities, our food supply, and our way of life,” Caballero added. “This bill gives California the strategic vision it needs to meet the challenges of climate change and ensure a secure water future.”

The bill now awaits the Governor’s consideration. A press conference was held on Monday, September 8, 2025, you can view HERE.

For interviews or inquiries, please contact: Elisa Rivera at 559-264-3070

Senator Anna M. Caballero proudly represents California's 14th Senate District, leading efforts to advance clean energy, improve healthcare access, expand affordable housing and create opportunities for working families across Merced, Fresno, and Madera Counties.

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