CalWEP has signed onto a coalition letter urging the Legislature to provide full funding for the implementation of SB 72 (Caballero, 2025) in the 2026–27 State Budget.
SB 72 modernizes California’s Water Plan and establishes long-term water supply planning targets by directing the Department of Water Resources (DWR) to develop an action plan identifying watershed-scale strategies necessary to achieve long-term water supply targets by 2040.
CalWEP Executive Director Tia Fleming serves on the California Water Plan 2028 Advisory Committee, where she represents urban water supplier interests and helps ensure that water efficiency and conservation are part of the state’s broader strategy for achieving reliable, sustainable water supplies.
“Water efficiency remains one of California’s most reliable and cost-effective water supply strategies,” said Tia Fleming. “SB 72 acknowledges the important role conservation plays in the state’s long-term water planning, and full funding will ensure those strategies move from planning goals into implementation.”
While the Governor’s January budget proposal includes funding for SB 72 implementation, it falls short of DWR’s estimated need. DWR projected costs of $6.8 million annually for the first five years and $3.4 million ongoing thereafter. The current proposal includes $5.8 million annually for the first five years and $2.4 million ongoing, amounting to a $1 million annual shortfall.
According to the Administration’s Budget Change Proposal, this funding gap could significantly delay implementation timelines and hinder DWR’s ability to fully carry out the Legislature’s intent.
The coalition letter respectfully requests that the Legislature restore the full funding amount necessary to implement SB 72 as enacted. CalWEP appreciates the leadership of Senator Caballero and the coalition partners working to ensure this important legislation is fully implemented.
For more information about CalWEP’s advocacy efforts, please contact Dani Morgutia at [email protected].