by Sacramento, California — State officials are warning Californians to prepare for a new and unpredictable water future as the state begins work on the next long-term strategy for managing water supply.
The initiative, known as the California Water Plan 2028, aims to help communities prepare for increasingly extreme swings between drought and flooding — a pattern officials say is becoming more common across the state.
A New Phase in California Water Planning
The first phase of the California Water Plan sets an ambitious target: securing 9 million acre-feet of additional water supply by 2040.
Officials say the goal reflects the growing challenge posed by climate change, which is expected to reduce traditional water sources such as mountain snowpack.
State planners estimate California could lose millions of acre-feet of water in the coming decades as rising temperatures shrink snowpack and increase evaporation.
The plan focuses on strategies to capture, conserve, store, and recharge water, helping ensure reliable supplies for households, agriculture, and ecosystems.
New Law Requires Better Data and Coordination
The planning effort is tied to California Senate Bill 72, which requires state agencies to modernize water tracking and improve coordination across regions.
Instead of relying on outdated assumptions about water availability, officials are now being asked to establish clear, measurable supply targets and share data more effectively.
The law aims to help state, local, and tribal agencies work together on projects that increase water reliability.
Supporters say better coordination is critical because some regions may face flooding while others experience severe shortages at the same time.
Public Participation Begins in 2026
Unlike earlier water plans developed mostly within government agencies, the California Water Plan 2028 is designed to be developed through broad public participation.
Officials say a major public meeting will be held in April 2026 when a new advisory committee begins outlining the next phase of the strategy.
The committee is expected to include representatives from:
• Urban water agencies
• Agricultural water suppliers
• Tribal governments
• Labor groups
• Environmental justice advocates
• Business organizations
Officials say bringing diverse voices to the table could reduce conflicts that often delay major water projects.
‘Hydrologic Whiplash’ Becoming More Common
One of the biggest concerns driving the plan is what scientists call hydrologic whiplash.
This term describes the growing pattern in which California experiences extreme drought followed by powerful storms and flooding, sometimes within a single year.
Researchers say climate change is making this pattern more intense worldwide.
When rainfall arrives in short bursts rather than steady storms, much of the water runs off quickly instead of soaking into soil or reservoirs.
That makes it harder for water managers to capture and store water for use during dry periods.
What 9 Million Acre-Feet Means
The water supply goal may sound abstract, but officials say it represents a significant amount of water.
Nine million acre-feet is roughly equivalent to:
• About two full Shasta Reservoirs
• Enough annual water supply for around 18 million homes
Rather than relying on a single massive infrastructure project, the plan calls for achieving this goal through many smaller strategies working together.
These include conservation programs, improved water storage, and expanded groundwater recharge.
Moving Beyond Snowpack Storage
Historically, California has relied heavily on mountain snowpack as a natural water reservoir.
Snow accumulated in the Sierra Nevada during winter and gradually melted in spring and summer, feeding rivers and reservoirs.
But warming temperatures are changing that pattern.
More precipitation is now falling as rain instead of snow, and snow that does accumulate often melts earlier in the year.
As a result, water managers are exploring new ways to capture and store water.
Strategies include expanding groundwater recharge systems, improving reservoir operations during storms, and developing additional storage infrastructure.
Nature-Based Solutions Also Part of Plan
Not all water solutions rely on dams or pipelines.
Officials say nature-based projects could play a major role in improving water management.
Examples include:
• Restoring floodplains so rivers can spread out safely during storms
• Rebuilding wetlands that slow runoff and filter pollution
• Managing forests to protect watersheds and reduce wildfire damage
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These approaches can help reduce flood risk, improve water quality, and support wildlife habitats at the same time.
Preparing for California’s Water Future
State leaders say the new water strategy reflects a growing reality: California’s water system must adapt to a climate where extreme conditions can shift rapidly.
The California Water Plan 2028 aims to build resilience by improving planning, expanding storage, and increasing cooperation across agencies and communities.
Officials say those steps will be critical as the state enters what they describe as a new era of water management.
What do you think is the most important solution for California’s future water supply—more reservoirs, conservation, or nature-based solutions? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
