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California Launches Water Plan 2028, Sets First Statewide Target of 9 Million Acre-Feet by 2040

SB 72 kicks off a multi‑year overhaul focused on credible data, localized targets, plus place‑specific actions.

Overview

  • State officials describe the 9 million acre‑feet target as roughly two Shasta Reservoirs and as a response to projected losses from shrinking snowpack and harsher drought.
  • The Department of Water Resources is forming a broad advisory committee of urban and agricultural suppliers, tribes, labor, environmental justice groups, local government, business and environmental interests, with an inaugural meeting in April.
  • Work will center on three tracks: statewide data and planning models, localized long‑term supply targets aligned with existing strategies and laws, plus adaptation actions that include storage, groundwater recharge, conservation and nature‑based solutions.
  • A new public hub at CaliforniaWaterPlan.com will provide meeting materials, timelines, participation details and updates throughout the process.
  • The initiative is in the planning stage under input from the California Water Commission, with the 2028 update underway and a follow‑on update slated for 2033.