The board approved a biological water quality objective for the San Diego region using the California Stream Condition Index. It also approved the Drinking Water SRF Intended Use Plan and discussed a projected $1.1 billion funding gap. A public hearing on the statewide plans/policies review drew comment; no action was taken; written comments due Sept. 21, 2026.
Federal and state drinking water grant funding is projected to fall sharply by FY 2027-28 (84% federal, 79% state), threatening hundreds of failing water systems still awaiting infrastructure solutions. The Board adopted the FY 2026-27 Clean Water SRF Intended Use Plan, lowering small community wastewater construction grant caps from $50M to $30M per project. UCLA's wastewater needs assessment continues, with a final report due June 2027.
Staff reported Sites next steps in the WSIP update: federal permitting/ROD, draft water rights and draft public benefit contracts possibly in April, and final award likely late 2026. DWR presented the SB 72 framework for the 2028 Water Plan (9M AF target by 2040; advisory committee aimed for March). Kern Fan requested a conjunctive-use reclassification and ~$5.5M early funding; staff recommended approval.
Scott River curtailments were triggered after flows fell below minimums; snowpack is 6% of normal (2% of April 1 average). The Board emphasized Jan. 1, 2027 conservation compliance, with technical assistance prioritized over penalties. Dry conditions and declining natural flows point to a challenging summer statewide.
Curtailments are expected in the Scott and Shasta River watersheds in 2026, with Scott-area snowpack at 1% of average. Statewide snowpack was 16–21% of April 1 average while reservoirs were 119% of average. Environmental groups urged review of Reclamation's draft 2026 Temperature Management Plan under Order 95 and the 2024 NMFS BiOp; staff requested additional modeling and information.
