Public Involvement
The 2028 California Water Plan is being developed through an open, transparent process designed to reflect California’s diversity of regions, water systems, and perspectives.
Advisory Committee
SB 72 requires DWR, in consultation with the California Water Commission, to establish an Advisory Committee with representation from a broad cross-section of interests. The Advisory Committee will provide recommendations to DWR and inform development of the California Water Plan 2028.
The first Advisory Committee meeting is planned for late spring of 2026. We anticipate meeting monthly at first, and quarterly thereafter through the end of the calendar year 2028.
The Advisory Committee is an appointed body, and Committee meetings are open to the public.
As of February 2026, in coordination with the California Water Commission, Advisory Committee membership was finalized. Unfortunately, we were not able to accommodate all of the strong candidates and organizations that expressed interest in participating.
In forming the Committee, we worked to ensure balanced representation consistent with the requirements and intent of SB 72. The final roster reflects geographic diversity across the state and includes the range of sectors and perspectives identified in the legislation.
The good news is there are many opportunities to engage and participate in this process. Advisory Committee meetings will be open to the public, and we will also provide regular updates at public California Water Commission meetings. In addition, we will be forming caucuses to support the Advisory Committee’s work and plan to host regional forums across the state to broaden opportunities for participation as the Water Plan moves forward.
California Water Commission
The California Water Commission plays a formal advisory and consultative role in development of California Water Plan updates. The Commission will be briefed at key milestones, and their meetings are public, noticed, and open for public comment, providing a transparent venue for Californians to hear regular updates and offer input as the 2028 California Water Plan evolves.
Public Meetings
DWR will host public forums and caucuses across the state to broaden participation and ground statewide planning in real-world conditions. This engagement is not a mere formality. Input from communities, practitioners, and leaders across California will directly inform data development, planning assumptions, targets, and strategies.
Stay Involved
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