California water plan: Gavin Newsom sets 9 million acre-feet target by 2040

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a water plan tied to Senate Bill 72 that sets a 9 million acre-feet supply target for 2040 and calls for improved data and planning. The proposal emphasizes conservation, stormwater capture and recycling, and the Department of Water Resources will convene an advisory group with its first meeting in April.

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a statewide water plan tied to Senate Bill 72 that sets a 9 million acre-feet supply target for 2040. Officials framed the target as a response to climate-driven shifts that are reducing snowpack and intensifying drought. The 9 million figure is reported as roughly equivalent to two Shasta Reservoirs. The plan emphasizes modernizing the water system and boosting conservation, stormwater capture and recycling. Key details: - Senate Bill 72 establishes a 9 million acre-feet supply target by 2040 and calls for better data collection and planning. - Newsom’s office and Sen. Anna Caballero described the move as a response to longer droughts, stronger storms and growing demand. - The Department of Water Resources is assembling an advisory group with representation from urban and agricultural suppliers, tribal, labor, environmental justice and environmental interests, local government, business and other parties; the committee will hold its first meeting in April. - Department of Water Resources Director Karla Nemeth is quoted saying California’s hydrology is changing, with extreme wet swings to intensely dry within the same season. Summary: The plan frames a statewide target as part of efforts to adapt to shifting water conditions and to modernize how water is managed. The advisory group convened by the Department of Water Resources will begin meetings in April to gather regional input and inform planning under SB 72.