Overview

The State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) and the nine Regional Water Quality Control Boards (Regional Water Boards), collectively known as the California Water Boards (Water Boards), are dedicated to a single vision: abundant clean water for human uses and environmental protection to sustain California's future. Under the federal Clean Water Act (CWA) and the state's pioneering Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act, the State and Regional Water Boards have regulatory responsibility for protecting the water quality of nearly 1.6 million acres of lakes, 1.3 million acres of bays and estuaries, 211,000 miles of rivers and streams, and about 1,100 miles of exquisite California coastline. We work to protect water quality and allocate surface water rights. The Department of Water Resources is responsible for the management of water usage including the delivery of water to two-thirds of California's population through the State Water Project.

Mission Statement: To preserve, enhance, and restore the quality of California’s water resources and drinking water for the protection of the environment, public health, and all beneficial uses, and to ensure proper water resource allocation and efficient use, for the benefit of present and future generations.

Vision Statement: A sustainable California made possible by clean water and water availability for both human uses and environmental resource protection.

Principles & Values:

• Protection
• Sustainability
• Integrity
• Professionalism
• Leadership
• Collaboration
• Service
• Education/Outreach