State Water Board Releases Final Bay-Delta Plan Update by ACWA Staff Aug 20, 2026 Water News The State Water Resources Control Board on Aug. 19 released a final draft of its Bay-Delta Plan Update. Its release opens a 30-day comment period ending Sept. 18, with a public hearing scheduled for Oct. 28-29, when the State Water Board is scheduled to consider adopting the updated plan. The final draft is being reviewed by ACWA staff and the association plans to provide oral and written comments to the State Water Board. ACWA will also continue to engage with its Bay-Delta Working Group to guide advocacy on the issue, particularly in support of including the Healthy Rivers and Landscapes (HRL) Program in the updated plan. ACWA is a long-standing supporter of the HRL Program as the best approach to protecting, restoring, and enhancing the Bay-Delta. ACWA is also urging members to support the HRL Program during the public comment period. “The Association of California Water Agencies strongly encourages the State Water Resources Control Board to adopt the Sacramento/Delta updates to the Bay-Delta Plan this year, with the inclusion of the Healthy Rivers and Landscapes Program, said ACWA State Relations Advocate Stephen Pang in a media statement. “ACWA strongly supports the Healthy Rivers and Landscapes Program as the superior approach to protecting, restoring and enhancing the Bay-Delta ecosystem — the hub of water management in California.” The State Water Contractors, San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority, Friant Water Authority and Northern California Water Association issued a joint statement supporting the HRL Program. The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California also issued a statement on the plan’s release expressing support of the HRL Program. ACWA distributed an Aug. 19 Advisory that contains more details, links and background on the Bay-Delta Plan Update and the HRL Program. Member login is required.
