California’s water sector is navigating a wave of evolving regulations and advisories aimed at protecting public health, strengthening conservation efforts, and ensuring long-term sustainability. From new PFAS mandates and water efficiency standards to updates in groundwater management and drought response, these changes affect water systems of all sizes across the state. Staying informed and proactive is essential for maintaining compliance and continuing to deliver safe, reliable water. The following summary highlights the most significant updates water professionals need to know.
PFAS Regulation:
- Effective January 1, 2025, AB 2771 and AB 1817 prohibit the sale of cosmetic and textile products with intentionally added PFAS.
- The Division of Drinking Water (DDW) issued a General Order for public water systems to sample and report PFAS, rescinding previous orders.
- DDW initiated the process of revising notification and response levels for certain PFAS chemicals and establishing levels for others.
- In May 2025, DDW requested the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) to establish a Public Health Goal (PHG) for PFHxS, which is a step towards promulgating a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL).
- The State Water Board is expanding testing for PFAS in drinking water supplies.
Water Conservation:
- The “Making Conservation a California Way of Life” regulation, effective January 1, 2025, mandates urban water retail suppliers to achieve specific efficiency goals by 2040.
- Suppliers must demonstrate compliance annually starting in 2027 and face potential fines for non-compliance.
Groundwater Management:
- The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) implementation continues, with CDWR announcing determinations for Groundwater Sustainability Plans (GSPs) in 16 basins.
- Basins with inadequate plans require consultation with the SWRCB, and the San Joaquin Valley Tulare Lake Subbasin was placed on probationary status under SGMA.
Other Water Quality Regulations:
- The SWRCB adopted an MCL of 10 ppb for hexavalent chromium.
- The SWRCB released the Draft 2026 303(d) list for public review and comment, which identifies impaired water bodies.
Drought Management:
- An emergency regulation for the Scott and Shasta River Watersheds was readopted and remains in effect through January 26, 2026.
- Curtailments in the Scott and Shasta River watersheds are currently suspended.
Other Advisories:
- Guidance has been developed for water systems on necessary water quality testing after wildfires and issuing advisories to customers.
- The Office of Tank Tester Licensing has updated its website with resources and information for tank testers.
- Annual water diversion and use reporting for the 2023-24 water year was due by February 1, 2025, with late fees applicable to overdue reports.
For more information, visit: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/.