Drought | California State Water Resources Control Board

Highlights

Governor Newsom Announces Water Strategy For a Hotter, Drier California
California’s Water Supply Strategy outlines actions needed now to invest in new sources, transform water management.
View the Water Strategy
California is in a drought
The end of water year 2022 on September 30 marked the driest three year period on record. Dry conditions are expected to continue into fall, and we can all do our part to conserve water.
Visit Save Our Water
Emergency regulations are in effect
Wasteful water uses are prohibited, and the State Water Board is considering adopting additional emergency regulations in response to the Governor's March 28th Executive Order.
Read the regulations
Join an upcoming drought meeting
The State Water Board is hosting virtual and hybrid meetings to provide updates on drought and emergency regulations.
See Our Event Calendar
Our Role in Drought
The State Water Board monitors real-time environmental conditions, administers water rights, and coordinates with other entities to protect California’s water supply in times of drought.
Learn more about our role

Drinking Water Assistance

Are you having trouble getting water in your home? Help is available for households with water shortages.

Get Help

Funding

The State Water Board funds projects that address urgent drinking water needs and long-term resilience.

Learn More About Funding

Regional Drought Response

Drought actions and curtailments are based on the unique and evolving conditions of individual watersheds.

Find Out About Your Watershed

Curtailment Orders

When water is limited, the State Water Board can restrict water use by curtailing water rights based on priority.

Respond to Your Curtailment Order

Water Conservation

The governor called on Californians to voluntarily reduce their water use by 15 percent during the drought.

See How We’re Doing

Resources for Water Systems

The State Water Board works with water systems to manage drought impacts and meet water conservation goals.

Visit our Water Systems Page

Photo of Enterprise Bridge, Lake Oroville, during the 2021 drought

Photo of Enterprise Bridge, Lake Oroville, during the 2019 wet season

Click or tap on the center of the image and drag side-to-side to see the effects of a drought. This photo slider is also keyboard-accessible using the arrow keys on your keyboard.

Updates

December 9, 2022 – Board renews emergency water conservation regulations
Sept. 29, 2022 – Interactive curtailment status map created for Russian River Watershed
August 17. 2022 – Emergency curtailment regulations re-adopted in Mill and Deer Creeks
July 21, 2022 – Emergency curtailment and reporting regulations re-adopted in the Delta
June 21, 2022 – Worsening conditions prompt readoption of drought emergency regulation for Scott and Shasta Rivers
June 7, 2022 – State Water Board approves voluntary water sharing agreement in the Russian River watershed

Find a list of events and ways to get involved on our drought meeting calendar page.

Stay informed

Email Subscription Topic

Subscribe to the Drought Updates email topic to receive notifications and the latest updates.

Contact Us

Email: Drought@waterboards.ca.gov
Drought hotline: 916-445-5617
Toll-free: (844) 903-2800

Media Contacts

Press Room Contacts

General

For assistance with your water bill, please visit the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) Page or call (866) 675-6623 (languages services available; disponible en Español).

Current California Drought Conditions

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Click here to download drought maps and data

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If you would like to request a copy of written public comments submitted to the Board on an item noticed for public comment, please send a request to commentletters@waterboards.ca.gov, identifying the item as listed on the Notice or board meeting agenda by date, agenda item and number (if any). The Clerk of the Board will respond by sending a link to access them.

State Water Board's Drought Information and Updates