How to Get Involved
Get involved in the SAFER program’s decision-making process!
We encourage all Californians to get involved in our decision-making process, from attending a board meeting or hearing to providing public comments. This page provides useful information on ways you can participate in the SAFER program.
Working together with communities and local, state, federal, and tribal government partners we can meet today’s drinking water challenges and better prepare for an uncertain future.
Top Five Ways to Participate in SAFER
- 1) Review the Needs Assessment and Fund Expenditure Plan and provide comments
We invite you to review and comment on the SAFER Needs Assessment, Fund Expenditure Plan, and other SAFER-related documents. The Fund Expenditure Plan is updated annually. We post these documents on the SAFER website as they become available. You can provide comments in writing (via email or traditional mail) or in-person (at Advisory Group meetings and Board meetings and workshops).
- 2) Attend SAFER Advisory Group Meetings and provide comments during the public comment session
Advisory Group meetings are open to the public. The Board encourages all interested parties to attend and participate in Advisory Group meetings. Members of the public will be provided an opportunity to comment on agenda items.
- 3) Apply to become a SAFER Advisory Member
The Advisory Group is a consultative body that advises the Board on the development of the Fund Expenditure Plan, and other key analyses and policies as needed.
- SAFER Advisory Group FAQ (Spanish)
- SAFER Advisory Group
- Advisory Group applications are accepted annually beginning in the summer. Check the SAFER Advisory Group page for application details.
- 4) Attend SAFER and State Water Board meetings, workshops, and webinars to learn about and provide input on SAFER activities
Any member of the public may address and ask questions of the Board relating to any matter within the State Water Board’s jurisdiction provided the matter is not on the agenda or pending before the State or Regional Water Boards.
Any member of the public may contact the Water Boards by phone, mail, or email regarding any concern related to the Water Boards’ work.
SAFER Phone: (916) 445-5615
SAFER Email: SAFER@waterboards.ca.gov
SAFER Address:
ATTN: SAFER Program
1001 I Street
Sacramento, CA 92814 - 5) Sign up for the SAFER email subscription list to stay up to date on SAFER activities and deadlines
Email Subscription Topic
To receive updates on the SAFER Program, subscribe to the SAFER Drinking Water email topic.
Working with All Californians
Written Translation and Oral Interpretation Services
To promote the participation of limited-English speaking populations of California with the Water Boards, the Office of Public Participation (OPP) offers oral (interpretation) and written (translation) language services.
Requests for interpretation and translation services must be submitted at least 10 business days from the date of the meeting to: OPP-LanguageServices@Waterboards.ca.gov
Special Accommodations
Individuals who require special accommodations are requested to contact the Clerk at the State Water Board at (916) 341-5600.
The request should be made at least 10 business days before the board meeting.
