Drought

Highlights

California is in a drought
As we head into another dry summer, we can all help 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

Updates

May 5, 2022 - Drinking Water Needs Assessment and Interactive Dashboard Released - Website | Press Release
May 10, 2022 – Continuing drought prompts readoption of emergency curtailment regulation in Russian River
April 19, 2022 – State Water Board staff proposes readoption of emergency drought regulation in Bay-Delta - Regulation would refine method for determining water unavailability
April 19, 2022 – Updated Water Unavailability Methodology Resources and Draft Emergency Regulation for the Delta Watershed Available for Public Comment and Workshop Scheduled for May 12
- Updated Water Unavailability Methodology Resources
- Draft Emergency Regulation and Change Sheet
April 4, 2022 – State Water Board Order regarding Central Valley Project and State Water Project Temporary Urgency Change Petition
April 1, 2022 – Russian River Revised Emergency Regulation

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

Stay informed

Email Subscription List

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

Check your email account for a confirmation email to complete your subscription.

Contact Us

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

Media Contacts

Press Room Contacts

General

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.