California Water Plan Advisory Committee Meeting - August 26, 2026

Opening Remarks and Land Acknowledgement00:00:00

Facilitator Emily Finnegan opens day two of the meeting. DWR Deputy Director Cindy Messer provides a land acknowledgement honoring tribal sovereignty, followed by insights from Vice Chairman Robert Jeff of the Santa Rosa Tachi Yokut Tribe on the importance of water as life and clean water accessibility.

Director Remarks and Meeting Objectives00:09:30

DWR Director Tom Gibson emphasizes that the department is actively moving forward on water infrastructure projects rather than waiting for future water plan cycles. The facilitator outlines the day's goals: discussing the water plan contents, addressing remaining questions, and holding breakout sessions on recommendations.

Water Plan Baseline and Technical Approach00:13:30

Eric Sai addresses member questions regarding baseline assumptions, water quality integration in models, and the role of the WEAP model. He outlines the draft table of contents for the Water Plan 2028, focusing on problems, strategies, and policy recommendations.

Policy Recommendations and Framework01:08:36

Henry Debay, DWR Division of Planning Manager, introduces the framework for developing recommendations. He proposes a step-by-step process involving focus areas, shared findings, policy goals, and refined action items to drive statewide water policy.

Breakout Group Reports01:21:03

Advisory committee members present summaries from breakout sessions. The data group highlights needs for weather forecasting and streamflow data; the affordability group calls for a redefined philosophy prioritizing watershed health and maintenance; the infrastructure group focuses on aging facility rehabilitation; and the regulations group discusses administrative flexibility and water rights.