2026 FEDERAL & STATE LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
FEDERAL
SUPPORT a clearly defined exemption of liability for publicly owned wastewater treatment facilities regarding the spread of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).
SUPPORT increased funding for grant programs related to water supply, water quality, and water efficiency, which helps reduce the cost of critical projects and has a direct positive impact on water affordability.
SUPPORT actions that help modernize the permitting process for water and wastewater infrastructure projects, which help increase water resiliency across the West.
SUPPORT solutions to groundwater challenges underneath March Air Reserve Base that will boost base resiliency, increase local water supply, and improve groundwater quality.
SUPPORT the authorization, implementation, and funding of the post-2026 Colorado River operational guidelines that require equitable water supply cuts across all of the basin states and Mexico.
STATE
SUPPORT implementation of SB 72 (2025) and provide leadership on assisting the state in meeting the 9 million acre-feet water supply target by 2040 and another target to be met by 2050.
OPPOSE measures that would delay or halt the progress of the Delta Conveyance Project or Sites Reservoir.
SUPPORT measures that would help streamline and modernize the permitting process for water-related projects.
SUPPORT legislation that assists water agencies in establishing low-income water rate assistance (LIWRA) programs, but includes all the following:
• Flexibility for agencies to choose whether to participate in a statewide program or opt for their own program.
• Is not funded by establishing a water tax or fee.
• Is not overly burdensome for water agencies to participate in or require cumbersome reporting requirements.
• Ensures protection from violations of Proposition 218.
Questions? Contact Western Water’s Government Relations Officer Michael Hadley at MHadley@wmwd.com.
Learn more about Western Water’s legislative program by visiting: WesternWaterCA.gov/Legislation
SUPPORT legislation that reinforces the role of water agencies as providing fire flow for individual structural fires, not to put out wildfires, and therefore liability should not be placed on water agencies for wildfire disaster events.