Priorities

CWSA strategically engages with state and local officials to advance the human right to water through support for small and disadvantaged community water systems.

The Alliance opposes legislative and regulatory actions that overburden water systems without corresponding support and assistance.

Click here to read the strategic plan.

Water Affordability

Water Affordability

Water Affordability Needs Higher Priority in Regulation of Drinking Water.

The approval of a state Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for hexavalent chromium demonstrated a crucial flaw in California’s drinking water regulatory system. A CWSA study by economic experts has revealed that the state can find a regulation “economically feasible” that, paradoxically, will make water unaffordable for many thousands of people.

CWSA advocates for changes to the state’s analytical methods and decision-making to ensure that drinking water is both safe and affordable.

Click here to read the Affordability Report.

Chromium-6 (Cr6)

Chromium-6 (Cr6)

Chromium-6 (Cr-6) or hexavalent chromium occurs naturally in certain geological formations.

After the State Water Resources Control Board approved a stringent regulation for Cr-6 in drinking water, communities in regions impacted by it desperately need financial assistance.

CWSA leads a coalition seeking the necessary support from the state.

CWSA: Comment Letter – SFY 2025-26 DWSRF IUP

Affordability & Financial Needs Assessment

Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act

Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act

The Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act passed as a poorly written budget trailer bill in 2023.

Now disadvantaged communities across the high desert region face soaring costs for necessary public infrastructure and residential housing.

CWSA organized a broad regional coalition fighting for reasonable rules and affordable fees.

Western Joshua Tree Conservation Plan Comments

Large Helping Small

Large Helping Small

California red tape often blocks financial aid from reaching the disadvantaged communities and small water systems that need it most. CWSA highlights large water agencies that support smaller neighbors with planning, technical help, emergency aid, and bridge loans to offset long waits for state reimbursements.

Members like Coachella Valley Water District, Mojave Water Agency, Water Replenishment District, and San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency lead with community-driven consolidations, regional planning, and financial support.

CWSA partners with Cal Mutuals to advance statewide policies that strengthen small and disadvantaged water systems without unfair restrictions.

Read the CVWD Handout.

Case Study: Regional Agency Assistance

Regional Campaigns

Regional Campaigns

The Community Water Systems Alliance (CWSA) develops regional campaigns to protect California’s water supplies and advocate for water systems that face local challenges. Through efforts like the Highway 62 Initiative, CWSA has spotlighted how illegal cannabis cultivation strains both the environment and community water resources. The Alliance has also elevated the issue of large-scale water theft through features in outlets such as Desert Report and CalMatters.

CWSA is committed to bringing critical regional water challenges to the forefront and driving solutions that safeguard communities and their water security.

CalMatters: Water Theft

Desert Report: Illegal Cannabis Impact

CalMatters: Water Bandits

Live List of Bills

The following list provides updated status on bills that CWSA is tracking. The identified priorities as well as existing legislative initiatives guide Community Water Systems Alliance’s approach to the active legislative opportunities listed on this page.

The tracker updates in real time and will have our most up to date positions on legislation.

Click here to view the list of bills.