The federal Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) was signed into law on Dec. 16, 1974, making 2024 the 50th anniversary of the original statute. In honor of this milestone, the California Water Boards is celebrating our state's efforts so far to provide safe drinking water and reaffirming our commitment to the Human Right to Water.
For over a century, well before the act was passed, California has been steadfast in its mission to enhance drinking water safety and accessibility across the state. Below, we delve deeper into this enduring commitment via a timeline, short stories, videos and quotes, while acknowledging there is still much critical work to do into the future.
A Brief Timeline of California's Safe Drinking Water Progress.
1915
The Drinking Water Program is established to combat waterborne diseases under the Bureau of Sanitary Engineering.
1974
The Safe Drinking Water Act was signed into law to protect public health by authorizing national enforceable standards for drinking water quality.
1976
The California Safe Drinking Water Act sets state-specific standards and regulatory authorities for drinking water safety.
2012
California enacts the Human Right to Water law (AB 685), recognizing access to safe, clean, and affordable drinking water as a fundamental state policy.
2014
Oversight of the Drinking Water Program transitions to the State Water Board, forming the Division of Drinking Water.
2015
Senate Bill 88 grants the State Water Board the authority to enforce the consolidation of failing water systems with functional ones, ensuring reliable water service.
2016
The State Water Board adopts the Human Right to Water as a core principle, integrating it into its decision-making processes.
2019
The Safe and Affordable Drinking Water Fund (SB 200) is created to support disadvantaged communities. The State Water Board also launches the SAFER program to improve water access statewide.
DON'T MISS! Watch videos of California government leaders, safe drinking water heroes, and other water sector partners as they celebrate and share their thoughts on 50 years of the federal Safe Drinking Water Act.
The viewpoints expressed are the personal opinions of those in the videos and do not necessarily reflect the position of the State Water Board or the State Water Board members.
Messages from our Board Members
"Our Board is grateful for the partnership we have with the federal government through the Safe Drinking Water Act, which has paved the way for local communities across California to have access to safe and affordable drinking water."
"I am thankful for the passing of the Safe Drinking Water Act 50 years ago and our State's commitment to providing access to safe and affordable drinking water to all Californians."
"California's drinking water is safer, cleaner, and can be trusted now more than ever thanks in large part to the Safe Drinking Water Act. Let's raise a glass of water to another 50 years of progress!"
"The State Board has the opportunity now to make sure the Safe Drinking Water Act has a lasting impact on future generations and ensure that historically underserved communities have access to safe drinking water, a basic human need."
Messages from our Community
"As an organization that worked to craft and pass the original Safe Drinking Water Act, Clean Water Action is proud of how the Act has transformed our nation's drinking water systems and achieved dramatic reductions in health-harming contaminants in our water. A big reason for the Act's success and longevity is its citizen enforcement provision, which empowers members of the public to take action to enforce the law if local agencies fail to do so. The same provision was included in California's Prop 65, the 1986 chemical disclosure law."
"The Safe Drinking Water Act and the SWRCB provide essential pathways for California to achieve its mandate that every resident has access to safe and affordable drinking water. Happy 50th Anniversary to the Safe Drinking Water Act."
"Indeed, it is a wonderful act to provide safe drinking water for continually everyone. Warmest congratulations and kudos for the job well done! And a heartfelt gratitude and a bright hope in the continuity of the Safe Drinking Water Act Program!"
Los Angeles Unified School District
What does Safe Drinking Water mean to you?
"Clean water feels good on my teeth", "My mouth loves clean water", "Clean water makes me happy", "If clean water weren't available, I'd be dehydrated", and "The privilege to not worry about my safety"
"Peace of mind"
Would you like to be a part of the team that protects California's water resources and ensure a sustainable future for our communities? The California Water Resources Control Board is looking for dedicated individuals to join our team in managing, regulating, and preserving the state's precious water supply. Working with us means making a tangible difference in environmental conservation, public health, and water quality across the state. If you have a strong sense of responsibility, commitment to public service, and a desire to be part of a team that leads critical environmental initiatives, we invite you to explore career opportunities with us. Together, we can make a lasting impact on California's water future!
- Explore open positions, find internship information and resources on filling out a job application, and connect with the recruitment team: Water Boards Employment Page
- List of all open positions: Water Boards' Active Vacancies
- Find exam information. For most state jobs, an applicant must take an exam before applying to establish eligibility: California State Service Exam Search
- Informational videos explaining the California state hiring process: Job Application Process Explained
- Division of Drinking Water
- Financial Assistance Programs - Grants and Loans
- California Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program
- Drinking Water Treatment & Distribution System Operators
- USEPA Groundwater and Drinking
- Drinking Water Watch - California Public Water Supply Systems Search
- Division of Drinking Water District Offices
- Public Water System PFAS Information and Resources
- Drinking Water Activities for Students and Teachers
