Updating Water Rights Data for California (UPWARD)
The State Water Board launched a new project titled Updating Water Rights Data for California (UPWARD). UPWARD will modernize the way the state collects and manages its water rights data and information. California's water rights data includes information on water use, demand, as well as when and how water is diverted from streams and rivers. This type of information is critical for data-driven water management decisions, particularly when hydrology affects supply, such as during drought. The State's current water rights data system is outdated and lacks features that would make water rights reporting easier and information more accessible for the public. UPWARD will create a 21st century, modern platform that is crucial for California's long-term water resilience in the face of ongoing climate change.
About UPWARD
California water right holders are required to report information to the State Water Board about their water use and the methods they use to divert water from streams. This information is critical for timely and effective water management decisions, which are becoming increasingly important to mitigate the impacts of climate change. The State's current water rights data system lacks the functionality to collect high-quality water use data and is unable to guide reporters dynamically through the reporting processes. Furthermore, millions of water rights records (dating back to the late 1800s) are stored in paper format and cannot be accessed online.
In 2021, the Board initiated the UPWARD project to remedy the impacts of the aging data systems by advancing our ability to collect, manage, and provide water rights data to the public. UPWARD will create a modern electronic reporting platform (known as CalWATRS) that will streamline the water rights online reporting process and guide users through the process, step-by-step. The updated Geographic Information System (GIS) system will help water right holders, staff, and the public access spatial information about water rights. The UPWARD project also incorporates an electronic content management (ECM) system that will provide access to digitized records currently stored on paper.
Project Status
The main functional components of CalWATRS which were completed in November 2024 and the system is currently in the final phases of development. Development will continue through the spring and is anticipated to go-live in late summer 2025. Please see the Anticipated Project Timeline section below for more information about the overall project timeline.
Anticipated Project Timeline
- July 2021 - UPWARD project funding approved
- January 2022 - Software development contractor selection process began
- February 2023 – Development contract awarded to Deloitte Consulting LLP
- March 2023 - Data system planning phase began with Deloitte
- May 2023 - Public outreach began (UPWARD Public Webinar)
- Summer 2023 – UPWARD Advisory Group formed and formal system development began
- September 2023 – Inaugural UPWARD Advisory Group Meeting
- May 2024 – Second UPWARD Advisory Group Meeting
- February 2025 – Third UPWARD Advisory Group Meeting – Initial demonstration of the data system (CalWATRS) basic reporter functionality
- Spring 2025 – UPWARD Advisory Group access to beta version of CalWATRS for testing and advice
- Late summer 2025 – Data system is made available for enrollment
- September 2025 – End of water year
Opportunities for Input
UPWARD Public Webinar
The first public outreach webinar for UPWARD was held on May 19th, 2023, at 10:30 am. State Water Board staff went over the history of the UPWARD project, anticipated timelines, outcomes, as well as a Q&A session which allowed participants to ask questions.
Workshop Materials:
- May 19, 2023
UPWARD Advisory Group
The UPWARD Advisory Group was formed to engage with experts and interested parties who are willing to lend their skills, guidance, and knowledge to help the Water Board best achieve the goals of the UPWARD project. The UPWARD Advisory Group Charter outlines expectations and member responsibilities.
Meet our UPWARD Advisory Group
Supporting the Board's commitment to engage impacted communities, California Native American Tribes, and the public at large in decision-making processes and projects, the UPWARD Advisory Group (UAG) will serve as the public voice of the UPWARD project. The UAG will facilitate development of the Board's new water rights data system by providing advice from many perspectives to ensure the new data system meets the various needs of California's diverse water rights communities.
The first UPWARD Advisory Group meeting was held September 19, 2023. Slides and a link to the video of the meeting can be found here:
The second UPWARD Advisory Group meeting was held May 1, 2024. Slides and a link to the video of the meeting can be found here:
The third UPWARD Advisory Group meeting was held February 5, 2025. Slides and a link to the video of the meeting can be found here:
Stay informed
Email Subscription List
To receive periodic project updates, please consider subscribing to the UPWARD email list by entering your email address below:
Check your email account for a confirmation email to complete your subscription.
Contact Us
UPWARD general email account (ideas, questions, concerns): Email: upward@waterboards.ca.gov
