Statement from Charley Wilson, Executive Director and CEO of the Southern California Water Coalition
“After three days of thoughtful analysis, presentation and robust public input, we were proud to testify on behalf of the Southern California Water Coalition in January 2026 in support of advancing the update to the Bay-Delta Water Quality Control Plan through voluntary agreements and the Healthy Rivers and Landscapes framework. Californians deserve durable, science-driven solutions that improve conditions for native fish while keeping water reliable and affordable for people, businesses and farms.
We’re encouraged by the early progress already visible across the watershed—dozens of on-the-ground habitat projects paired with strategically timed flows, monitoring and adaptive management. Results on Putah Creek and the Mokelumne River show that when agencies, communities and conservation partners work together, we can balance ecosystem needs with water supply reliability.
For Southern California, a dependable Delta is the backbone of an integrated water portfolio. Delta reliability, combined with smart local investments—water recycling, conservation, stormwater capture and storage—and affordability-focused planning, is how we build a resilient, equitable water future for the entire state.“We appreciate the Water Board’s careful process and Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration for its leadership in convening collaborative solutions. SCWC’s role is to help educate public policy leaders and the communities we serve so they can make informed choices. We invite Californians to review the record, stay engaged, and be part of the process as we turn consensus into action.”
The Southern California Water Coalition (SCWC) – established in 1984 – is a nonprofit, nonpartisan public education partnership dedicated to informing Southern Californians about our water needs and our state’s water resources.