What is Water Equity?
Water equity in California is grounded in the principle that all people have the right to safe, clean, affordable, and accessible water for human consumption, cooking, and sanitary purposes, regardless of income, race, geography, or other factors.
🔹 California’s Legal Definition
The Human Right to Water is formally recognized under California Assembly Bill 685 (AB 685), signed into law in 2012. It states:
“It is the policy of the state that every human being has the right to safe, clean, affordable, and accessible water adequate for human consumption, cooking, and sanitary purposes.”
This law guides state agencies, including the Water Boards and Department of Water Resources, to consider this right in policy, funding, and regulatory decisions.
🔍 Key Dimensions of Water Equity
- Access – Reliable availability of water in homes, schools, and public spaces.
- Affordability – Water rates should not disproportionately burden low-income households.
- Quality – Water must be free from contaminants and safe to drink.
- Governance – Communities should have a voice in water decisions, especially historically underserved groups.
- Resilience – Equitable adaptation to drought, climate change, and infrastructure challenges.
What you will find on our website!
This website is your hub for understanding and addressing water equity across our diverse communities. You'll find resources on how water access, quality, and affordability affect different populations, especially low-income and underserved neighborhoods. Explore interactive maps, stories from community members, research insights, and policy updates. You will also find stories from people and community members who have advocated or benefited from the existing programs.