Weeks after a board responsible for managing the state’s water resources released a report revealing nearly 400 failing water systems in California, a state water program announced it has distributed more than $830 million in grants over the past five years to disadvantaged communities that need clean drinking water.
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office made the announcement July 22, which also marked the fifth anniversary of the Safe and Affordable Funding for Equity and Resilience drinking water program, known as SAFER, which is overseen by the agency that released the report, the State Water Resources Control Board. The board uses funding and regulations to facilitate statewide clean drinking water projects, particularly in disadvantaged communities.
