In 1956, the Legislature passed a bill creating DWR to plan, design, construct, and oversee the building of the nation's largest state-built water development and conveyance system. Today, DWR protects, conserves, develops, and manages much of California's water supply including the State Water Project which provides water for 25 million residents, farms, and businesses.
Working with other agencies and the public, DWR develops strategic goals, and near-term and long-term actions to conserve, manage, develop, and sustain California's watersheds, water resources, and management systems. DWR also works to prevent and respond to floods, droughts, and catastrophic events that would threaten public safety, water resources and management systems, the environment, and property.
Balancing the State's water needs with environmental protection remains a long-term challenge.