The State Water Resources Control Board seeks to preserve, enhance, and restore the quality of California’s water resources and drinking water for the protection of the environment, public health, and all beneficial uses, and to ensure proper water resource allocation and efficient use, for the benefit of present and future generations.
The SAFE and Affordable Funding for Equity and Resilience (SAFER) Program is designed as a comprehensive initiative, providing tools, funding sources, and regulatory authorities to address the pressing need for safe drinking water in parts of California. Its core aim includes ensuring the delivery of safe and affordable drinking water to one million Californians who are currently underserved. The program has a broad scope that encompasses developing and implementing sustainable solutions for small systems in violation of drinking water standards. With an annual budget of $130 million from the SADW Fund, the SAFER program allocates resources towards operations, maintenance, system consolidation costs, replacement water provision, and administrative support for small system management.