DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES (DWR) (CALIFORNIA)

The California state agency within The Resources Agency that is responsible for long-term water planning, operation of the State Water Project, and state water conservation programs. The basic goal of the DWR is to ensure that California's needs for water supplies, water-related recreation, fish and wildlife, hydroelectric power, prevention of damage and loss of life from floods and dam failure, and water-related environmental enhancements are met; and to ensure that the manner in which these needs are fulfilled is consistent with public desires and attitudes concerning environmental and social considerations. The California Water Commission, also within The Resources Agency, serves as a policy advisory body to the Director of the DWR on matters within the department's jurisdiction and coordinates state and local views on federal appropriations for water projects in California. The commission also conducts public hearings and investigations statewide for the department and provides an open forum for interested citizens to voice on water development issues. The California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), located within the California Environmental Protection Agency, is assigned the responsibility to protect water quality and allocate water rights.