Division of Drinking Water
Regulating approximately 7,500 public water systems to ensure every Californian has access to safe, clean, and affordable drinking water.
The Division of Drinking Water administers critical programs that safeguard public health across the state.
Ensuring safe, affordable, and accessible drinking water for all communities through consolidation, treatment solutions, and targeted funding.
Comprehensive testing and compliance verification for contaminants including PFAS, lead, chromium-6, and emerging substances.
Field inspections, permit issuance, facility plan reviews, and enforcement actions for public water systems.
Developing and implementing drinking water regulations, notification levels, response levels, and analytical methods.
Evaluating and accrediting environmental testing laboratories for drinking water, wastewater, food, and hazardous waste analysis.
Overseeing recycled water criteria, regulations, and project evaluation — including the newly approved Direct Potable Reuse regulations.
Oversees approximately 7,500 public water systems through field inspections, permit issuance, facility plan reviews, enforcement actions, water quality data review, system security assessments, and source water protection.
Manages laboratory accreditation, regulatory development, treatment technology evaluation, recycled water criteria, and residential water treatment device registration.
Ensures data integrity across drinking water systems and administers the SAFER program for communities with failing water systems — providing consolidation support, treatment solutions, and direct funding assistance.
Access essential tools, databases, and information portals for water system operators, laboratories, and the public.
Draft order for PFAS monitoring requirements open for public comment. Submit your input before the deadline.
Read more →New resolution adopted to advance nonpotable water reuse across the state.
Read more →Updated notification and response levels for PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, and PFHxA contaminants.
Read more →Landmark Direct Potable Reuse regulations now in effect — California leads the nation in water reuse.
Read more →Proposed notification levels for manganese in drinking water — review and comment period open.
Read more →Public workshop on the 2025 Safe Drinking Water Plan — shaping the future of water safety in California.
Read more →The Division of Drinking Water operates district offices throughout California. Find your local office or connect with Local Primacy Agencies for assistance.