Overview

• The draft Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta Water Quality Control Plan lets agencies meet flow objectives through either traditional withdrawal limits or negotiated voluntary agreements tied to habitat restoration funding.
• Gov. Gavin Newsom has endorsed the voluntary agreement pathway as a collaborative, science-driven solution to balance community, agricultural, and ecological needs.
• Environmental, fishing, tribal, and Delta community groups warn the voluntary deals lack transparency and risk weakening existing flow protections for native fish species.
• The draft plan establishes tribal beneficial uses of water to recognize and protect culturally significant fish populations across the Bay-Delta watershed.
• A public comment period runs through early September, with State Water Board hearings scheduled for Sept. 8–9; an eight-year review will determine whether to continue the voluntary agreements or revert to strict flow rules.