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Water

Oct 2025 • Report

California Wastewater Needs Assessment Phase 1 Report

For the Human Right to Sanitation

Author(s): Ariana Hernandez, Greg Pierce, Grace Harrison, and partners

Funder(s): California State Water Resources Control Board

Abstract:

The Phase 1 Report (2023–2025) developed methods, collected baseline data, identified data gaps, and defined measures of risk and inadequacy across 2,657 wastewater systems. The phase also produced frameworks for prioritizing infrastructure investments and estimating costs for potential solutions, such as system upgrades and interconnections. A key innovation was the creation of a 30-member Advisory Group that brings together experts and community voices to inform the process. The findings from Phase 1 will guide Phase 2, which will implement data-driven strategies to improve wastewater management and promote clean, safe, and affordable water access statewide.

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