California’s agriculture sector — which relies heavily on reliable water supplies — may be poised for a historic policy shift after U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) introduced two major federal bills this past weekend aimed at bolstering water resources, expanding conservation, and strengthening drought resilience for farms, cities, and ecosystems across the state.

The Making Our Communities Resilient through Enhancing Water for Agriculture, Technology, the Environment, and Residences (MORE WATER) Act and the Growing Resilient Operations from Water Savings and Municipal-Agricultural Reciprocally-beneficial Transactions (GROW SMART) Act — both introduced in the Senate on January 29 — are part of a broader federal effort to confront California’s long-standing water scarcity challenges.

Bills Aim to Increase Supply, Support Innovation

The MORE WATER Act would reauthorize large-scale water recycling and reuse programs, authorize federal grants to update aging conveyance infrastructure, and support environmental restoration projects that benefit both water supply and wildlife habitats. It proposes federal funding to cover up to 25% of eligible project costs, increasing the funding cap to $50 million per project — a potential boon for water districts and growers alike.

In parallel, the GROW SMART Act would establish a pilot program within the Bureau of Reclamation to fund voluntary demonstration projects that test innovative agricultural water-saving techniques and foster collaborative partnerships between farming communities and municipal or industrial water users.

Why This Matters for California Farmers

California’s agricultural economy — which produces a significant share of the nation’s fruits, nuts, vegetables, and other commodities — has endured years of drought, groundwater regulation pressures, and aging water infrastructure. Reliable water supply remains a linchpin for the state’s farm productivity and export competitiveness.

By channeling federal resources toward recycling, conveyance improvements, and water-use innovation, the legislation could help farms improve water use efficiency, reduce dependency on scarce surface water and groundwater, and mitigate the financial and operational impacts of future droughts.

Responses from Water and Agricultural Stakeholders

The bills have drawn praise from water agencies and conservation groups. The Association of California Water Agencies thanked Senator Padilla for his leadership, highlighting the importance of sustainable water supplies for communities across the state.

Supporters also argue that increased investment in infrastructure and conservation could yield long-term benefits not only for agriculture, but also for cities, disadvantaged communities, and fragile ecosystems dependent on balanced water management.

Political and Policy Context

The introduction of these bills comes amid intense debate over water policy in California, including state efforts to update long-term water planning and ongoing tensions over Delta conveyance, environmental protections, and groundwater sustainability.

If enacted, the MORE WATER and GROW SMART Acts could represent a rare federal investment directly tied to agricultural drought resilience — a development that many farmers and water policymakers describe as essential for the future of California agriculture.

What’s Next

The bills have been referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, where they will undergo review and potential amendment before moving toward a full chamber vote. Stakeholders across the state are expected to weigh in, offering perspectives from growers, water districts, environmental advocates, and local leaders as the legislative process unfolds.