The State Water Resources Control Board has come a long way since consolidating offices for pollution control and water rights 50 years ago, according to board chair Joaquin Esquivel. Reinvesting in that water rights system through a data-based approach will be key in the era of climate change, he explained during a presentation for the Northern California Water Association’s annual meeting on Friday.

“Frankly, it feels like we’re in a bit of climate catchup,” added board member Sean Maguire. “We do have a lot of work to do. And it’s really going to take everyone rolling up their sleeves to get this done.”