California Supplemental (CSE) Practice Exam

Which state agency is responsible for water resource management?

1. California Coastal Commission

2. California Department of Fish and Wildlife

3. State Water Resources Control Board

4. Environmental Health Department

The correct answer is: State Water Resources Control Board

The State Water Resources Control Board is the agency entrusted with the responsibility of managing water resources in California. This agency oversees the allocation and quality of water, ensuring that water use is sustainable and environmentally sound. It establishes regulations concerning the distribution of water rights and administers the state’s water quality standards. In addition to regulating water permits and enforcing water laws, the board plays a key role in protecting water bodies from contamination and managing water-related issues such as droughts and flood control. This comprehensive authority makes it the primary agency for water resource management in the state, coordinating efforts aimed at balancing the needs of water supply, environmental health, and public safety. Other options, such as the California Coastal Commission, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Environmental Health Department, each have specific regulatory functions but do not primarily focus on overall water resource management. For instance, the California Coastal Commission primarily deals with coastal land use and ocean resources, while the Department of Fish and Wildlife focuses on fish and wildlife conservation, and the Environmental Health Department addresses public health issues related to environmental factors. Thus, the State Water Resources Control Board distinctly serves as the key agency for water management in California.