Ensuring Safe Drinking Water for California’s Native American Communities NEVER MISS AN UPDATE! Comments California is home to 109 federally recognized tribes—more than any other state—and several more are petitioning for federal recognition. The US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) is responsible for regulating water quality on tribal lands, while the State Water Board regulates water quality for other water systems. According to USEPA’s ECHO database, 88 tribal water systems in California serve more than 160,000 people. Unfortunately, some Native American communities lack access to safe drinking water. Federal agencies, not states, have traditionally been funding partners, but as part of its commitment to ensure safe drinking water for all Californians, the state is now poised to partner with tribes to address this important public health challenge.