The California Water Resources Control Board was in Bakersfield Wednesday to get public input on a proposed statewide water affordability program.

The program will ensure Californians have affordable drinking water.

The State Water Board is responsible for developing a plan for a Low-Income Water Rate Assistance Program as a result of Assembly Bill 401 passed last year.

The State Water Board is required to submit a water affordability plan to the California Legislature by February 2018.