How many Regional Water Quality Control Boards are there in California?

California has a comprehensive water quality management system organized through nine Regional Water Quality Control Boards. Each board oversees water quality issues in specific geographical areas of the state, ensuring that federal and state water quality regulations are adhered to. This system is critical for managing California's diverse water resources and addressing various environmental challenges, such as pollution and habitat preservation.

The nine boards work in collaboration with the State Water Resources Control Board, aligning regional efforts with statewide water quality objectives. This division into nine regions allows for localized decision-making and the ability to tailor approaches to the unique ecological and hydrological conditions found in different parts of California. Hence, the answer reflecting the number of Regional Water Quality Control Boards in California is indeed nine.