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The San Joaquin Tributaries Authority (SJTA) officially launched its redesigned website on January 20, marking a major step forward in how the organization communicates its mission, projects, and impact across Northern California. The new site serves as a modern, accessible hub for residents, stakeholders, and policymakers seeking clear, credible information about regional water resources and watershed management.

About the SJTA

The San Joaquin Tributaries Authority is a Joint Powers Authority formed by the Turlock Irrigation District, Modesto Irrigation District, South San Joaquin Irrigation District, and the Hetch Hetchy Regional Water System. Together, these agencies manage critical water infrastructure and watershed systems that support communities, agriculture, and ecosystems across multiple counties. SJTA plays a central role in coordinating scientific research, protecting historic water rights, and ensuring long-term water supply reliability throughout the region.

Project Goals

• Improve how SJTA tells its story by clearly explaining who it is, what it does, and why its work matters to a diverse regional audience.
• Create a user-friendly, accessible website that meets WCAG 2.1 AA standards and supports transparency and public trust.
• Modernize the site’s design and structure to support future growth, new content, and evolving initiatives.
• Provide staff with a flexible, easy-to-manage CMS that supports ongoing updates without technical complexity.

Planeteria’s Solution

Planeteria partnered with SJTA to deliver a streamlined, open-source WordPress website designed for clarity, accessibility, and long-term maintainability. Our team focused on simplifying navigation, improving content hierarchy, and aligning the visual design with SJTA’s brand and strategic vision. The site was built to meet WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standards, perform seamlessly across devices, and empower staff with intuitive content management tools, role-based permissions, and publishing workflows.

Key Features & Functionality

• Responsive design optimized for desktop, tablet, and mobile devices
• WCAG 2.1 AA–compliant templates supporting inclusive access
• Streamlined navigation and improved content architecture
• Flexible page templates for projects, news, and educational content
• Integrated document and file management for reports and PDFs
• Search-friendly structure with SEO-optimized content support
• Secure WordPress CMS with role-based permissions
• Scalable foundation to support future integrations and growth

Project Highlights

A standout element of the SJTA website is its ability to balance technical credibility with public accessibility. Complex topics related to water systems, environmental stewardship, and interagency collaboration are presented in a clear, approachable way—helping diverse audiences better understand the value and impact of SJTA’s work. The site is also built to evolve, giving SJTA the flexibility to add new content, educational materials, and interactive features over time.

Looking Ahead

With its new website in place, SJTA is well positioned to expand its digital presence, strengthen public engagement, and continue telling the story of regional water stewardship. Planeteria will continue supporting the site through ongoing maintenance, monitoring, and enhancements to ensure it remains secure, accessible, and effective for years to come.

Explore the new San Joaquin Tributaries Authority website at https://www.sjtribs.org/ to learn more about the vital work shaping Northern California’s water future.