During the early 1950s, the California Department of Water Resources was created to develop a plan of action toward solving California's water problems and make recommendations to the state legislature. By 1955, the Department of Water Resources had completed its research and published a working document, known as the Bechtel Report, and began implementing the revised California Water Plan.

In 1955, the Feather River Project Association (FRPA) was incorporated as a not-for-profit, non-partisan educational association to serve the public interest of Californians in the areas of water resource development and water conservation. The main foci of FRPA activities were two-fold: first, the association would collect and develop research material and independent studies concerning all aspects of The California Water Plan, especially in those areas pertaining to the proposed Feather River Project; and second, the FRPA would disseminate those findings that stressed the urgent need to fund and implement actions that further developed the California Water Plan.

Membership in FRPA was open to all who were interested in the development of water resources. In 1956, the Association consisted of several county and city agencies, local water associations, and private organizations and individuals concerned with the future of California's water sources. By 1962, the FRPA had a mailing list of 6,950 that were receiving monthly reports through the Association's newsletters. Monthly meetings were scheduled throughout the state for FRPA members, which kept them fully informed on current legislation before the state assembly and senate that could affect the State Water Project. FRPA actively sought political support, recommended policies and passed several resolutions on issues such as the Water Bond Act, San Luis Dam and Reservoir Project, and South Bay Aqueduct. FRPA also developed procedures for the settlement of contract negotiations between water owners and water recipients.

During the mid-1960s FRPA promoted the establishment of a Water Resources Research Center in the State Legislature (Senate Bill 2). Reflecting the expansion in statewide water projects, conferences and membership, FRPA voted to change its name to the California Water Resources Association. The name change took effect on December 9, 1966 and the organization is still in existence today.