North Coast

Benefit Accounting of Nature-Based Solutions for Watersheds Landscape Assessment

United Nations (UN) | August 3rd, 2020

This landscape assessment is the outcome of Phase 1 of a tri-phased project and was designed to inform the path forward for engaging the private sector to invest in natu

This landscape assessment is the outcome of Phase 1 of a tri-phased project and was designed to inform the path forward for engaging the private sector to invest in nature-based solutions (NBS). A literature review was undertaken to understand the contemporary thinking around NBS and identify key opportunities and challenges faced by decision makers, practitioners and researchers. Interviews conducted with representatives of businesses, civil society and academia who have already implemented NBS projects or are looking to do so yielded qualitative responses to complement or contrast with the findings from the literature review.

Best Management Practices of the Sustainable Management of Groundwater Land Subsidence

California Department of Water Resources (DWR) | January 21st, 2026

The Subsidence Best Management Practices document (Subsidence BMP) provides a guide on the fundamentals of land surface subsidence (also called “land subsidence” or �

The Subsidence Best Management Practices document (Subsidence BMP) provides a guide on the fundamentals of land surface subsidence (also called “land subsidence” or “subsidence”), technical assistance related to subsidence, and best practices for managing subsidence. The Subsidence BMP also provides specific information about subsidence in California and how it must be considered within the structure of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). Subsidence is one of the six sustainability indicators required to be managed under SGMA. The Subsidence BMP does not supersede or replace any existing local, state, or federal regulations. Rather, it is meant to help groundwater managers, especially Groundwater Sustainability Agencies and the public, better understand land subsidence and how it can be managed.

Best Management Practices of the Sustainable Management of Groundwater: Land Subsidence (Draft)

California Department of Water Resources (DWR) | July 23rd, 2025

For almost a century, parts of California have been gradually sinking, impacting critical infrastructure and the communities who rely on it. Recognizing this challenge, t

For almost a century, parts of California have been gradually sinking, impacting critical infrastructure and the communities who rely on it. Recognizing this challenge, the Department of Water Resources has released a draft Best Management Practices document for public comment that will help local water agencies address this growing concern and support groundwater reliant communities. Click here for the full DWR press release.

Bioanalytical and chemical-specific screening of contaminants of concern in three California (USA) watersheds

Heliyon (Elsevier) | May 5th, 2022

To broaden the scope of contaminants monitored in human-impacted riverine systems, water, sediment, and treated wastewater effluent were analyzed using receptor-based cel

To broaden the scope of contaminants monitored in human-impacted riverine systems, water, sediment, and treated wastewater effluent were analyzed using receptor-based cell assays that provide an integrated response to chemicals based on their mode of biological activity. Samples were collected from three California (USA) watersheds with varying degrees of urbanization and discharge from municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). To complement cell assay results, samples were also analyzed for a suite of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) using gas and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC- and LC-MS/MS). For most water and sediment samples, bioassay equivalent concentrations for estrogen and glucocorticoid receptor assays (ER- and GR-BEQs, respectively) were near or below reporting limits. Measured CEC concentrations compared to monitoring trigger values established by a science advisory panel indicated minimal to moderate concern in water but suggested that select pesticides (pyrethroids and fipronil) had accumulated to levels of greater concern in river sediments. Integrating robust, standardized bioanalytical tools such as the ER and GR assays utilized in this study into existing chemical-specific monitoring and assessment efforts will enhance future CEC monitoring efforts in impacted riverine systems and coastal watersheds.

Biological sensitivities to high-resolution climate change projections in the California current marine ecosystem

Wiley | July 28th, 2022

Building water resilience in the face of cascading wildfire risks

American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) | September 15th, 2023

Bulletin 118 - California's Groundwater Update 2013

California Department of Water Resources (DWR) | April 15th, 2015

California’s Groundwater Update 2013 compiles and analyzes readily available groundwater information to characterize California’s groundwater basins, aquifers, and we

California’s Groundwater Update 2013 compiles and analyzes readily available groundwater information to characterize California’s groundwater basins, aquifers, and well infrastructure. It also presents data and analysis related to groundwater monitoring efforts, aquifer conditions in response to extraction, groundwater management practices, and conjunctive management programs. It expands and enhances baseline groundwater information on a regional scale, identifies challenges associated with sustainable groundwater management, and helps guide implementation of diverse resource management strategies. The set of data, information, and analysis developed can help local and regional groundwater managers, as well as individual well owners, better understand California’s hidden and commonly misunderstood resource. This Bulletin has been uploaded in the following separate files reflecting hydrologic regions and appendices. Chapter One / Introduction  Chapter Two / State-wide Update  Chapter Three / North Coast Chapter Four / San Francisco Bay Chapter Five / Central Coast Chapter Six / South Coast  Chapter Seven / Sacramento River Chapter Eight / San Joaquin River Chapter Nine / Tulare Lake Chapter Ten / North Lahontan Chapter Eleven / South Lahontan Chapter Twelve / Colorado River Appendix A: Methods and Assumptions Appendix B: CASGEM Basin Prioritization Appendix C: Groundwater Use Data 2010-2015 Appendix D: Conjunctive Management Survey Appendix E: Change in Groundwater in Storage Appendix F: Subsidence

Bulletin 118: California's Groundwater Update 2020 (draft)

California Department of Water Resources (DWR) | March 1st, 2021

Groundwater is a precious and limited resource that is used in meeting the needs of California’s large and small urban areas, rural groundwater users, irrigated agricul

Groundwater is a precious and limited resource that is used in meeting the needs of California’s large and small urban areas, rural groundwater users, irrigated agriculture, and the environment. Since the last California’s Groundwater (CalGW) Update in 2003, there has been significant changes to land use, water use, water application practices, and water allocations. In addition, the effects of climate change have affected California’s reliance on groundwater. It is expected that there will be additional changes in land use, water use, adjustments in water allocations, and that climate change will continue to affect the environment, thus elevating the importance of the reporting in CalGW Updates.  According to the last comprehensive report, California’s Groundwater Update 2003 (CalGW Update 2003), California’s reliance on groundwater was approximately 30 percent during a wet-to-average precipitation water year and approximately 40 percent during dry periods. Since then, the percentage of groundwater reliance has increased to between 30 and 40 percent during above normal to-wet years and to as much as 58 percent during dry periods (California Department of Water Resources 2018).

Bulletin 161-2025, 2025 Annual Water Supply and Demand Assessment Summary Report

California Department of Water Resources (DWR) | September 23rd, 2025

This report summarizes the Department of Water Resources’ (DWR’s) review of Urban Water Suppliers’ Annual Water Shortage Assessment Reports (Annual Shortage Reports

This report summarizes the Department of Water Resources’ (DWR’s) review of Urban Water Suppliers’ Annual Water Shortage Assessment Reports (Annual Shortage Reports) for the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board). As directed by the California Water Code (CWC) §10644(c)(1)(B), this summary report includes water shortage information at the supplier level, as well as regional and statewide analyses of water supply conditions. 

Bulletin 17-00, Dams within Jurisdiction of the State of California

California Department of Water Resources (DWR) | July 31st, 2000