South Coast

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.

Beyond the Haze: A UC Dust Report on the Causes, Impacts, and Future of Dust Storms in California

University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego) | December 5th, 2024

This report is intended to be a comprehensive summary of the current state of knowledge of dust storms in California, including where dust storms occur, the features cont

This report is intended to be a comprehensive summary of the current state of knowledge of dust storms in California, including where dust storms occur, the features contributing to their geographic distribution, factors driving historical and likely future changes in dust, the impact dust storms have on human health, the economy, and environment of the state, and an assessment of what is needed to mitigate or adapt to those impacts. The purpose of this report is to be a resource to the public, community-based organizations, state agencies, and policy makers on dust storms in California. The information here is intended to help guide future adaptation and mitigation efforts and identify critical gaps in understanding that impede those efforts.

Beyond Watershed Planning: Engaging Communities to Improve Outcomes of the Safe Clean Water Program

Los Angeles Waterkeeper (LA Waterkeeper) | August 11th, 2026

In the eight years since Los Angeles voters approved Measure W, the LA County Flood Control District has successfully launched the Safe Clean Water Program (SCWP). The pr

In the eight years since Los Angeles voters approved Measure W, the LA County Flood Control District has successfully launched the Safe Clean Water Program (SCWP). The program collects approximately $280M every year and distributes those funds to support stormwater capture projects that can reduce flooding, improve regional water quality, recharge groundwater, and provide a variety of benefits for communities and wildlife. To date, the SCWP has funded 473 projects, studies, concepts, and program activities through its regional, municipal, and district programs.  The program takes an adaptive management approach to ensure funds are invested effectively and that supported projects deliver meaningful reductions in flood risk while providing appropriate treatment of local stormwater. This approach also ensures funds are leveraged to provide the most potential benefits for every dollar spent. As part of that effort, the SCWP developed a watershed planning process in 2024 with the goal of maximizing potential benefits in each of the county’s nine watersheds.  Los Angeles Waterkeeper secured funding to conduct five community workshops to further inform the watershed planning process moving forward. The purpose of these workshops was to ensure that individuals and organizations who are well informed about the on-the-ground needs and priorities of communities throughout LA County had the opportunity to provide input to the watershed plans. LA Waterkeeper partnered with community-based organizations in each of the areas where the workshops were held to invite priority participants, although all workshops were open to the public. 

Biennial Report of the Fish and Game Commission of California 1924-26

California Fish and Game Commission | June 30th, 1926

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

Borrego Water District v. All Persons Who Claim a Right to Extract Groundwater in the Borrego Valley Groundwater Subbasin No. 7-024-01

Superior Court of California, County of Orange | April 8th, 2021

Boulder Canyon Project Agreement: Requesting Apportionment of California’s Share of the Waters of the Colorado River among the Applicants in the State

U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) | August 18th, 1931

Breathing Hazard: Air Pollution in the Salton Sea Region

Pacific Institute | August 14th, 2025

The Salton Sea, California’s largest lake, has shrunk by more than 70 square miles (19%) in the past 30 years. Colorado River water irrigates more than half a million a

The Salton Sea, California’s largest lake, has shrunk by more than 70 square miles (19%) in the past 30 years. Colorado River water irrigates more than half a million acres of productive farmland in the Imperial and Coachella valleys, in southeastern California (Figure ES-1). Runoff from these fields sustains the lake but has decreased by almost 20% since the 1990s (Figure ES-2) as a result of agreements transferring water out of the region. Continuing efforts to protect Lake Mead and Lake Powell have incentivized farmers to further reduce their use of Colorado River water, accelerating the decline of the Salton Sea and exposing additional lakebed (known as “playa”). More playa means more dust in an area already suffering from bad air quality and some of the highest respiratory hospitalization rates in the state. Expected additional water use reductions will accelerate the Salton Sea’s decline and increase the amount of playa exposed, affecting the health of the 560,000 people in the region.