Agricultural Land Stewardship (Resource Management Strategy)

California Department of Water Resources (DWR) | July 29th, 2016

This resource management strategy focuses primarily on private land in agriculture including cultivated land and rangeland. Agricultural land in California comprises abou

This resource management strategy focuses primarily on private land in agriculture including cultivated land and rangeland. Agricultural land in California comprises about 31.6 million acres (California Department of Conservation, Division of Land Resource Protection, Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program 2008). About 12.4 million of these acres are cultivated, while the remaining 19.2 million acres are rangeland (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection 2010). Agricultural systems in California are varied in the way resources are used, ranging from intensive conventional agriculture (irrigated crop cultivation) to more extensive systems such as livestock grazing, each with a different relationship to natural resources. They also affect and are affected by surface hydrology and groundwater recharge in different ways. Stewardship of this land requires constant balancing among natural constraints, market forces, and ever-changing social expectations. Institutions and policies have been developed in response to these challenges. Public investment in water infrastructure (reservoirs, canals, drains, levees, dykes) has been in the forefront of these. This resource management strategy report focuses on agricultural land stewardship (ALS) strategies that can be incorporated into relevant adaptive management of agricultural land at different levels, including landscape, regional and project.

Agricultural Water Use Efficiency (Resource Management Strategy)

Department of Water Resources | July 29th, 2016

The agricultural water use efficiency strategy describes the use and application of scientific processes to control agricultural water delivery and use to achieve a benef

The agricultural water use efficiency strategy describes the use and application of scientific processes to control agricultural water delivery and use to achieve a beneficial outcome. It includes an estimation of net water savings or increased production resulting from implementing efficiency measures as expressed by the ratio of output to input, resulting benefits, and strategies to achieve efficiency and benefits.

Assumptions and Estimates for California Water Plan Update 2018

California Department of Water Resources (DWR) | April 13th, 2017

The California Water Plan (Water Plan) is the State government’s strategic plan for sustainably managing and developing water resources statewide for current and future

The California Water Plan (Water Plan) is the State government’s strategic plan for sustainably managing and developing water resources statewide for current and future generations. The Water Plan development process provides a planning framework for elected officials, agencies, tribes, water and resource managers, businesses, academia, stakeholders, and the public to collaborate on findings and recommendations and make informed decisions regarding California’s water future. The goal for each update of the Water Plan is to receive broad input and support from Californians, meet California Water Code (Water Code) requirements, guide State investments, and advance integrated water management and regional sustainability.  This draft report and the related data posted online comprise the Draft Assumptions and Estimates Report (Draft A&E Report) for California Water Plan Update 2018 (Update 2018). The Draft A&E Report presents key assumptions and estimates, data and data sources, and companion plans that will be considered for the preparation of Update 2018. The report increases the transparency of the Water Plan process by disclosing the data, tools, methods, and references used to prepare Update 2018. This report meets Water Code requirements, which stipulate that the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) must publish the Water Plan’s assumptions and estimates one year prior to the plan’s publication, as well as provide an opportunity for public review and comment. Water code requirements for the Draft A&E Report are presented below.  The Draft A&E Report also describes the approach DWR is taking to improve the analytical tools and data being used to develop Update 2018. DWR will continue to update Draft A&E Report content online during the remainder of the Update 2018 development process. A draft glossary for Update 2018 is included as part of this report, and the final version of that glossary will be published as a component of Update 2018. The final data and data sources will be included in the Update 2018 reference and technical information. 

California Water Action Plan Implementation Report: 2014–2018 Summary of Accomplishments

California Natural Resources Agency | June 13th, 2019

California Water Plan 2013: Central Coast Hydrologic Region Report

California Department of Water Resources (DWR) | October 30th, 2014

The Central Coast Hydrologic Region is the most groundwater-dependent hydrologic region in California, with approximately 80 percent of agricultural, municipal, and domes

The Central Coast Hydrologic Region is the most groundwater-dependent hydrologic region in California, with approximately 80 percent of agricultural, municipal, and domestic water demands met by the extraction of groundwater. Imported surface water allocations from the State Water Project (SWP) and the Central Valley Project total up to 106,000 acre-feet (af) per year; however, actual volumes of imported water received vary annually. The economy of the Central Coast relies heavily on agriculture and viticulture, which thrives in the temperate climate, rich soils, and moderate rainfall. Major water-related challenges for the region include groundwater and surface water quality degradation, groundwater basin overdraft, flood risk, seawater intrusion, and aging infrastructure. Urban, environmental, and disadvantaged community (DAC) interests in the Central Coast are currently well-represented in the region’s integrated regional water management efforts, which include new and updated integrated regional water management (IRWM) plans and numerous implementation projects.

California Water Plan 2013: Colorado River Hydrologic Region Report

California Department of Water Resources (DWR) | October 30th, 2014

Despite the subtropical desert climate, reliable water supplies for the Colorado River Hydrologic Region have made it possible to establish, maintain, and even expand the

Despite the subtropical desert climate, reliable water supplies for the Colorado River Hydrologic Region have made it possible to establish, maintain, and even expand the key local industries — agriculture, recreation, and tourism. At the same time, the region’s topographic landscape, shaped by tectonic and past volcanic activities, remains as scenic and beautiful. This includes the Salton Sea, which is sustained by agricultural tailwater, tile drain water, and treated and untreated urban wastewater flows. Water agencies in the region have not stopped planning and implementing programs and projects to maintain the quality and quantity of water supplies, particularly groundwater, for the future. This includes water use efficiency conservation and groundwater storage and conjunctive use programs and water supply transfers. Activities are also under way to protect and enhance the region’s important environmental resources — in particular, the Salton Sea, which provides critical habitat for resident and migratory birds.

California Water Plan 2013: Highlights

California Department of Water Resources (DWR) | October 30th, 2014

California Water Plan Update 2013 (Update 2013) is a resource and tool to guide investment priorities and legislative action and ensure resilient and sustainable water re

California Water Plan Update 2013 (Update 2013) is a resource and tool to guide investment priorities and legislative action and ensure resilient and sustainable water resources moving forward based on decades of scientific data and analyses, nearly 40 State agency plans, and the voices of hundreds of stakeholders. Update 2013 applies at statewide, regional, and local scales and serves to advise a diverse audience, including elected officials, planners and resource managers, tribal governments and communities, academia, and the general public. Consistent with State law, Update 2013 lays out recommendations rather than mandates.

California Water Plan 2013: Mountain Counties Regional Report

California Department of Water Resources (DWR) | October 30th, 2014

As the State works to solve the water crisis in California, the potential for redirected impacts in the Mountain Counties Area is acute. It is critical that the State rec

As the State works to solve the water crisis in California, the potential for redirected impacts in the Mountain Counties Area is acute. It is critical that the State recognize the significance and importance of the Sierra Nevada mountain range to the local communities, the environment, the Delta, and all of California, now and for future generations. Water resource managers are working with elected officials, governmental agencies, businesses, farmers and conservationists on innovative programs for watershed management, water use efficiency, conservation, reuse, and recycling. Water managers and others in the region are actively balancing the water supplies that support both a vibrant economy and a healthy environment. They are also continually improving the management of surface and groundwater sources to sustain this important balance for this region and California. Statewide Significance Water is the number one resource exported from the Sierra Nevada, and the 16-county Mountain Counties Area is the primary source for most of that exported water. The Mountain Counties Area is over 15,700 square miles and represents 9.9 percent of the state. More than 40 percent of California’s developed water supply originates in the Mountain Counties area serving end users throughout the state. -The reservoirs in the region produce hydroelectricity to supply homes and businesses in the western United States. Mountain Counties has more hydroelectric generation facilities than any other region in California. - Agriculture in this region feeds the state and the world and is an economic driver for California’s economy. Recreation and tourism in the Sierra Nevada mountains help communities thrive economically as guests come from all over the world to hike, ski, fish, raft, and boat. Water stored behind designated reservoirs in the ten major watershed areas have dedicated in-stream flow releases designed to meet the many beneficial uses for the environment, agriculture, and urban users and provides storage to reduce the magnitude of flood flows.

California Water Plan 2013: North Coast Hydrologic Region Report

California Department of Water Resources (DWR) | October 30th, 2016

The North Coast Hydrologic Region is a unique setting with an extreme diversity of land use and climate. Land use includes aquaculture and larger urban areas near the coa

The North Coast Hydrologic Region is a unique setting with an extreme diversity of land use and climate. Land use includes aquaculture and larger urban areas near the coast to large cattle operations and low populations in the high mountain deserts. Ranching, farming, rural residential, timber harvest, vineyards, marijuana cultivation, U.S. Forest Service, and park land uses are prevalent. Variation in climate is immense with high precipitation along the coastal mountains to desert conditions in the Modoc Plateau. This chapter begins with an overview of the region, describing the setting and conditions within the region. Topics include information on the watersheds and sub-watersheds in the region with emphasis on developed resources. The chapter continues with a review of activities concerning resource administration and laws affecting resource management. This chapter concludes with a discussion of suggested resource management strategies to help assist local water managers in planning for future water needs.

California Water Plan 2013: North Lahontan Hydrologic Region

California Department of Water Resources (DWR) | October 30th, 2016

The North Lahontan Hydrologic Region (North Lahontan region) includes part of the western edge of the Great Basin, a large landlocked area that covers most of Nevada and

The North Lahontan Hydrologic Region (North Lahontan region) includes part of the western edge of the Great Basin, a large landlocked area that covers most of Nevada and northern Utah. The eastern drainages of the Cascade Range and the eastern Sierra Nevada, north of the Mono Lake drainage, make up the region. All surface water drains eastward toward Nevada. This hydrologic region extends about 270 miles from the Oregon border to the southern boundary of the Walker River drainage in Mono County (Figure NL-1). The region covers 6,122 square miles, about 4 percent of California’s total area, but is inhabited by only about 0.3 percent of the state’s population. The region includes portions of Modoc, Lassen, Sierra, Nevada, Placer, El Dorado, Alpine, and Mono counties. The region abounds with large, natural landscapes. The northern part is primarily arid high desert with relatively flat valleys at elevations of 4,000 to 5,000 feet. The eastern slopes of the Sierra Nevada comprise the central and southern portions of this region, which includes the California portion of the Lake Tahoe Basin and the western Great Basin.  The major rivers of the region —Truckee, Carson, and Walker — carry the mountain snowmelt through California into Nevada. Mountain peaks up to 12,279 feet from the western boundary of the region.