Securing Color River Supplies - An Urban-Agriculture Partnership in the Palo Verde Valley

Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) | March 16th, 2022

Stakeholder Perspectives: Recommendations for Sustaining and Strengthening Integrated Regional Water Management

California Department of Water Resources (DWR) | ?

Integrated regional water management (IRWM) is the application of integrated water management principles at the regional level. IRWM brings local agencies and other stak

Integrated regional water management (IRWM) is the application of integrated water management principles at the regional level. IRWM brings local agencies and other stakeholders, with a range of water-related roles and interests, together to address water management needs collaboratively within self-identified regions accepted by the State. The practice of IRWM is rooted in the principle of regional control, recognizing that local and regional water managers and other stakeholders, working together in a collaborative, open, and transparent manner, are best suited and best positioned to manage water resources in their regions. Issues including limited groundwater and surface water supplies, drought, flooding, climate change, water quality, environmental degradation, aging infrastructure, economic constraints, recreation, and cultural considerations are addressed through coordinated and integrated actions.

State Climate Policy and Nature-based Solutions: A Match that Provides Multiple Benefits for Climate, Water, and More

Stanford University | August 17th, 2022

This report examines potential synergies between state climate policies and nature-based solutions that yield multiple benefits; outlines barriers to meeting that potenti

This report examines potential synergies between state climate policies and nature-based solutions that yield multiple benefits; outlines barriers to meeting that potential; and provides recommendations to accelerate the implementation of nature- based solutions with water benefits in state climate policies. It is not meant to be exhaustive, but to point out areas for further productive work. The audience is non-climate water practitioners working in the Colorado River Basin and state climate policy practitioners who may not be familiar with the opportunities nature-based solutions (NBS) provide for both climate and water. As a result, the report can be considered something of a primer or resource, including basic information about both fields to educate water practitioners as to what state climate plans entail, and to educate climate practitioners about the opportunity to include (and the necessity of including) NBS as part of their climate planning. The report’s intent is to illuminate an area where further engagement and technical work can help seize an opportunity to meet the climate and water challenges facing the Colorado River Basin states.

Strategic Plan for the Future of Integrated Regional Water Management in California: Review of IRWM Planning and Implementation in California

California Department of Water Resources (DWR) | February 20th, 2015

Integrated Regional Water Management (IRWM) has become a water management standard throughout most of California following passage of the 2002 IRWM Planning Act (SB 1672)

Integrated Regional Water Management (IRWM) has become a water management standard throughout most of California following passage of the 2002 IRWM Planning Act (SB 1672). The dedicated efforts of regional water management groups and the support of state bond funds have resulted in 48 IRWM regions identifying and implementing integrated regional water management solutions to improve public safety, foster environmental stewardship, and support economic stability throughout the state. Under the principles of IRWM, individuals and agencies have built strong working relationships, identified regional water management needs, and defined crucial steps to meet those needs together.  IRWM is essential for California's future and is a key part of the California Water Action Plan. As the Department of Water Resources works with its partners to produce a Strategic Plan for the Future of IRWM in California (Strategic Plan), we have surveyed the IRWM landscape to identify key characteristics and trends in IRWM planning and implementation. Survey results were presented to stakeholders at the second round of Strategic Plan development workshops in October and November 2013 and subsequently updated to reflect IRWM planning and implementation efforts as of October 2014. These updated results, along with additional information, are presented in this technical memorandum. Please visit the Strategic Plan website at http://www.water.ca.gov/irwm/stratplan/ to learn more about the Strategic Plan development effort. For more information about the California Water Action Plan, please visit http://resources.ca.gov/docs/california_water_action_plan/ Final_California_Water_Action_Plan.pdf.

Stratigraphic controls on seawater intrusion and implications for groundwater management, Dominguez Gap area of Los Angeles, California, USA

Hydrogeology Journal (Springer) | May 30th, 2009

Groundwater pumping has led to extensive waterlevel declines and seawater intrusion in coastal Los Angeles, California (USA). A SUTRA-based solute-transport model was dev

Groundwater pumping has led to extensive waterlevel declines and seawater intrusion in coastal Los Angeles, California (USA). A SUTRA-based solute-transport model was developed to test the hydraulic implications of a sequence-stratigraphic model of the Dominguez Gap area and to assess the effects of water-management scenarios. The model is two-dimensional, vertical and follows an approximate flow line extending fromthe Pacific Ocean through the Dominguez Gap area. Results indicate that a newly identified fault system can provide a pathway for transport of seawater and that a stratigraphic boundary located between the Bent Spring and Upper Wilmington sequences may control the vertical movement of seawater. Three 50-year water-management scenarios were considered: (1) no change in water-management practices; (2) installation of a slurry wall; and (3) raising inland water levels to 7.6m above sea level. Scenario 3 was the most effective by reversing seawater intrusion. The effects of an instantaneous 1-m sealevel rise were also tested using water-management scenarios 1 and 3. Results from two 100-year simulations indicate that a 1-m sea-level rise may accelerate seawater intrusion for scenario 1; however, scenario 3 remains effective for controlling seawater intrusion.

Sustainable L.A. Grand Challenge Environmental Report Card for Los Angeles County: Water 2019

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | October 22nd, 2019

The Sustainable LA Grand Challenge (SLA GC) Environmental Report Card (ERC) for Los Angeles County (L.A. County) is the only comprehensive environmental report card for

The Sustainable LA Grand Challenge (SLA GC) Environmental Report Card (ERC) for Los Angeles County (L.A. County) is the only comprehensive environmental report card for a megacity in the world. This 2019 ERC on Water provides an in-depth look at the region’s efforts in moving toward a more resilient local water supply, which requires maximizing high quality local water supplies, improving water conveyance and treatment infrastructure, reducing water consumption, and implementing innovative technology and policy solutions. Twenty indicators were assessed across eight categories. Many of these indicators are new areas of assessment for the ERC and will provide a more comprehensive picture of current conditions compared to the 2015 ERC that last assessed L.A. County’s water. Grades were assigned in each category based on compliance with environmental laws or numeric standards where applicable, on our best professional judgment, and on historical improvements and context. This year’s grades range from D/ Incomplete to B+, and although there has been great progress in some areas, others still require significant improvement to raise the county’s C+ average.

Systems Analysis and Optimization of Local Water Supplies in Los Angeles

American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) | September 1st, 2017

Los Angeles, which relies on large infrastructure systems that import water over hundreds of miles, faces a future of reduced imports. Within Los Angeles and its hund

Los Angeles, which relies on large infrastructure systems that import water over hundreds of miles, faces a future of reduced imports. Within Los Angeles and its hundreds of water agencies, the capacity to adapt to future changes is influenced by laws, institutions, and hydrogeology. This paper presents a systems analysis of urban water management in metropolitan Los Angeles County to assess opportunities for increasing local water reliance. A network flow model was developed to investigate management tradeoffs across engineered, social, and environmental systems. With an aggressive regional demand target, increased stormwater capture (300%), and prioritized water reuse from existing facilities, imported water supplies can be cut by 30% while maintaining landscapes, economic productivity, and groundwater resources. Further reducing imports (by 40–50%) is possible through actions to promote additional reuse, recharge, conservation, and groundwater access. Reducing imported water without significant conservation results in likely groundwater overdraft. Fragmented networks of agencies in Los Angeles create an uneven landscape of vulnerability to water shortages. The paper discusses model applications, research needs, and policy implications of results for dry-climate cities.

Testimony of Mark Cowin at Little Hoover Commission on Integrated Regional Water Management

Little Hoover Commission | September 24th, 2009

As the Little Hoover Commission evaluates California’s water governance structure and forms recommendations for improving coordination, efficiency, transparency, and ac

As the Little Hoover Commission evaluates California’s water governance structure and forms recommendations for improving coordination, efficiency, transparency, and accountability, it will be valuable to consider the role of Integrated Regional Water Management (IRWM). IRWM is the application of broader Integrated Water Management principles on a regional basis. IRWM integrates local agency responses to regional resource management issues and facilitates compliance with State laws and policies. Over the past decade, IRWM efforts have emerged across California as some local governments and agencies sought a path forward from long, debilitating law suits and many others responded to financial incentives offered by the State. As a consequence, many local governments and agencies are working more closely on a regional basis and better integrating their resource management decisions. This typically results in both more efficient and sustainable water management plans and better representation and transparency in water management decisions.

The Climate has Changed: Now what? Integrated Regional Water Management and Climate Change Planning A Coincidental or Inevitable Union?

California Department of Water Resources (DWR) | March 27th, 2012

Adapting California’s water management systems in response to climate   change presents one of the most significant challenges for the 21st century. In the course of

Adapting California’s water management systems in response to climate   change presents one of the most significant challenges for the 21st century. In the course of the past five years, the California Department of Water Resources has taken an active role in both identifying opportunities to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and in positioning California to adapt to changes happening now and in the future. The recent publication of the Climate Change Handbook for Regional Water Planning is the most recent effort to bring together two separate water planning efforts – integrated regional water management and climate change mitigation and adaptation. The key to this planning synthesis is a significant change in the way water planners have addressed issues of water management. This paper looks at the development of integrated regional water management and climate change planning by the CDWR and their current union in the Handbook.

The economic value of local water supplies in Los Angeles

Nature Portfolio (Springer Nature) | May 21st, 2018

Los Angeles imports water over long distances to supplement local supplies. Reduced reliability of the available imports is driving many local agencies to promote conserv

Los Angeles imports water over long distances to supplement local supplies. Reduced reliability of the available imports is driving many local agencies to promote conservation and enhance local water sources. These include stormwater capture, water reuse and groundwater. But financial considerations are often a significant impediment to project development, especially when comparing new and existing sources. Here we demonstrate a comprehensive approach for evaluating the economic implications of shifting to local water reliance in Los Angeles County. We show that local water supplies are economically competitive. Results from integrated hydroeconomic modelling of urban water in Los Angeles identify cost-effective water supply portfolios and conservation targets. Considering costs across the ‘full-cycles’ of urban water supply that span agency boundaries yields better comparisons of planning alternatives. Throughout the region, many water retailers could successfully mitigate effects of imported water cuts while still supporting drought-tolerant landscapes, but some would suffer due to over-reliance on imports. Updating economic assessment methods would support needed innovations to achieve local reliance in Los Angeles, including infrastructure investments, institutional reforms, many more drought-tolerant landscapes and reallocated groundwater rights.