Madera Subbasin Joint Groundwater Sustainability Plan

Madera Subbasin Coordination Committee | January 31st, 2022

The Madera Subbasin is identified by California Department of Water Resources (DWR) as a critically overdrafted basin. Therefore, the Madera Subbasin GSAs must develop,

The Madera Subbasin is identified by California Department of Water Resources (DWR) as a critically overdrafted basin. Therefore, the Madera Subbasin GSAs must develop, adopt, and submit a GSP (or GSPs) to DWR for the entire Madera Subbasin by January 31, 2020. The Madera Subbasin is managed by seven GSAs, of which four (City of Madera GSA, Madera Irrigation District GSA, Madera County GSA, and Madera Water District GSA) have developed a joint GSP (attached here) and three (Gravelly Ford Water District GSA, New Stone Water District GSA, and Root Creek Water District GSA) have developed individual GSPs.

Making Nature's City: A science-based framework for building urban biodiversity

San Francisco Estuary Institute (SFEI) | July 1st, 2019

Cities will face many challenges over the coming decades, from adapting to a changing climate to accommodating rapid population growth. A related suite of challenges th

Cities will face many challenges over the coming decades, from adapting to a changing climate to accommodating rapid population growth. A related suite of challenges threatens global biodiversity, and many species face potential extinction. While urban planners and conservationists have long treated these issues as distinct, there is growing evidence that cities not only harbor a significant fraction of the world’s biodiversity, but that they can also be made more livable and resilient for people, plants, and animals through nature-friendly urban design. Urban ecological science can provide a powerful tool to guide cities towards more biodiversity-friendly design. However, current research remains scattered across thousands of journal articles and largely inaccessible to practitioners. Making Nature’s City fills this gap, synthesizing global research to develop a science-based approach for supporting nature in cities. We identify seven key elements of urban form and function that work together to maximize biodiversity, and we illustrate these elements through a case study in California’s Silicon Valley. Using the framework developed in this report, urban designers and local residents can work together to link local parks, greenways, green roofs, street trees, stormwater basins, commercial landscaping, and backyards to support biodiversity while making cities better places to live. As we envision the healthier, and more resilient cities, Making Nature’s City provides practical guidance for the many actors who together will shape the nature of cities.

Making Water Conservation a California Way of Life: Implementing Executive Order B-37-16

State of California | April 7th, 2017

In May of 2016 Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. signed Executive Order (B?37?16) that instructed State agencies to help Californians adopt permanent changes to use water more

In May of 2016 Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. signed Executive Order (B?37?16) that instructed State agencies to help Californians adopt permanent changes to use water more wisely. The Executive Order laid out a framework for moving the state from temporary, emergency water conservation measures to a more durable approach customized to the unique conditions of each local water agency. This report builds upon the Executive Order and provides recommendations for how to implement long?term improvements to water supply management that support water conservation.

Managed Aquifer Recharge and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: Water Security through Resilience

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) | May 14th, 2020

Managed Environmental Water Use Efficiency: Evidence in Practice

University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) | May 12th, 2006

The California Water Plan Update 2005 first introduced the term Managed Environmental Water Use Efficiency (MEWUE). Specifically, it defines MEWUE as a “mechanism to an

The California Water Plan Update 2005 first introduced the term Managed Environmental Water Use Efficiency (MEWUE). Specifically, it defines MEWUE as a “mechanism to analyze alternative uses of managed environmental water to determine which allocation of a given amount of water will maximize environmental benefits, and as a means to improve decision-making over time.” While MEWUE is a new term, we found several instances where managers maximized environmental benefit from a given amount of water in current practice. This paper demonstrates and analyzes current applications of MEWUE. It then provides the Department of Water Resources with the following recommendations to advance the concept and formally incorporate it into environmental water management: Formalize a MEWUE Policy to clearly state that the goal of MEWUE is a management strategy to maximize environmental benefit and not a water conservation policy. Develop Best Management Practices to increase understanding, provide guidance, and encourage use of MEWUE. Operate a MEWUE Pilot to learn more about the way MEWUE works, understand its strengths, and improve on its weaknesses. Facilitate an Environmental Water Market by applying experience and infrastructure to provide solutions for projects that require more water.

Management of the Colorado River: Water Allocations, Drought, and the Federal Role

Congressional Research Service (CRS) | August 4th, 2022

Management of the Colorado River: Water Allocations, Drought, and the Federal Role

Congressional Research Service (CRS) | September 7th, 2022

Managing An Uncertain Future: Climate Change Adaptation Strategies for California’s Water

California Department of Water Resources (DWR) | December 12th, 2008

For California water managers, the future is now. Climate change is already having a profound impact on water resources as evidenced by changes in snowpack, river flows a

For California water managers, the future is now. Climate change is already having a profound impact on water resources as evidenced by changes in snowpack, river flows and sea levels. The Department of Water Resources (DWR) will continue to play a leadership role in adapting to these changes. DWR is already engaged in a number of efforts designed to improve California’s ability to cope with a changing climate. However, more must be done. This report recommends a series of adaptation strategies for state and local water managers to improve their capacity to handle change. Many of the strategies will also help adapt our water resources to accommodate non-climate demands including a growing population, ecosystem restoration and greater flood protection. Several of the recommendations in this report are ready for immediate adoption, while others need additional public deliberation and development. Some can be implemented using existing resources and authority, while the majority will require new resources, sustained financial investment and significant collaborative effort. Many of California’s most important water resource investments remain dependent on bond funding approved by voters. As a result, they are well funded in some years, but underfunded in most. This history of uneven and irregular investment has delayed progress in areas that have the potential to yield substantial gains over short periods of time. DWR presents this report as part of the process of updating the California Water Plan, and as part of the California Resources Agency’s draft statewide Climate Adaptation Plan. Overall, this report urges a new approach to managing California’s water and other natural resources in the face of a changing climate.

Managing California’s Freshwater Ecosystems: Lessons from the 2012-16 Drought

Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) | November 16th, 2017

The 2012–16 drought caused unprecedented stress to California’s ecosystems and pushed many native species to the brink of extinction. It also tested the laws, policie

The 2012–16 drought caused unprecedented stress to California’s ecosystems and pushed many native species to the brink of extinction. It also tested the laws, policies, and institutions charged with protecting the environment. Eight case studies on environmental water management during the drought reveal both strengths and weaknesses in federal, state, and local response that can inform how California addresses future droughts. Three areas of reform hold promise for improving ecosystem conditions and reducing conflict: * Improve water accounting. Drought management requires accurate and timely information about water use and availability and about likely environmental response to changes in water supply. But California’s current tracking systems are neither timely nor transparent. To address these gaps, environmental water accounting and ecosystem monitoring systems need an overhaul. * Prepare for drought. With a few significant exceptions, environmental water managers were unprepared for the environmental consequences of an extended drought, and were forced to make ad hoc decisions during a crisis. Developing watershed-level plans that set ecosystem priorities and identify trade-offs would help managers anticipate drought and drive implementation of habitat investments and water allocation. Annual watering plans that guide management under different types of water years would better engage and inform water users. * Develop ecosystem water budgets. Current methods of allocating water to support ecosystem health rely on minimum flow standards that are unevenly enforced and often insufficient during drought. Ecosystem water budgets, which allocate a portion of water to the ecosystem within watersheds, could enable more flexible and effective water management during dry times. Although state and federal agencies have important

Managing California’s Water: From Conflict to Reconciliation

Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) | April 5th, 2011

In this book, we explore solutions for the modern era, when water management must become more balanced and flexible to support both economic prosperity and environmental

In this book, we explore solutions for the modern era, when water management must become more balanced and flexible to support both economic prosperity and environmental sustainability. We start by reviewing the history of how California has adapted to changes and conflicts in water management in the past—slowly, controversially, and imperfectly—but with remarkable success. We then lay out a variety of promising principles and directions for improving water management in California for contemporary and anticipated future conditions.