California Climate Science and Data for Water Resources Management

California Department of Water Resources (DWR) | July 6th, 2015

Climate change creates critical challenges for California water resources management. The vulnerability of the water sector to climate change stems from a modified hydrol

Climate change creates critical challenges for California water resources management. The vulnerability of the water sector to climate change stems from a modified hydrology that affects the frequency, magnitude, and duration of extreme events, which, in turn, affect water quantity, quality, and infrastructure. Warmer temperatures drive the snow line higher and reduce snowpack, resulting in less water storage. Intense rainfall events will continue to affect the state, possibly leading to more frequent and/or more extensive flooding. The acceleration of sea level rise will produce higher storm surges during coastal storms. Droughts are likely to become more frequent and persistent during this century. Because California contains multiple climate zones, each region of the state will experience a combination of impacts from climate change unique to that area. While significant uncertainties still remain for local precipitation and temperature changes, projections at the regional and statewide levels are already available. Water supply managers in California have multiple tools and institutional capabilities to limit vulnerability to changing conditions, which can also serve as response mechanisms to a wide range of climate changes. This brochure summarizes the observations, projections, and challenges that climate change poses for water resources management in California, and highlights climate change content developed for the California Water Plan Update 2013.

California Desalination Planning Handbook

California Department of Water Resources (DWR) | March 4th, 2008

In September 2002, AB 2717 was signed into law, designating the Department of Water Resources (DWR) to establish the California Desalination Task Force (Task Force) to �

In September 2002, AB 2717 was signed into law, designating the Department of Water Resources (DWR) to establish the California Desalination Task Force (Task Force) to “make recommendations related to potential opportunities for the use of seawater and brackish water desalination.” The Task Force, through DWR, was to report to the legislature on potential opportunities for the use of seawater and brackish water desalination in California, impediments to the use of desalination technology; and what role, if any, the State should play in furthering the use of desalination technology. This Handbook builds on the report from the Task Force, which includes a list of key findings and major recommendations, submitted to the State Legislature in early 2004. (Chapter 9, #1 contains a link to the Task Force findings and recommendations.) The Task Force was comprised of a broad array of stakeholders who worked to develop consensus on the many recommendations developed. While consensus was not achieved on all points, the findings and recommendations highlighted were broadly supported by Task Force members. No claims of consensus are made for this Handbook. But every effort was made to build as closely as possible on the Task Force recommendations and to accurately describe both the opportunities and concerns associated with desalination. Furthermore, the Handbook is intended to outline a process to assist in: 1) determining the appropriate conditions, 2) addressing identified concerns, and 3) building public trust for desalination projects.

California Law at the Intersection of Water Use and Land Planning: A Report for the California Office of Planning and Research

University of California College of the Law, San Francisco (UC Law SF) | May 13th, 2015

There are no laws in California that require coordination between land planners and water regulators. A local planning commission may approve a new subdivision ev

There are no laws in California that require coordination between land planners and water regulators. A local planning commission may approve a new subdivision even though there may not be enough water to supply the new development. Moreover, local water authorities and the Water Resources Control Board are under no obligation to provide water to developers if the developers do not hold title to a valid claim to water rights. The following survey and report represents a first comprehensive attempt to surface laws that lie at the intersection of land management and water regulations, offering several recommendations for ways in which existing laws can be used to facilitate better coordination between land planners and water managers. These recommendations, contained in Chapters IV-VI, suggest: Redefining the “coordination” requirement of the conservation element in general plans to facilitate coordination; Applying the Groundwater Sustainability Management Act’s sustainability goals to facilitate coordination; Utilizing well moratoria to facilitate coordination while limiting unsustainable growth. This report also contains a summary of our methodology in Chapter II, a historical overview of the relationship between land use and water law in California in Chapter III, and a survey of existing laws and constitutional provisions that are relevant to both land use and water management in Chapters VII and VIII. We hope that this report will serve as a useful tool for lawmakers and regulators to help achieve water security and sustainability for future generations.

California Non-point Source Program Implementation Plan 2014 - 2020

California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) | August 5th, 2015

The 2014 - 2020 California Nonpoint Source (NPS) Program Implementation Plan (NPS Program Implementation Plan) describes how the State will be using its resources to effe

The 2014 - 2020 California Nonpoint Source (NPS) Program Implementation Plan (NPS Program Implementation Plan) describes how the State will be using its resources to effectively prevent NPS pollution from impacting surface water and groundwater in California. The vision for the CA NPS Program is to restore and protect the beneficial uses of the State’s waters through the reduction of NPS pollution and attaining water quality objectives. This document serves as an update to the CA NPS Program Plan as approved by U.S. EPA and NOAA in 2000. As such, California will continue to implement a comprehensive statewide program working to implement management measures to address NPS pollution consistent with U.S. EPA and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration approval.

California Water Action Plan (2014)

State of California | January 1st, 2014

California has seen many flood events, including the most recent flood of 1995 when 48 of 58 counties declared a state of emergency. After two years of dry weather and sh

California has seen many flood events, including the most recent flood of 1995 when 48 of 58 counties declared a state of emergency. After two years of dry weather and shrinking reservoir supplies, we are reminded once again that nothing focuses Californians’ attention on our limited water resources like drought. There is broad agreement that the state’s water management system is currently unable to satisfactorily meet both ecological and human needs, too exposed to wet and dry climate cycles and natural disasters, and inadequate to handle the additional pressures of future population growth and climate change. Solutions are complex and expensive, and they require the cooperation and sustained commitment of all Californians working together. To be sustainable, solutions must strike a balance between the need to provide for public health and safety (e.g., safe drinking water, clean rivers and beaches, flood protection), protect the environment, and support a stable California economy. This action plan lays out our challenges, our goals and decisive actions needed now to put California’s water resources on a safer, more sustainable path. While this plan commits the state to moving forward, it also serves to recognize that state government cannot do this alone. Collaboration between federal, state, local and tribal governments, in coordination with our partners in a wide range of industry, government and nongovernmental organizations is not only important—it is essential. The input and contributions received from all of these partners throughout the drafting of this action plan have resulted in a comprehensive and inclusive plan.

California Water Action Plan (2016 Update)

State of California | January 1st, 2016

California is currently experiencing one of the worst droughts in memory. The 2016 water year is off to a good start, but with four consecutive dry years and the record l

California is currently experiencing one of the worst droughts in memory. The 2016 water year is off to a good start, but with four consecutive dry years and the record low snowpack of 2015, drought conditions may continue for a fifth straight year. Flooding in the midst of drought is likely, given strong El Niño conditions in the Pacific Ocean. Nothing focuses Californians’ attention on our water resources like the extremes of flood and drought. There is broad agreement that the state’s water management system is currently unable to satisfactorily meet both ecological and human needs, too exposed to wet and dry climate cycles and natural disasters, and inadequate to handle the additional pressures of future population growth and climate change. Solutions are complex and expensive, and they require the cooperation and sustained commitment of all Californians working together. To be sustainable, solutions must strike a balance between the need to provide for public health and safety (e.g., safe drinking water, clean rivers and beaches, flood protection), protect the environment, and support a stable California economy. This action plan lays out our challenges, our goals and decisive actions needed now to put California’s water resources on a safer, more sustainable path. While this plan commits the state to moving forward, it also serves to recognize that state government cannot do this alone. Collaboration between federal, state, local and tribal governments, in coordination with our partners in a wide range of industry, government and nongovernmental organizations is not only important—it is essential. The input and contributions received from all of these partners throughout the drafting of this action plan have resulted in a comprehensive and inclusive plan.

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

California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) | 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.