Sustainable Landscapes on Commercial and Industrial Properties in the Santa Ana River Watershed

Pacific Institute | February 14th, 2019

Pressures on water resources are intensifying due to aging infrastructure, population growth, climate change, and other factors. Marked by vast expanses of thirs

Pressures on water resources are intensifying due to aging infrastructure, population growth, climate change, and other factors. Marked by vast expanses of thirsty lawns and impermeable pavement, California’s urban and suburban communities are ill-equipped to handle these pressures. Outdoor use represents about half of all water used in urbanized areas, and even more in the hottest, driest parts of the state.1,2 Runoff from lawns carries fertilizers and pesticides into waterways. Similarly, impermeable pavement impedes groundwater recharge; contributes to higher peak flows; warms the urban environment; and carries oils, metals, and other toxins into rivers, estuaries, and the ocean. The good news is that there are more sustainable options for California communities. Replacing lawns with climate-appropriate plants that are irrigated efficiently can save water and reduce vulnerability to drought. When integrated with bioswales, rain gardens, and other green infrastructure, these projects can boost local water supplies, reduce flooding, and improve water quality. These practices can also save energy, provide habitat, sequester carbon, improve air quality, boost property values, enhance community livability, and increase resilience to climate change.

Sycamore Alluvial Woodland Planting Guide

San Francisco Estuary Institute (SFEI) | August 1st, 2018

This memo builds on recent field-based studies which examined the relative distribution, health, and regeneration patterns of two major stands of sycamore alluvial woodla

This memo builds on recent field-based studies which examined the relative distribution, health, and regeneration patterns of two major stands of sycamore alluvial woodland (SAW) in Santa Clara County. Given that the acquisition, restoration, and improved management of SAW is mandated as part of the Santa Clara Valley Habitat Plan (VHP), it is increasingly critical to understand how, when, and where sycamores establish, which is critical for successful restoration design and planting success. This memo is meant to summarize recent studies on habitat requirements of the SAW habitat type, and present a planting plan and monitoring framework for restoring SAW habitat at two sites in Santa Clara County. As the science and restoration of SAW is an ongoing topic of interest, we also suggest possible subsequent studies needed to further sycamore restoration goals. 

System Reoperation (Resource Management Strategy)

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

System reoperation in the context of water resources means changing existing operation and management procedures for a water resources system consisting of supply and con

System reoperation in the context of water resources means changing existing operation and management procedures for a water resources system consisting of supply and conveyance facilities and end user demands with the goal of increasing desired benefits from the system. System reoperation may seek to improve existing water facilities to meet existing system needs more efficiently and reliably, or it may seek to prioritize one system need over another. Although reoperation of existing facilities is generally regarded as the preferred alternative to constructing major new facilities, minor physical modifications to existing facilities may be necessary to eliminate constraints to reoperation and to meet operational goals. Changes to the water rights or regulatory framework for allocating water — for example, modifying existing water rights or creating new supply exchange agreements — may also be required. Some systems may be very simple and include only a single surface water reservoir or groundwater basin. Other water systems may be much more complex, consisting of many facilities that form a combination of local, interregional, and interstate water sources and delivery destinations. The concept “system reoperation” applies to the system at all scales, thus reoperation can be implemented at different scales within a system, ranging from individual facilities to several integrated components.

System Reoperation Study, Phase 1: Plan of Study

California Department of Water Resources (DWR) | June 16th, 2011

System reoperation is generally defined as changing the operational and management procedures of existing water system facilities to obtain water resources related benefi

System reoperation is generally defined as changing the operational and management procedures of existing water system facilities to obtain water resources related benefits. Reoperation is considered an alternative to constructing major new facilities, although it may consist of physical modification of existing facilities. The specifics associated with a system reoperation strategy will vary among water purveyors depending upon the complexity of their system and their interest in participating in local and or interregional efforts. There may be opportunity to reoperate portions of California’s statewide water system to yield increased water resources related benefits. This opportunity was recently recognized by the State Legislature in Senate Bill X2 1 (SB X2 1) (Perata, 2008 – Water Code Section 83002.5), which mandated and allocated resources for “planning and feasibility studies to identify potential options for the reoperation of the state's flood protection and water supply systems that will optimize the use of existing facilities and groundwater storage capacity.” Specifically, SB X2 1 stipulated that “the studies shall incorporate appropriate climate change strategies and be designed to determine the potential to achieve the following objectives: (I) Integration of flood protection and water supply systems to increase water supply reliability and flood protection, improve water quality, and provide for ecosystem protection and restoration. (II) Reoperation of existing reservoirs, flood facilities, and other water facilities in conjunction with groundwater storage to improve water supply reliability, flood hazard reduction, and ecosystem protection and to reduce groundwater overdraft. (III) Promotion of more effective groundwater management and protection and greater integration of groundwater and surface water resource uses. (IV) Improvement of existing water conveyance systems to increase water supply reliability, improve water quality, expand flood protection, and protect and restore ecosystems. RELATED DOCUMENTS: System Reoperation Study, Phase 2: Strategy Formulation and Refinement System Reoperation Study, Phase 2: Appendix A: Forecast?Based Operations Analysis System Reoperation Study, Phase 2: Appendix B: Tradeoff Analysis System Reoperation Study, Phase 3 Report: Assessment of Reoperation Strategies System Reoperation, Phase 3: Appendix C: State Water Project and Central Valley Project Integrated Operations Analysis System Reoperation, Phase 3 Appendix D: Ecosystem Evaluation

System Reoperation Study, Phase 2: Strategy Formulation and Refinement

California Department of Water Resources (DWR) | March 3rd, 2014

The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) is conducting a system reoperation study (SRS) in cooperation with other State and federal agencies, local water distri

The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) is conducting a system reoperation study (SRS) in cooperation with other State and federal agencies, local water districts, groundwater managers, and other stakeholders, to identify potential strategies for reoperation of the statewide flood protection and water supply systems. The opportunity to reoperate portions of California’s statewide water system to yield increased water resources-related benefits was recognized by the State Legislature in Senate Bill X2 1 (SB X2 1) (Perata, 2008 – Water Code Section 83002.5). California’s statewide water system is comprised of a multitude of local, state, and federal projects. These projects include facilities such as dams and reservoirs, hydropower plants, canals, and water diversion structures. Many of these facilities were developed in the early to mid-20th century, and were not designed, constructed, or operated as an integrated water supply and flood management system. Over time, operations of the two largest water supply projects, the State Water Project (SWP), operated by DWR and the Central Valley Project (CVP), operated by the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation), have been integrated to a certain degree. California’s water supply and flood management infrastructure is physically interconnected to the extent that it is technically feasible to move water around the system from Trinity County in the north to Imperial County in the south. However, the management of the water system is not as well integrated as it could be. The underlying logic of the SRS is that California can do much more with its existing water infrastructure by taking advantage of the physical interconnections (and enhancing them) while also operating the system in a coordinated manner to optimize the benefits. The current focus of the SRS is the Central Valley because this region has the highest integration of water supply and flood management facilities. Additionally, the greatest potential for ecosystem restoration through infrastructure reoperation is found in the Central Valley because the existing infrastructure has had a profound effect on aquatic ecosystems. RELATED DOCUMENTS: System Reoperation Study, Phase 1: Plan of Study System Reoperation Study, Phase 2: Strategy Formulation and Refinement System Reoperation Study, Phase 2: Appendix A: Forecast?Based Operations Analysis System Reoperation Study, Phase 2: Appendix B: Tradeoff Analysis System Reoperation Study, Phase 3 Report: Assessment of Reoperation Strategies System Reoperation, Phase 3: Appendix C: State Water Project and Central Valley Project Integrated Operations Analysis System Reoperation, Phase 3 Appendix D: Ecosystem Evaluation

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.

The Bay Delta Conveyance Facility: Affordability and Financing Considerations

California Debt and Investment Advisory Commission (CDIAC) | November 1st, 2014

The Bay Delta Conservation Plan (BDCP) is a collaborative effort involving numerous state and federal agencies with the goal of restoring and protecting the environmental

The Bay Delta Conservation Plan (BDCP) is a collaborative effort involving numerous state and federal agencies with the goal of restoring and protecting the environmental health of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta while also improving the reliability of an important source of California’s water supply. Currently, the Delta provides vital water supplies to municipal, industrial and agricultural water users in the Central Valley and coastal and Southern California. These water deliveries are crucial to the state’s economy and represent a critical source of water for more than 25 million California residents. According to the BDCP documents, in the absence of the various conservation measures proposed in the plan, Delta water supplies are expected to become increasingly unreliable, water quality in the Delta would be vulnerable due to sea level rise and associated saltwater intrusion, and the state would be exposed to potentially severe public health consequences resulting from a major seismic event that could damage Delta facilities and temporarily halt water exports. This report provides a preliminary assessment of the affordability and financing considerations of the Delta conveyance facility. The report does not address the merits of the BDCP per se or the question of whether the state and other parties involved in the project should proceed with this project.

The Burns-Porter Act: A California High Water Mark

State Water Contractors (SWC) | April 2nd, 1984

The Central Valley Project - Federal or State?

University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) | June 1st, 1955

The Colorado River Aqueduct

Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) | July 5th, 2021