Integrated Regional Water Management: Stakeholder Perspectives

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.

IRWM is helping California move away from a legacy of fragmented, divisive, conflict prone, and sometimes ineffective water management practices by supporting cooperation among agencies and other stakeholders.

Integrated water management at the regional level:

Helps provide for public safety.
Supports a healthy economy.
Supports ecosystem vitality.

IRWM benefits accrue at the local and regional level, but also “roll up” to the state level, helping California meet its collective water management needs. When IRWM succeeds, California succeeds.