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

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.