What is IRWM?
Integrated Regional Water Management (IRWM) is a collaborative effort to manage all aspects of water resources at a regional scale to achieve resilience, security and reliability. The IRWM approach integrates multiple facets of managing water supply, water quality, wastewater treatment, and flood/storm water management. IRWM crosses jurisdictional, watershed, and political boundaries; involves multiple agencies, diverse stakeholder interests, individuals and groups; seeks to reduce conflicts; and strives to achieve mutually beneficial solutions.
IRWM Regions cover 99% of the population and 87% of the land area of California. Development of IRWM Plans and implementation of projects have helped local entities across California reduce their dependence on imported water by enhancing local water supply reliability.
Statewide, the IRWM Program began in 2002 with passage of the Regional Water Management Planning Act (SB 1672). Since then, two additional water bonds were approved by California voters which have provided over $1.5 billion in State funding to support and advance integrated, multi-benefit regional projects. The local match on the State resources has been impressive; often on the order of 4:1. IRWM is administered at the state level by the Department of Water Resources (DWR) as both a grant program to fund water resource projects, and as technical support for integrated, multi-benefit project planning to meet local water resource needs unique to each of the 48 IRWM regions in the state.
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WATERSHEDS COALITION OF VENTURA COUNY IRWM REGION
Top priorities
- Protect and improve water quality.
- Protect, conserve, and augment local water-supply portfolio.
- Protect people, property, and the environment from adverse flooding impacts.
- Protect and restore habitat and ecosystems in watersheds.
- Provide water-related recreational, public access, stewardship, engagement, and educational opportunities.
- Prepare for and adapt to climate change.
Success and Highlights
Long-term
Collaboration
Long-term collaboration, beginning in 2002, among diverse IRWM stakeholders to address critical water challenges and achieve watershed health, water supply reliability, and climate resilience.
Goals and
Priorities
Implementation of multi-benefit, integrated projects funded by local investments - as well as state and federal grant assistance - to achieve IRWM goals and priorities
Comprehensive
IRWM Plan
Implementation of multi-benefit, integrated projects funded by local investments - as well as state and federal grant assistance - to achieve IRWM goals and priorities
Governance Description
The governance structure of the Watersheds Coalition of Ventura County (WCVC) is set out in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and charter, and includes three watershed committees, Steering Committee (leadership) and an open general membership. Funding for ongoing program activities is provided by the local cities, water agencies, sanitary districts, and several county agencies.
