INTEGRATED REGIONAL WATER MANAGEMENT: THE NEW DIRECTION IN CALIFORNIA

摘要

Water resource planning is approached classically on a project-by-project basis, with anrnincreasing trend towards multiple-benefit projects. Multiple-jurisdiction projects have beenrnmore the exception than the rule, largely due to a lack of shared interests, time lines, financingrnand other factors. Integrated regional water management (IRWM) is a recent phenomenon inrnCalifornia. This concept embodies the integration of a wide range of strategies, managementrntools and institutions to address water supply reliability, ecosystem enhancement, water qualityrnand other natural resource issues. The IRWM focus is on addressing areas of common concernrnamong a number of interests within a region, whether that region is defined by political,rninstitutional or watershed boundaries. It has proven to be a successful strategy driven byrndevelopment and population increases, a growing interest in protecting natural species habitat,rnand the need to diversify water supplies to strengthen water supply reliability for all uses.rnThis paper describes the evolution of IRWM, from successful programs initiated at the localrnlevel to endorsement of the concept for statewide use in the 2005 California Water Plan Update.rnThe paper addresses how the State of California is encouraging IRWM at both the policy andrnfunding levels. We provide an overview of current IRWM planning and implementationrnthroughout California. The Yolo County IRWM Plan is a case study of a successfulrncollaborative effort to enhance water supply reliability -quantity and quality - for urban,rnagricultural, environmental, and recreational uses while addressing a range of issues related tornecosystem enhancement, flood risk management, and recreation.