A new planning initiative is underway to strengthen the resilience of our water supplies and environment in the face of climate change across the larger watershed in the Sacramento region.
Supported by a $2 million grant from the Department of Water Resources (DWR) and led by the Sacramento Regional Water Authority (RWA), the project aims to create a blueprint for safeguarding our local watersheds and the crucial water they provide.
The RWA proposed project area covers parts of the American River, Bear River, Cosumnes River, and Lower Sacramento River watersheds, plus the City of West Sacramento. Together, these areas form a “supershed” that stretches from the Sierra Nevada mountaintops to the groundwater basins beneath Sacramento’s urban floor.
These areas face increasing risks from climate-related challenges such as floods, fires, and droughts. The new initiative will develop a comprehensive Watershed Resilience Plan to guide strategies, projects, and actions for a sustainable water future.
“The Watershed Resilience Blueprint is about preparing for the future,” said RWA Executive Director Jim Peifer. “Through this initiative, we are taking proactive steps to address the long-term sustainability of our watershed in the face of climate change.”
Central to this effort is the creation of a “Watershed Network,” which will bring together a diverse group of voices—including local agencies,
CREDIT: DWR
tribal communities, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and vulnerable frontline populations. By involving those who rely on the watershed the most, the Watershed Network provides valuable input on strategies that will not only be effective but also equitable. These diverse perspectives will help shape actions that make sense for everyone, especially communities that are most impacted by rising water costs or reduced access to clean water.
“Incorporating diverse voices is crucial for the plan’s success,” Peifer said. “To achieve resilience for all, we must integrate a wide range of perspectives and experiences.”
The project will also conduct a thorough assessment of climate vulnerabilities within the watershed, using both existing and new data. This assessment will inform detailed implementation plans for recommended strategies, guiding water management efforts in the region for years to come.
The initiative builds upon the WaterFuture portfolio, a comprehensive plan addressing climate change impacts on our region’s water supply and environment. The portfolio includes projects like the Sacramento Regional Water Bank, forestry management, upstream storage enhancements, flood improvements, and more.
Organizations participating in this planning effort include water providers, environmental organizations, local governments, and others.
Stay updated about the project and its progress at rwah2o.org. To learn more about DWR’s Watershed Resilience Program visit https://water.ca.gov/Work-With-Us/Grants-And-Loans/Watershed-Resilience-Program.
