The new program will work with local partners to measure and plan water volumes in California’s rivers and streams, providing a better overview of California’s water supply.

By DWR News

Today, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) announced the possibility of a new partnership to support the state’s ability to measure stream and river flow through the California Stream Gage Improvement Program (CalSIP) as climate extremes continue to impact the state’s water supply.

Through the approximately $7 million program, DWR is seeking to partner with public entities to install, upgrade and/or reactivate existing gauging stations. This effort will expand California’s ability to access critical data that can inform critical water management decisions during both flood and drought events.

“California can’t manage what we don’t measure. Expanding our network of measurements in rivers and streams helps all of us make better decisions about managing our precious water supplies while protecting vulnerable communities from flooding and drought,” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth. “It also benefits our natural environment and improves our understanding of the needs of salmon and other native fish, especially during droughts.”

A gauge is a series of instruments installed along a river or stream that measure, record and transmit data on flow, water temperature and dissolved oxygen levels. Water authorities and the public rely on the important information these gauges provide for a variety of purposes, including:

• Planning, forecasting and warning of floods and droughts
• Manage and inform reservoir operations
• Monitoring environmental conditions to protect aquatic habitats
• Planning safe and enjoyable leisure activities
• Assessment of the interaction between groundwater and surface water
• Monitoring the impact of water currents on long-term changes in weather patterns

Although there are about 1,000 active gauges across the state that provide data to the public, many watersheds lack important information about their surface water resources. Users of this data include emergency responders, water managers, environmental and transportation agencies, universities, utilities, recreational workers, researchers and tribes.

“Closing the gaps in our gauging network is critical to protecting lives and property from flooding, improving water supply forecasting now and in the future in the face of an ever-changing climate, and enhancing recreational opportunities such as rafting and fishing,” said Teresa Connor, CalSIP program manager at DWR.

DWR is now accepting expressions of interest forms, which will be reviewed and evaluated monthly to identify eligible projects through December 31, 2024. Funding will allow approved entities to purchase and install flow meters and operate and maintain stations through June 30, 2027. Local entities must operate and maintain the meters and may choose to perform the operations with staff or hire an experienced consultant to install and operate the meter, provided the operation meets industry standards. Real-time flow data transmitted by these meters will then be shared publicly on the California Data Exchange Center website. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. For more information on eligible agencies, how to apply, and application deadlines, see the program guidelines.

This work is funded by the FY 2023 Appropriations Act and is part of a larger effort authorized by Senate Bill 19 to close measurement information gaps in coordination with the State Water Resources Control Board, the California Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the California Department of Conservation.

For more information about the program and to apply for technical assistance, visit the CalSIP website.

Additional resources:
• water.ca.gov/CalSIP
• Flow meter improvement map