The IRWM Plan
An Integrated Regional Water Management Plan (IRWMP) is a comprehensive planning document to encourage regional strategies for management of water resources. An IRWMP should investigate a broad spectrum of management strategies, identify the benefits of integrating water management strategies, and identify priorities for implementing projects and programs.
In 2011, the River Exchange signed a grant agreement with the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) to manage the process of developing an Integrated Regional Water Management (IRWM) Plan for the Upper Sacramento, McCloud, and Lower Pit River Region. Since then, the Upper Sacramento Regional Water Action Group (USR RWAG) has successfully attracted over $8 million to the region for grey and green infrastructural improvements. Such projects include; water-main replacements, working forest conservation easements, groundwater monitoring, meter installation, cross-boundary planning and community education.
Perhaps more valuable than grant money for projects, RWAG’s greatest benefit to the region has been strengthening stakeholder collaboration in southern Siskiyou and northern Shasta Counties.
Overview Video
This video was produced during the USR IRWM Plan development period. Since then, the plan has been adopted and the RWAG has actively developed and executed projects in accordance with the plans provisions.
Funded Projects
2016 Prop 84 Funding
City of Mt. Shasta $1.8 million for Big Lakes Water Main Replacement
City of Dunsmuir $1.2 million for Norht and South Dunsmuir Water Main Replacement
Pacific Forest Trust $293,000 for the McCloud Dogwood Butte Working Forest Conservation Easement
Trout Unlimited $175,000 for Groundwater Elevation Monitoring
2015 Prop 84 Funding
City of Mt. Shasta was awarded $4.3 million for two projects:
- $2.5 million for water meter installation and drought preparedness
- $2.8 million for supply line replacement