REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT
AND RECORD OF ACTION
January 24, 2023
FROM
BRENDON BIGGS, Chief Flood Control Engineer, Flood Control District
SUBJECT
Title
One Water One Watershed Plan Update 2018, the Integrated Regional Water Management Plan for the Santa Ana River Watershed
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
Acting as the governing body of the San Bernardino County Flood Control District, adopt a Resolution adopting the One Water One Watershed Plan Update 2018, the Integrated Regional Water Management Plan for the Santa Ana River Watershed.
(Presenter: Brendon Biggs, Chief Flood Control Engineer, 387-7906)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Ensure Development of a Well-Planned, Balanced, and Sustained County.
Pursue County Goals and Objectives by Working with Other Agencies and Stakeholders.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of this item will not result in the use of Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost) as the San Bernardino County Flood Control District (District) is funded by property taxes, fees and other local state and federal funding. The action to adopt this Resolution has minimal financial impact and sufficient appropriation and revenue have been included in the District’s 2022-23 budget.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Adoption of the Resolution adopting the One Water One Watershed Plan Update 2018 demonstrates that the District is a supportive stakeholder in the Santa Ana River Watershed and makes the District eligible to apply for future grant opportunities, which may be administered by the California Department of Water Resources.
The Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority (SAWPA) is a Joint Powers Authority focusing on water supply and quality. Its stated mission is to develop and maintain regional plans, programs, and projects that will protect the Santa Ana River basin water resources to maximize beneficial uses within the watershed in an economically and environmentally responsible manner. The One Water One Watershed (OWOW) Integrated Regional Water Management Plan (IRWMP) for the Santa Ana River Watershed was developed to create a cohesive platform covering all related watershed issues within the region bounded by the OWOW IRWMP.
On June 23, 2009 (Item No. 130), the Board of Supervisors (Board) adopted Resolution No. 2009-148 approving support of the OWOW IRWMP and its submission by SAWPA to the California Department of Water Resources. On November 16, 2010, SAWPA adopted the OWOW IRWMP. On December 7, 2010 (Item No. 69), the Board adopted Resolution No. 2010-254 approving District support for the OWOW IRWMP. On February 4, 2014, SAWPA's Board of Commissioners approved Resolution No. 2014-01 adopting the One Water One Watershed 2.0 Plan, the IRWMP for the Santa Ana River. On July 28, 2015 (Item No. 91), the Board adopted Resolution No. 2015-138 approving the One Water One Watershed 2.0 Plan, the Integrated Regional Water Management Plan for the Santa Ana River Watershed.
The first phase of OWOW, known as OWOW 1.0, produced a broad-based, stakeholder-driven assessment of the watershed. Over 300 stakeholders described current conditions within the watershed and developed specific strategies and targets to make the watershed sustainable in 2030. SAWPA seeks to encourage water demand reduction for a region covering 2,650 square miles, six million people and over 65 water agencies.
SAWPA, under OWOW 2.0 planning, adopted by the SAWPA's Board of Commissioners on February 4, 2014, sought to expand collaboration across multiple jurisdictional and institutional boundaries so that natural hydrology is restored, aquifers are protected, ecosystems are enhanced and improved, landscapes are developed appropriately to the arid environment in which we reside, and where people are not using water for waste transport downstream. OWOW 2.0, in keeping with the requirements of the Department of Water Resource's Proposition 84 Integrated Regional Water Management grant award, and the November 2012 Proposition 84 and 1 E Program Guidelines, documents the current IRWM program and processes that have evolved through the OWOW planning process. The District is a collaborative stakeholder in integrating and building upon regional planning efforts to address the highest priority needs of the watershed.
The OWOW Plan Update 2018 was written by and for stakeholders throughout the watershed. This plan describes how collaborative watershed planning, water and land management, and project implementation supports improved sustainability, resilience, and quality of life throughout the Santa Ana River Watershed through 2040.
Adopting the recommended Resolution to adopt the One Water One Watershed Plan Update 2018, the IRWMP for the Santa Ana River Watershed demonstrates the District's support, pursuant to the County and Chief Executive Officer's goals and objectives of developing a well-planned, balanced, and sustainable County, and by working in cooperation with other agencies and stakeholders.
PROCUREMENT
Not applicable.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Sophie A. Curtis, Deputy County Counsel, 387-5455) on December 21, 2022; Finance (Carl Lofton, Administrative Analyst, 387-5404) on January 5, 2023; and County Finance and Administration (Paloma Hernandez-Barker, Deputy Executive Officer, 387-5423) on January 6, 2023.