HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 07 - COUNCIL READING FILE_c_2019 Integrated Regional Water Management Plan An APWA Accredited Agency
San Luis Obispo County
Final
2019 Integrated Regional
Water Management Plan
San Luis Obispo County Flood Control and Water Conservation District
May 15, 2020
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May 2020
San Luis Obispo County
Integrated Regional Water
Management Plan
San Luis Obispo Regional Water Management
Group:
Avila Beach CSD
California Men's Colony
Cambria CSD
Cayucos Sanitary District
Central Coast Salmon Enhancement
City of Arroyo Grande
City of Grover Beach
City of Morro Bay
City of Paso Robles
City of Pismo Beach
City of San Luis Obispo
Coastal San Luis Resource Conservation District
County of San Luis Obispo
Estrella-El Pomar-Creston Water District
Heritage Ranch CSD
Land Conservancy
Los Osos CSD
Morro Bay National Estuary Program
Nacimiento Regional Water Management Advisory
Committee
Nipomo CSD
Oceano CSD
San Luis Obispo County Flood Control and Water
Conservation District
San Miguel CSD
San Miguelito Mutual Water Company
San Simeon CSD
Shandon-San Juan Water District
South San Luis Obispo County Sanitation District
S&T Mutual Water Company
Templeton CSD
Upper Salinas - Las Tablas Resource Conservation District
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Preface
Special thanks to the developers and contributors of the 2014 San Luis Obispo County IRWM Plan
for providing a guide and foundation for the development of the 2019 San Luis Obispo County
IRWM Plan. These include GEI Consultants, Fugro Consultants, Dudek, Gutierrez Consultants and
Hollenbeck Consulting. On top of this foundation, the District thanks Water Systems Consulting,
Inc. and the AmeriCorps CivicSpark Fellowship program for their contributions to the 2019 San
Luis Obispo County IRWM Plan.
The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) has established a Plan Review Process
(PRP) designed to assess whether IRWM plans are consistent with the 2016 IRWM Plan
Standards. The PRP is described in Appendix C of the 2016 IRWM Planning Guidelines.
To be eligible for state funding, IRWM plans must be submitted to DWR for review and meet the
requirements listed in the 2016 IRWM Planning Guidelines. To assist DWR, we have provided the
section numbering and descriptions for those sections which, in whole, or partially address the
given requirements. This information is provided in Appendix L.
We hope this helps expedite the review of the San Luis Obispo IRWM Plan.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
San Luis Obispo IRWM Plan Table of Contents .........................................................
List of Figures ...............................................................................................................
List of Tables .................................................................................................................
List of Maps ..................................................................................................................
Appendices Table of Contents ....................................................................................
Acronyms ......................................................................................................................
SECTION 1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Purpose of the IRWM Plan ................................................................................................... 1-1
1.1.1 Regions and Sub-Regions Included in the IRWM Plan ........................................................ 1-1
1.1.2 IRWM Plan Financial Sponsorship ......................................................................................... 1-1
1.1.3 IRWM Plan Adoption ............................................................................................................... 1-2
1.2 An IRWM Plan for San Luis Obispo County ....................................................................... 1-3
1.3 IRWM Plan Benefits and Need for Updates ...................................................................... 1-3
1.4 History of IRWM in San Luis Obispo County ..................................................................... 1-4
1.5 Meeting the 2016 IRWM Plan Standards ........................................................................... 1-5
SECTION 2. GOVERNANCE AND STAKEHOLDER INVOLVEMENT
2.1 Plan Participants .................................................................................................................. 2-1
2.1.1 Regional Water Management Group .................................................................................... 2-1
2.1.2 RWMG Members ..................................................................................................................... 2-4
2.1.3 Lead Agency ............................................................................................................................. 2-4
2.1.4 Water Resources Advisory Committee ................................................................................. 2-5
2.1.5 Implementation Affiliates ....................................................................................................... 2-6
2.1.6 RWMG Working Group ........................................................................................................... 2-7
2.1.7 Interested Stakeholders ......................................................................................................... 2-8
2.1.8 Native American Tribes .......................................................................................................... 2-8
2.2 IRWM Organization Structure ............................................................................................ 2-8
2.2.1 Governance Structure ............................................................................................................ 2-8
2.2.2 Decision Making Process ...................................................................................................... 2-10
2.3 Stakeholder Involvement and Public Outreach Process .............................................. 2-11
2.3.1 Communications and Outreach Plan .................................................................................. 2-12
2.3.2 Public Outreach for the 2019 IRWM Plan ........................................................................... 2-13
2.3.3 Public Outreach to Disadvantaged Communities (DACs) ................................................. 2-13
2.3.4 Native American Tribes Outreach ....................................................................................... 2-14
2.3.5 IRWM Plan Update Administration ..................................................................................... 2-15
2.3.6 Public Information ................................................................................................................ 2-15
2.3.7 RWMG Meetings .................................................................................................................... 2-16
2.4 Stakeholder and Resource Integration ........................................................................... 2-16
2.5 Plan Implementation ......................................................................................................... 2-17
2.5.1 Long-term Implementation .................................................................................................. 2-17
2.5.2 Updating the IRWM Plan …………………………………………………………………………….............….2-18
SECTION 3. REGION DESCRIPTION
3.1 Organization of Section ....................................................................................................... 3-1
3.2 Regional Planning Area ....................................................................................................... 3-2
3.3 Sub-Regional Planning Areas .............................................................................................. 3-3
3.3.1 North Coast Sub-Region ......................................................................................................... 3-3
3.3.2 South County Sub-Region ...................................................................................................... 3-3
3.3.3 North County Sub-Region ...................................................................................................... 3-4
3.4 Water Planning Areas .......................................................................................................... 3-4
3.4.1 WPA 1 - San Simeon/Cambria ................................................................................................ 3-6
3.4.2 WPA 2 - Cayucos/Morro Bay/Los Osos ................................................................................. 3-7
3.4.3 WPA 3 - San Luis Obispo/South County .............................................................................. 3-10
3.4.4 WPA 4 - Cuyama River .......................................................................................................... 3-12
3.4.5 WPA 5 – North County .......................................................................................................... 3-12
3.4.6 WPA 6 – Carrizo Plain ............................................................................................................ 3-15
3.5 Groundwater Basins .......................................................................................................... 3-16
3.5.1 Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) ........................................................ 3-17
3.6 Wastewater Service Areas ................................................................................................ 3-18
3.7 Flood Control Districts ....................................................................................................... 3-19
3.8 Land Use Agencies ............................................................................................................. 3-20
3.9 Major Infrastructure ......................................................................................................... 3-21
3.9.1 Nacimiento Water Project .................................................................................................... 3-21
3.9.2 Whale Rock Reservoir ........................................................................................................... 3-22
3.9.3 Lopez Lake/Reservoir ........................................................................................................... 3-22
3.9.4 Santa Margarita Lake/Salinas Reservoir ............................................................................. 3-23
3.9.5 Chorro Reservoir ................................................................................................................... 3-23
3.9.6 State Water Project Facilities ............................................................................................... 3-24
3.9.7 Reducing Reliance on the Delta ........................................................................................... 3-25
3.9.8 Desalination Projects ............................................................................................................ 3-25
3.10 Watersheds ....................................................................................................................... 3-26
3.10.1 Watersheds in WPA 1 – San Simeon / Cambria ............................................................... 3-28
3.10.2 Watersheds in WPA 2 – Cayucos / Morro Bay / Los Osos ............................................... 3-30
3.10.3 Watersheds in WPA 3 – San Luis Obispo / South County ............................................... 3-33
3.10.4 Watersheds in WPA 4 – Cuyama River .............................................................................. 3-36
3.10.5 Watersheds in WPA 5 – North County .............................................................................. 3-38
3.10.6 Watersheds in WPA 6 – Carrizo Plain ................................................................................ 3-45
3.11 Regional Water Quality ................................................................................................... 3-46
3.11.1 SWRCB Water Quality Evaluation ...................................................................................... 3-47
3.11.2 IRWM Water Quality Analysis ............................................................................................ 3-47
3.11.3 Nitrate .................................................................................................................................. 3-48
3.11.4 Arsenic .................................................................................................................................. 3-50
3.11.5 Perchlorate .......................................................................................................................... 3-50
3.11.6 Hexavalent Chromium ....................................................................................................... 3-51
3.11.7 Salt and Nutrient Management Planning Efforts ............................................................ 3-52
3.12 Environmental Resources ............................................................................................... 3-52
3.13 Climate Change ................................................................................................................ 3-61
3.13.1 North Coast Sub Region ..................................................................................................... 3-61
3.13.2 North County Sub Region .................................................................................................. 3-62
3.13.3 South County Sub Region .................................................................................................. 3-63
3.14 IRWM Plan Regional Issues and Conflicts ..................................................................... 3-64
3.14.1 North Coast Sub Region ..................................................................................................... 3-65
3.14.2 North County Sub Region .................................................................................................. 3-65
3.14.3 South County Sub Regions ................................................................................................. 3-66
3.15 Disadvantaged Communities ......................................................................................... 3-67
3.16 Tribal History .................................................................................................................... 3-68
3.16.1 Salinan Tribe of Monterey and San Luis Obispo ............................................................. 3-72
3.16.2 Northern Chumash Tribe of San Luis Obispo .................................................................. 3-72
3.17 References ........................................................................................................................ 3-73
SECTION 4. IRWM GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
4.1 IRWM Plan Vision ................................................................................................................. 4-1
4.2 Overview of 2014 Update of Goals and Objectives .......................................................... 4-2
4.2.1 Stakeholder Engagement ....................................................................................................... 4-2
4.2.2 Relationship to Guidance Documents .................................................................................. 4-3
4.2.3 Adoption of the 2014 IRWM Goals and Objectives ............................................................. 4-4
4.3 2018 Update of Goals and Objectives ................................................................................ 4-4
4.3.1 2017 Stakeholder Survey ....................................................................................................... 4-4
4.3.2 Decision to Not Prioritize ....................................................................................................... 4-6
4.3.3 Consideration of SGMA .......................................................................................................... 4-6
4.3.4 Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment ........................................................................... 4-6
4.4 IRWM Goals and Objectives ................................................................................................ 4-7
4.4.1 Water Supply Goal .................................................................................................................. 4-9
4.4.2 Ecosystem and Watershed Goal ............................................................................................ 4-9
4.4.3 Groundwater Monitoring and Management (Groundwater) Goal .................................. 4-10
4.4.4 Flood Management Goal ...................................................................................................... 4-11
4.4.5 Water Resources Management and Communications (Water Management) Goal ....... 4-11
4.5 IRWM Goals and Objectives Integration ......................................................................... 4-12
4.6 Goals and Objectives Metrics ........................................................................................... 4-17
4.7 References .......................................................................................................................... 4-28
SECTION 5. RESOURCE MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES
5.1 Resource Management Strategy Standards ..................................................................... 5-1
5.2 RMS Review Process ............................................................................................................ 5-1
5.2.1 2018 Plan Update RMS Selection .......................................................................................... 5-1
5.2.2 Climate Change Review .......................................................................................................... 5-5
5.3 RWMG Findings and Recommended Project Elements .................................................... 5-5
5.3.1 Conjunctive Management and Groundwater Storage ........................................................ 5-5
5.3.2 Desalination ............................................................................................................................. 5-6
5.3.3 Municipal Recycled Water ...................................................................................................... 5-7
5.3.4 Precipitation Enhancement.................................................................................................... 5-8
5.3.5 Surface Storage – Regional, Local, and CALFED ................................................................... 5-8
5.3.6 Drinking Water Treatment and Distribution ........................................................................ 5-9
5.3.7 Groundwater/Aquifer Remediation ...................................................................................... 5-9
5.3.8 Matching Water Quality to Use ............................................................................................ 5-10
5.3.9 Pollution Prevention ............................................................................................................. 5-11
5.3.10 Salt and Salinity Management ........................................................................................... 5-11
5.3.11 Urban Stormwater Runoff Management ......................................................................... 5-13
5.3.12 Ecosystem Restoration ....................................................................................................... 5-13
5.3.13 Land Use Planning and Management............................................................................... 5-14
5.3.14 Recharge Area Protection .................................................................................................. 5-14
5.3.15 Sediment Management ...................................................................................................... 5-15
5.3.16 Watershed Management ................................................................................................... 5-15
5.3.17 Improve Flood Management ............................................................................................. 5-16
5.3.18 Agricultural Water Use Efficiency ...................................................................................... 5-17
5.3.19 Urban Water Use Efficiency ............................................................................................... 5-18
5.3.20 Conveyance – Regional/Local ............................................................................................ 5-18
5.3.21 System Reoperation ........................................................................................................... 5-19
5.3.22 Water Transfers ................................................................................................................... 5-20
5.3.23 Outreach and Engagement ................................................................................................ 5-20
5.3.24 Water and Culture ............................................................................................................... 5-21
5.4 References ............................................................................................................................. 21
SECTION 6. PROJECT REVIEW PROCESS
6.1 Project Lists .......................................................................................................................... 6-1
6.2 Full Project List ..................................................................................................................... 6-2
6.2.1 Criteria and Process for the Full Project List ........................................................................ 6-2
6.2.2 Location of the Project Submission Form ............................................................................ 6-3
6.2.3 Full Project List Development for the 2019 Plan ................................................................. 6-3
6.3 Implementation List ............................................................................................................ 6-4
6.3.1 Implementation List Development ....................................................................................... 6-4
6.3.2 Scoring Priorities and Weights ............................................................................................... 6-4
6.3.3 Call for Projects and Stakeholder Meetings ......................................................................... 6-8
6.3.4 2019 Implementation List ...................................................................................................... 6-8
6.4 Grant Opportunity Specific List ....................................................................................... 6-10
6.4.1 Review of Draft PSP at Regular RWMG Meeting ................................................................ 6-10
6.4.2 Call for Projects ..................................................................................................................... 6-10
6.4.3 Project Showcase .................................................................................................................. 6-10
6.4.4 Application Recommendation by RWMG Working Group ................................................ 6-11
6.4.5 Application Recommendation by RWMG ........................................................................... 6-11
6.4.6 Application Recommendation by WRAC ............................................................................. 6-11
6.4.7 Funding Area Presentation to DWR .................................................................................... 6-11
6.4.8 Application Submittal Approval by Board of Supervisors ................................................ 6-12
6.5 Project List Communication and Updates ...................................................................... 6-12
6.5.1 Communication of Project List Updates ............................................................................. 6-12
6.5.2 Future of Project Lists ........................................................................................................... 6-12
6.6 Project Integration ............................................................................................................ 6-13
SECTION 7. PLAN BENEFITS AND IMPACTS
7.1 Benefits and Impacts to SLO Region .................................................................................. 7-1
7.1.1 Water Supply Goal .................................................................................................................. 7-1
7.1.2 Ecosystem and Watershed Restoration Goal ....................................................................... 7-2
7.1.3 Groundwater Monitoring and Management Goal .............................................................. 7-3
7.1.4 Flood Management Goal ........................................................................................................ 7-4
7.1.5 Water Resources Management and Communications Goal .............................................. 7-5
7.2 Benefits and Impacts to Others ......................................................................................... 7-6
7.3 Benefits and Impacts to Resources ................................................................................... 7-9
7.4 Benefits and Impacts of Past IRWM Plan Implementation ........................................... 7-11
7.5 Implementation List Projects Benefits and Impacts ..................................................... 7-11
SECTION 8. PLAN PERFORMANCE AND MONITORING
8.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 8-1
8.2 IRWM Program Level Performance Measures and Monitoring Methods ...................... 8-2
8.2.1 Expected Level of Effort .......................................................................................................... 8-2
8.3 Project-Level Performance and Monitoring Plan ........................................................... 8-13
8.4 Evaluating and Reporting Plan Performance and Monitoring Results ........................ 8-14
8.4.1 Programmatic-Level Monitoring and Reporting ................................................................ 8-14
8.4.2 Project-Level Monitoring and Reporting ............................................................................ 8-17
8.4.3 IRWM Future Project Monitoring ......................................................................................... 8-19
8.4.4 Plan Performance Evaluation Report .................................................................................. 8-20
8.4.5 Climate Change Evaluation .................................................................................................. 8-21
8.5 Quarterly Reporting .......................................................................................................... 8-21
8.6 Monitoring Plan Budget Process ...................................................................................... 8-22
SECTION 9. DATA MANAGEMENT
9.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 9-1
9.1.1 Background .............................................................................................................................. 9-2
9.1.2 Plan Performance Monitoring Data Needs .......................................................................... 9-3
9.2 Overview of the Data Needs within the IRWM Region .................................................... 9-3
9.3 Description of Data Needs .................................................................................................. 9-4
9.4 Current Data Programs and Collection Techniques ........................................................ 9-5
9.4.1 Existing San Luis Obispo Data Management System and Communication with State and
Federal Database Systems ............................................................................................................ 9-10
9.4.2 Groundwater Elevations ....................................................................................................... 9-11
9.4.3 Geologic Data (US Geological Survey, 2018) ...................................................................... 9-13
9.4.4 Stream Flow ........................................................................................................................... 9-13
9.4.5 Precipitation and Climate ..................................................................................................... 9-15
9.4.6 Reservoir Storage and Release Flows ................................................................................. 9-17
9.4.7 Drinking Water Quality and Ambient Monitoring Program.............................................. 9-18
9.4.8 Point and Non-Point Pollution Discharge ........................................................................... 9-20
9.4.9 Estuaries and Wetlands ........................................................................................................ 9-21
9.4.10 Coastal Beaches .................................................................................................................. 9-22
9.4.11 Marine Observations .......................................................................................................... 9-23
9.4.12 Groundwater Quality .......................................................................................................... 9-24
9.4.13 Sea Water Intrusion ............................................................................................................ 9-25
9.4.14 Groundwater Management Efforts ................................................................................... 9-25
9.4.15 Land Use and Population Changes ................................................................................... 9-26
9.4.16 Urban Water Demands ...................................................................................................... 9-26
9.4.17 Data Enhancement Plan (DEP) .......................................................................................... 9-26
9.5 Quality Assurance/Quality Control Measures ................................................................ 9-27
9.5.1 Assessment of Existing DMS ................................................................................................ 9-27
9.6 Anticipated Features of a Data Management System ................................................... 9-28
9.6.1 Preferred Features in Selected DMS ................................................................................... 9-30
9.6.2 Stakeholder Support and Ease of Use ................................................................................ 9-30
9.7 Other Potential Future GIS/DMS Needs and Initial DMS Development ...................... 9-31
9.7.1 MS4 Permit/Order and TMDL DMS Needs ......................................................................... 9-31
9.7.2 Project Submittal System ..................................................................................................... 9-32
9.7.3 Proposed Implementation of the San Luis Obispo County Data Management System
(SLO-DMS) 9-32
9.8 References .......................................................................................................................... 9-34
SECTION 10. FUNDING OF THE IRWM PLAN IMPLEMENTATION
10.1 Funding of the IRWM Plan Implementation ................................................................. 10-2
10.2 Local Government Funding ............................................................................................. 10-6
10.2.1 Integrating Funding Authorities and Sources .................................................................. 10-6
10.2.2 San Luis Obispo County Financing Authority ................................................................... 10-6
10.2.3 Benefit Assessments .......................................................................................................... 10-7
10.2.4 Local Funding Constraints.................................................................................................. 10-7
10.3 Grants and Loans (State and Federal) ........................................................................... 10-8
10.3.1 Proposition 68 ..................................................................................................................... 10-9
10.3.2 Proposition 1 ....................................................................................................................... 10-9
10.3.3 Proposition 68 ................................................................................................................... 10-11
10.3.4 Proposition 84 and Proposition 1E ................................................................................. 10-12
10.3.5 State Revolving Funds ...................................................................................................... 10-13
10.3.6 Additional Resources for Small and/or DAC Water Systems ........................................ 10-14
10.3.7 Recycled Water, Desalination, and Groundwater Funding Programs ......................... 10-16
10.3.8 EPA Grants ......................................................................................................................... 10-18
10.3.9 WaterSMART Grants ......................................................................................................... 10-19
10.3.10 Funding Opportunity Resources ................................................................................... 10-20
10.4 References ...................................................................................................................... 10-21
SECTION 11. TECHNICAL ANALYSIS
11.1 Technical Information Sources and Data Used ............................................................ 11-1
11.1.1 Regional Sources ................................................................................................................. 11-2
11.1.2 North Coast Sources ........................................................................................................... 11-4
11.1.3 North County ....................................................................................................................... 11-6
11.1.4 South County ....................................................................................................................... 11-8
11.2 Relating Technical Sources to IRWM Goals ................................................................. 11-12
11.2.1 Relevance of Technical Sources each ............................................................................. 11-13
11.2.2 Emphasis of Source Priorities and Data Gaps ............................................................... 11-18
11.3 References ...................................................................................................................... 11-19
SECTION 12. RELATION TO LOCAL WATER AND LAND USE PLANNING
12.1 IRWM Plan Relationship to Planning Documents ........................................................ 12-2
12.2 Plan Linkages with Local Water and Land Use Planning Studies ............................. 12-14
12.2.1 Linkages with General Plans ............................................................................................ 12-14
12.2.2 Linkages with Senate Bill 610 and 221 ........................................................................... 12-15
12.2.3 Linkages with Local Government Coordination and Water Resources Policies ......... 12-15
12.2.4 Linkages with Urban Water Management Plans ........................................................... 12-16
12.3 Examples of Local Needs Incorporated in the IRWM Planning Goals ...................... 12-16
12.4 Planning Documents Addressing Data Gaps in the IRWM Plan ................................ 12-17
12.4.1 Proposition 50 Studies ..................................................................................................... 12-17
12.4.2 Proposition 84 Studies ..................................................................................................... 12-18
12.4.3 Stormwater Resource Plan .............................................................................................. 12-18
12.4.4 Groundwater Sustainability Plans (GSPs) ....................................................................... 12-19
12.4.5 Other Plans ........................................................................................................................ 12-19
12.5 Coordination with Land Use Decision Makers ........................................................... 12-20
12.6 IRWM Dynamics with Local Planning and Land Use Agencies .................................. 12-22
12.6.1 Consensus with Local Stakeholders and Existing Planning Documents ..................... 12-22
12.6.2 Issues and Relationships between Local Land Use Planning Entities and Water
Management Entities in the Context of IRWMP ........................................................................ 12-23
12.6.3 How the RWMG will Coordinate its Water Management Planning Activities ............. 12-24
12.7 References ...................................................................................................................... 12-27
SECTION 13. PLANNING COORDINATION
13.1 Coordinate Water Management Activities to Avoid Conflict ...................................... 13-1
13.1.1 Water Resources Management Responsibilities of Two Primary State Agencies ........ 13-2
13.1.2 Agricultural Organizations ................................................................................................. 13-2
13.1.3 Environmental Organizations ............................................................................................ 13-3
13.1.4 Native American Tribal Communities ............................................................................... 13-3
13.1.5 Pre-Project Coordination Efforts ....................................................................................... 13-3
13.1.6 Minimizing Conflict through Coordination Efforts .......................................................... 13-4
13.2 Activity Coordination Strategy with Central Coast Funding Area and Adjacent
Regions .................................................................................................................................. 13-4
13.2.1 Central Coast Funding Area ............................................................................................... 13-4
13.2.2 Adjacent Regions ................................................................................................................. 13-4
13.3 Coordination with State and Federal Agencies ............................................................ 13-7
13.3.1 State and Federal Agencies Approval ............................................................................. 13-11
13.4 Project Coordination with Federal and State Agencies ............................................. 13-12
13.5 Water Service Cooperative Agreement and Other Coordination Efforts ................ 13-13
13.5.1 Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs) ................................................................. 13-13
13.5.2 Whale Rock Reservoir Water Supply ............................................................................... 13-14
13.5.3 City of Morro Bay/Whale Rock Commission .................................................................. 13-14
13.5.4 Chorro Valley Water System ............................................................................................ 13-14
13.5.5 Los Osos Interlocutory Stipulated Judgment (ISJ) .......................................................... 13-15
13.5.6 Santa Margarita Lake/Salinas Reservoir ......................................................................... 13-15
13.5.7 Groundwater Management Agreement/Northern Cities Management Area ............ 13-15
13.5.8 Lopez Lake Zone 3 Water Supply Project ....................................................................... 13-16
13.5.9 Nipomo Mesa Management Area ................................................................................... 13-16
13.5.10 Nacimiento Water Supply Project ................................................................................. 13-17
13.6 References ...................................................................................................................... 13-18
SECTION 14. CLIMATE CHANGE
14.1 Introduction...................................................................................................................... 14-1
14.1.1 IRWM Plan Climate Change Outline .................................................................................. 14-1
14.2 Climate Change Projections ............................................................................................ 14-2
14.2.1 Emissions Scenarios ........................................................................................................... 14-2
14.3 Climate Change Models ................................................................................................... 14-5
14.3.1 Selected Model for Climate Change Analysis ................................................................... 14-5
14.3.2 Applying Global Models to SLO IRWM Region ................................................................. 14-5
14.4 Approach to Climate Change Analysis for Sub-Regions .............................................. 14-6
14.4.1 Metrics for Measuring Climate Change ............................................................................ 14-6
14.4.2 Monthly Time Series Metrics ............................................................................................. 14-6
14.4.3 Daily Time Series Metrics ................................................................................................... 14-7
14.4.4 Conceptual Model Setup and Analysis ............................................................................. 14-7
14.5 Climate Change Analysis Results ................................................................................. 14-10
14.5.1 Precipitation Changes....................................................................................................... 14-11
14.5.2 Temperature Changes ...................................................................................................... 14-12
14.5.3 Wind Speed Changes ........................................................................................................ 14-13
14.5.4 Evapotranspiration Changes ........................................................................................... 14-13
14.5.5 Runoff Changes ................................................................................................................. 14-14
14.5.6 Daily Climate Change Results Expressed as Degree Days and Precipitation ............. 14-15
14.5.7 Changes in Growing Degree Days ................................................................................... 14-16
14.5.8 Overall Sub-Region Findings for Climate Change Analysis ........................................... 14-16
14.6 Sea-level Rise .................................................................................................................. 14-19
14.7 Flooding due to Climate Change and Extreme Precipitation Events ....................... 14-20
14.8 Overview of Regional Climate Change Impacts ......................................................... 14-21
14.9 Vulnerability Assessment ............................................................................................. 14-23
14.9.1 Water Demand .................................................................................................................. 14-23
14.9.2 Water Supply ..................................................................................................................... 14-24
14.9.3 Water Quality ..................................................................................................................... 14-24
14.9.4 Sea Level Rise .................................................................................................................... 14-24
14.9.5 Flooding ............................................................................................................................. 14-25
14.9.6 Ecosystems and Habitats ................................................................................................. 14-25
14.9.7 Hydropower ....................................................................................................................... 14-25
14.9.8 Housing and Development .............................................................................................. 14-25
14.10 Vulnerability Prioritization ......................................................................................... 14-26
14.10.1 RWMG Feasibility ............................................................................................................ 14-28
14.11 Adaptation and Mitigation Strategies ....................................................................... 14-30
14.12 Future Data Gathering and Analysis ......................................................................... 14-35
14.12.1 Water Demands .............................................................................................................. 14-36
14.12.2 Water Supplies ................................................................................................................ 14-36
14.12.3 Water Quality .................................................................................................................. 14-37
14.12.4 Ecosystem and Habitat Vulnerability ............................................................................ 14-37
14.12.5 Sea-level Rise ................................................................................................................... 14-37
14.12.6 Increased Flooding ......................................................................................................... 14-38
14.12.7 Annual Climate Change Update .................................................................................... 14-38
14.13 Project Ratings based on Climate Change ................................................................ 14-38
14.13.1 Adaptation Analysis ........................................................................................................ 14-39
14.13.2 Mitigation Analysis .......................................................................................................... 14-39
14.14 References .................................................................................................................... 14-39
FIGURES
Figure 2-1: General composition of the RWMG based on membership ....................................... 2-3
Figure 2-2: Organizational structure of the San Luis Obispo IRWM Program Participants ........ 2-9
Figure 4-1: Relationships and Synergies between IRWM Plan Goals ............................................ 4-2
Figure 4-2: Countywide Survey Results on Top Three Regional Water Issues ............................. 4-5
Figure 4-3: Comparison of Sub-Regional Survey Responses to Top Regional Water Issues ...... 4-5
Figure 4-4: Summary of IRWM Goals, Objectives, and Sub-Region Priorities .............................. 4-8
Figure 4-5: Integration of IRWM Objectives with State Objectives .............................................. 4-13
Figure 6-1: Relationship Between Various Project Lists ................................................................. 6-1
Figure 9-1: Data Collection Process Leading to QA/QC Storage .................................................. 9-27
Figure 10-1: Proposition 84 Funds Awarded to the SLO Region ................................................ 10-13
Figure 11-1: Technical Document Breakdown by IRWM Goal.................................................... 11-19
Figure 13-1: Regions Adjacent to San Luis Obispo County ........................................................... 13-5
Figure 14-1: Results of SRES Climate Change Scenarios .............................................................. 14-4
Figure 14-2: A1 Storyline Scenarios ................................................................................................ 14-4
Figure 14-3: Downscaled Region Model Grid Data Request for IRWM Region .......................... 14-6
Figure 14-4: Analysis Flow Diagram ................................................................................................ 14-8
Figure 14-5: Differences in Average Monthly Precipitation ........................................................ 14-12
Figure 14-6: Differences in Average Monthly Maximum Temperatures................................... 14-13
Figure 14-7: Differences in Average Monthly Minimum Temperatures ................................... 14-13
Figure 14-8: Differences in Monthly Evapotranspiration ........................................................... 14-14
Figure 14-9: Differences in Average Monthly Runoff .................................................................. 14-15
Figure 14-10: Plot of Average Daily Temperatures ..................................................................... 14-16
Figure 14-11: Current FEMA 100-Year Floodplain in the Morro Bay Region ............................ 14-21
Figure 14-12: Climate Change Data and IRWM .................................................................................. 35
TABLES
Table 1-1: List of Participating Member Agencies ........................................................................... 1-2
Table 2-1: San Luis Obispo County RWMG Membership ................................................................ 2-2
Table 2-2: Water Resource Advisory Committee Membership ...................................................... 2-6
No table of figures entries found.
Table 4-1: Specific California Water Code Requirements and Consistency with IRWM Plan ...... 4-3
Table 4-2: Relationship between Plan Goals and Plan Objectives ............................................... 4-14
Table 4-3: Water Supply Goal .......................................................................................................... 4-18
Table 4-4: Ecosystem and Watershed (Ecosystem) Goal, Continued .......................................... 4-21
Table 4-5: Groundwater Monitoring and Management (Groundwater) Goal ............................ 4-22
Table 4-6: Flood Management Goal ................................................................................................ 4-24
Table 4-7: Water Management and Communications (Water Management) Goal ................... 4-26
Table 6-1: Full Project List Screening Criteria ................................................................................... 6-2
Table 6-2: Relationship between Guidelines’ Review Factors and the SLO IRWM Implementation
List Rubric… .......................................................................................................................................... 6-5
Table 6-3: Review Factor Categories and Weights ........................................................................... 6-5
Table 6-4: Implementation List Scoring Rubric ................................................................................ 6-6
Table 6-5: 2019 IRWM Plan Implementation List, alphabetical by Project Sponsor .................... 6-9
Table 7-1: Benefits and Impacts of the Water Supply Goal ............................................................ 7-2
Table 7-2: Benefits and Impacts of the Ecosystem and Watershed Restoration Goal ................ 7-3
Table 7-3: Benefits and Impacts of the Groundwater Monitoring and Management Goal ........ 7-4
Table 7-4: Benefits and Impacts of the Flood Management Goal ................................................. 7-5
Table 7-5: Benefits and Impacts of the Water Resources Management and Communications
Goal ....................................................................................................................................................... 7-5
Table 7-6: Inter-Regional, DAC, EJ and Tribal Benefits and Impacts of the Water Supply Goal .. 7-6
Table 7-7: Inter-Regional, DAC, EJ and Tribal Benefits and Impacts of the Ecosystem and
Watershed Restoration Goal .............................................................................................................. 7-7
Table 7-8: Inter-Regional, DAC, EJ and Tribal Benefits and Impacts of the Groundwater
Monitoring and Management Goal ................................................................................................... 7-7
Table 7-9: Inter-Regional, DAC, EJ and Tribal Benefits and Impacts of the Flood Management
Goal ....................................................................................................................................................... 7-8
Table 7-10: Inter-Regional, DAC, EJ and Tribal Benefits and Impacts of the Water Resources
Management and Communications Goal ......................................................................................... 7-8
Table 7-11: Other Resource Impacts and Benefits .......................................................................... 7-9
Table 7-12: Benefits and Impacts of Implementation List Projects ............................................. 7-12
Table 8-1: Water Supply Goal ............................................................................................................ 8-3
Table 8-2: Ecosystem and Watershed Goal ...................................................................................... 8-5
Table 8-3: Groundwater Monitoring and Management Goal ........................................................ 8-7
Table 8-4: Flood Management Goal .................................................................................................. 8-9
Table 8-5: Water Management and Communications Goal ......................................................... 8-11
Table 8-6: Example of Programmatic Monitoring and Reporting Table ..................................... 8-16
Table 8-7: Existing IRWM Project Benefits Classified by IRWM Goals ......................................... 8-17
Table 8-8: Existing Implementation Projects Monitoring Activities ............................................. 8-18
Table 8-9: Future Project Monitoring, Based on the Implementation List ................................. 8-19
Table 9-1: Sub-Region Areas of Concern Requiring Data Collection ............................................. 9-6
Table 9-2: General Data Collection Efforts and Techniques ........................................................... 9-8
Table 9-3: Strengths and Weaknesses of Common Database Platforms ................................... 9-29
Table 10-1: Past State Grants Awarded to the IRWM Region ....................................................... 10-3
Table 10-2: Funding Snapshot of Implementation List ................................................................. 10-4
Table 10-3: SLO DCI Grant Awards ................................................................................................ 10-10
Table 10-4: Funding Opportunity Resources ............................................................................... 10-21
Table 11-1: Technical Source Information for Defining IRWM Management Needs ............... 11-13
Table 12-1: Major Planning Documents Utilized for IRWM Planning .......................................... 12-3
Table 12-2: IRWM Plan Resource Management Strategies Contained in Planning Documents 12-
8
Table 12-3: SLO IRWM Region Basins with SGMA Efforts ........................................................... 12-19
Table 13-1: Federal and State Agencies .......................................................................................... 13-9
Table 13-2: Potential Permits and/or Approvals for IRWMP Implementation Projects .......... 13-12
Table 14-1: IRWM Plan Climate Change Outline ............................................................................ 14-2
Table 14-2: Socio-Economic and Water Resources Considerations by Sub-Region .................. 14-9
Table 14-3: Projected Changes in Monthly Climate Metrics by Mid-Century (2050) ............... 14-11
Table 14-4: Projected Changes in Daily Climate Metrics by Mid-Century (2050) ..................... 14-15
Table 14-5: Summary of Climate Change Findings as Related to Changes in Regional Water
Resources ......................................................................................................................................... 14-17
Table 14-6: Sea-level Rise Literature Search Results ................................................................... 14-19
Table 14-7: Climate Change Vulnerability Prioritization ............................................................. 14-27
Table 14-8: RWMG Feasibility to Address Climate Change Vulnerabilities ............................... 14-28
Table 14-9: Plan Objectives Related to Very High Vulnerabilities .............................................. 14-31
Table 14-10: Plan Objectives Related to Climate Change Requirements ................................. 14-32
Table 14-11: Resource Management Strategies Related to Climate Change Vulnerabilities . 14-33
Table 14-12: Resource Management Strategies Related to Mitigation Strategies ................... 14-34
MAPS
Map 1-1: San Luis Obispo County IRWM Region
Map 3-1: Central Coast Funding Area and Neighboring IRWM Regions
Map 3-2: Bulletin 118 Groundwater Basins
Map 3-3: Water Planning Index Map
Map 3-4: Water Planning Area 1: San Simeon / Cambria
Map 3-5: Water Planning Area 2: Cayucos / Morro Bay / Los Osos
Map 3-6: Water Planning Area 3: San Luis Obispo / South County
Map 3-7: Water Planning Area 4: Cuyama River
Map 3-8: Water Planning Area 5: North County
Map 3-9: Water Planning Area 5: North County (enlarged)
Map 3-10: Water Planning Area 6: Carrizo Plain
Map 3-11: Land Use Agencies and Planning Areas
Map 3-12: Watersheds
Map 3-13: Major Water Conveyance and Storage
Map 3-14: San Luis Obispo County Reservoirs
Map 3-15: Disadvantaged Communities
Map 3-16: Population Density by Census Block
Map 3-17: Irrigated Agriculture Areas
APPENDICES
Appendix A - Resolution of Adoption by Lead Agency
Appendix B - San Luis Obispo County Region IRWM Program Participants Memorandum of
Understanding and Signatories
Appendix C - Public Outreach and RWMG Meetings
Appendix C.1 - Public Workshops
Appendix C.2 - RWMG Meetings
Appendix D - Native American Tribal Outreach
Appendix E - Supply and Demand
Appendix F - Project Lists
Appendix G - Groundwater Basin Descriptions
Appendix H - San Luis Obispo County Watershed Management Planning Project Report
Appendix I - Stormwater Resources Plan
Appendix J - Climate Change
Appendix K - Disadvantaged Community Needs Assessment
Appendix L - State Guidelines Requirements Table
ACRONYMS
2016 CDWR California Department of Water Resources’
IRWM Guidelines 2016 Regional Water Management Grant Program Guidelines
AC Acre(s)
AF Acre-Feet
AFY Acre-Feet per Year
ARRA American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
Basin Plan Central Coast Basin Plan
BMP Best Management Practices
CASGEM California Statewide Groundwater Elevation Monitoring
CCD Census County Division
CCWA Central Coast Water Authority
CDB Community Development Block Grants
CDD Cooling Degree Days
CDFG California Department of Fish and Game
CDPH California Department of Public Health
CDWR California Department of Water Resources
CEC California Energy Commission
CEDS The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies
CEQA California Environmental Quality Act
CIMIS California Irrigation Management Information System
CIP Capital Improvement Plan
CMIP Coupled Model Inter-comparison Project
CRWA California Rural Water Association
CSD Community Service District
CWC California Water Code
CWP California Water Plan
CWSRF Clean Water State Revolving Fund
DAC Disadvantaged Community
DFA Division of Financial Assistance
District San Luis Obispo County Flood Control and Water Conservation District
DWSRF Drinking Water State Revolving Fund
EERE Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
EDA Economically Disadvantaged Area
EIR Environmental Impact Report
EIS Environmental Impact Statement
ESA Endangered Species Act of 1973
ET Evapotranspiration
FAR (IPCC IS92a Scenario) First Assessment Report (1990)
FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency
FPGP (Water Recycling) Facilities Planning Grant Program
GDD Growing Degree Days
GFDL Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory model
GMA Groundwater Management Area
GMP Groundwater Management Plan
GO General Obligation (Bond Rate)
gpd Gallons Per Day
GSA Groundwater Sustainability Act
GSP Groundwater Sustainability Plan
HDD Heating Degree Days
HCP Habitat Conservation Plan
HUD Housing and Urban Development
HUC Hydrologic Unit used for delineating watersheds
IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
IRWM Integrated Regional Water Management
JPAs Join Powers Authorities
KAF Thousand Acre-Feet
LAFCO Local Agency Formation Committee
LDC Legacy Data Center
Lead Agency San Luis Obispo County Flood Control and Water Conservation District
LID low-impact development
LLNL Lawrence Livermore National Labs
MAF Million Acre-Feet
MGD Million Gallons per Day
MHI Median Household Income
MOU Memorandum of Understanding
MSL Mean Sea Level
MWC Mutual Water Company
NEPA National Environmental Policy Act
NFIP National Flood Insurance Program
NFWF National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
NMMA Nipomo Mesa Management Area
NOP Notice of Preparation
NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NPDES National Pollution Discharge Elimination System
NPS nonpoint sources
PEIS Programmatic Environmental Impact Settlement
Plan Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
PSP Proposal Solicitation Package
PUD Public Utility District
PVC Polyvinyl Chloride
PWG Project work group
RAP Region Acceptance Process by DWR
RCAC Rural Community Assistance Corporation
Region San Luis Obispo County Region
RMS Resource Management Strategy
RO Reverse Osmosis
RWMG (San Luis Obispo) Regional Water Management Group
RWQCB Regional Water Quality Control Board
SAR IPCC IS92a Scenario, Second Assessment Report, 1995
SB Senate Bill
SBA Small Business Administration
SCADA Supervisory Control and Automated Data Acquisition
SCWG Small Community Wastewater Grant (Program)
SGMA Sustainable Groundwater Management Act
SDWSRF Safe Drinking Water State Revolving Fund
SHE Self-Help Enterprises
SLO San Luis Obispo
SLR sea-level rise
SLOC San Luis Obispo County
SRES Special Report on Emissions Scenarios
SRF State Revolving Fund
SSCSD San Simeon Community Services District
SSMP Sewer System Management Plan
STORET Data storage and retrieval system tracking commercial/industrial uses
SWDA Safe Drinking Water Act
SWFM Stormwater Flood Management
SWP State Water Project
SWRCB California State Water Resources Control Board
SWS small water system
t Trace, flow volume greater than 0 AF and less than 500 AF
TDS Total Dissolved Solids
THMs Trihalomethanes
TMDL Total Maximum Daily Load
USACE U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
USBLM U.S. Bureau of Land Management
USBR U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
USDA U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDOE U.S. Department of Energy
USDOI U.S. Department of the Interior
USEDA U.S. Economic Development Administration
USEPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
USGS U.S. Geological Survey
UST Underground Storage Tank
UWMP Urban Water Management Plan
VOC Volatile Organic Carbon
WCRP World Climate Research Program
WEP Water and Environmental Programs
WRAC Water Resources Advisory Committee
WRCP Water Recycling Construction Program
WSA Senate Bill 610 Water Supply Assessment
WSAmt State Water Project Water Service Amount
WSV Water Supply Verification
WWD Wastewater Disposal (Program)
WWTP Wastewater Treatment Plant
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 1-i
1 TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 1-1
1.1 Purpose of the IRWM Plan .................................................................................................. 1-1
1.1.1 Regions and Sub-Regions Included in the IRWM Plan ................................................. 1-1
1.1.2 IRWM Plan Financial Sponsorship .................................................................................. 1-1
1.1.3 IRWM Plan Adoption ........................................................................................................ 1-2
1.2 An IRWM Plan for San Luis Obispo County ....................................................................... 1-2
1.3 IRWM Plan Benefits and Need for Updates ...................................................................... 1-3
1.4 History of IRWM in San Luis Obispo County ..................................................................... 1-4
1.5 Meeting the 2016 IRWM Plan Standards ........................................................................... 1-5
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1-1: List of Participating Member Agencies ........................................................................... 1-2
LIST OF MAPS
Maps are located at the end of the section.
Map 1-1: San Luis Obispo County IRWM Region
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 1-1
1 INTRODUCTION
This section describes the purpose of the San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water
Management (IRWM) Plan and the regulatory guidelines and requirements driving much of the
content and material included in the plan. In addition, this section serves as a roadmap for the
IRWM Plan and includes brief descriptions and references to those portions of the plan where
topic-related information is located. This section describes how the IRWM Plan meets the
California Department of Water Resources (DWR) requirements specified in the 2016 IRWM Grant
Program Guidelines including the related IRWM Plan Standards.
1.1 PURPOSE OF THE IRWM PLAN
This IRWM Plan presents a comprehensive water resources management approach to managing
the region’s water resources, focusing on strategies to improve the sustainability of current and
future needs of San Luis Obispo County. It is built on the existing foundation of the region’s
longstanding inter-agency cooperation and stakeholder collaboration.
This plan was written to meet the latest IRWM requirements, balancing the needs of the
participating agencies with the State’s need to have a full, well thought-out plan on which to base
implementation of future water resources projects/programs and provide the maximum benefit
wherever and whenever needed.
1.1.1 Regions and Sub-Regions Included in the IRWM Plan
The region covered by this IRWM Plan is the whole of San Luis Obispo County, whose boundary
is concurrent with that of the San Luis Obispo County Flood Control and Water Conservation
District (District) (see Map 1-1). The County’s 3,304 square mile area is further divided into three
sub-regions: the North Coast Sub-Region, the North County Sub-Region, and the South County
Sub-Region. Within the sub-regions, there are 6 Water Planning Areas (WPAs) and 25 watersheds.
Sub-regions and WPAs are both useful in differentiating among local issues and allowing for
meaningful, focused stakeholder involvement. A detailed description of the IRWM region, Sub-
Regions, WPAs, and watersheds are included in Section 3 – Region Description.
1.1.2 IRWM Plan Financial Sponsorship
The San Luis Obispo County IRWM Plan is being produced and sponsored in significant part by
the District. The update is also funded in part through a Proposition 1 IRWM Planning Grant
from the California DWR. RWMG member agencies and organizations provided in-kind services
associated with contributions of information, meeting attendance and document review.
Additional information is available at the following website:
https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/IRWM
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May 2020 1-2
1.1.3 IRWM Plan Adoption
The District Board of Supervisors will adopt this Plan upon completion of a public comment
period, recommendation of the RWMG and recommendation of the Water Resources Advisory
Committee (WRAC). Once adopted, a copy of the resolution can be found in Appendix A –
Resolution of Adoption. Each individual participating member agency (see Table 1-1) of the
Regional Water Management Group (RWMG) is required by the State Guidelines to also adopt
the DWR-approved plan to be eligible to receive future state grant funding. Member adoption
will follow adoption by the District. Plan adoption by a member agency also ensures regional
support for locally-sponsored water resources projects funded through all state, federal, and
local grant and loan programs. The IRWM Plan is a living guidance document for all member
agencies to support, and re-adopt, with each IRWM Plan update approx. every five (5) years.
Table 1-1: List of Participating Member Agencies
Regional Water Management Group
San Luis Obispo County Heritage Ranch CSD
San Luis Obispo County Flood Control and
Water Conservation District
Los Osos CSD
Avila Beach Community Services District Morro Bay National Estuary Program
California Men’s Colony* Nipomo CSD
Cambria Community Services District (CSD) Oceano CSD
Cayucos Sanitary District S&T Mutual Water Company
Central Coast Salmon Enhancement San Miguel CSD
City of Arroyo Grande San Miguelito Mutual Water Company
City of Grover Beach San Simeon CSD
City of Morro Bay Shandon-San Juan Water District
City of Paso Robles South San Luis Obispo County Sanitation District
City of Pismo Beach Templeton Community Services District
City of San Luis Obispo The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County
Coastal San Luis Resource Conservation
District
Upper Salinas - Las Tablas Resource Conservation
District
Estrella-El Pomar-Creston Water District
* Note: The California Men’s Colony has signed the RWMG MOU (see appendix B) but did not adopt the 2014
IRWM Plan.
1.2 AN IRWM PLAN FOR SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY
IRWM is a collaborative effort to manage all aspects of water resources in a region. IRWM
crosses jurisdictional, watershed, and political boundaries; involves multiple agencies,
stakeholders, individuals, and groups; and attempts to address the issues and differing
perspectives of all entities involved through mutually beneficial solutions. An IRWM Plan is a
significant document that:
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 1-3
Describes the Region and its water management strategies
Reviews the Region’s water issues (e.g., supply, quality, storage, conveyance, etc.)
Puts forward strategies to address solutions for those issues
Suggests actions, programs, and capital projects to carry out those strategies
Prioritizes and integrates those actions, programs, and capital projects
Establishes metrics to measure and manage collected data to show the potential
improvements, benefits, and impacts of the plan
Provides a methodology to carry out those actions, programs and capital projects
Monitors the plan’s progress and adjusts when needed
It is a plan for near-term water management in a region that includes a stakeholder-driven
short list of the best integrated water projects for the region as identified within this update of
the plan. The use of the phrase “near-term” is indicative of the fact that the plan is updated on a
regular cycle (typically five year intervals), and thus the plan of the future will continue to evolve
while addressing water management issues beyond the current planning horizon.
The process, procedures, and requirements of an IRWM Plan are provided in the 2016 IRWM
Guidelines. The guidelines establish what DWR will use to implement the Proposition 1 (The
Water Quality, Supply, and Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2014) IRWM Grant Program. The
2016 Guidelines specify the standards of review and includes a specific list of requirements that
must be included in the plan prior to the State’s acceptance and approval of the plan.
1.3 IRWM PLAN BENEFITS AND NEED FOR UPDATES
An IRWM Plan provides several benefits for the Region and its participants, including the
following:
Provides an in-depth listing of regional water resources problems
Helps focus funding priorities and estimate staffing requirements
Provides opportunities for diverse and integrated solutions to water resource problems
Makes a concerted and documented effort to include the entire community in water
resources planning, including disadvantaged communities (DACs)
Provides opportunities to formulate integrated programs and projects for multiple
benefits for the Region
Allows the Region to apply for and accept State funding to address water issues
Makes the Region participants eligible for planning and implementation grants
Provides a consolidated and inclusive planning process
Aligns participants to support projects that benefit the region as a whole
Presents a more economic approach to tackle regional problems by combining
administrative and planning costs of several agencies for some regional issues
Enhances the foundation for “good” regional planning
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 1-4
1.4 HISTORY OF IRWM IN SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY
The San Luis Obispo County IRWM Plan was originally adopted in December 2005, updated in
July 2007, and most recently in July 2014. The 2005 IRWM Plan identified planning efforts to fill
data gaps in four areas to support the overall plan goals, objectives, and strategies, and
improve the IRWM Plan itself:
Data Enhancement Plan
Flood Management Plan
Groundwater Banking Plan
Regional Permitting Plan
The 2007 IRWM Plan was the first to provide a cornerstone document for future integrated
planning efforts that lead to more collaboration among water resources agencies and
efficiencies in water resources problem-solving. These planning efforts were awarded $500,000
to complete the focused studies included in the Proposition 50 Chapter 8 IRWM Planning Grant
application. The resulting plans were completed in 2008 and thus, were not incorporated into
the 2007 IRWM Plan update. The 2007 IRWM Plan updated regional and project information to
represent the existing conditions and priorities for the region.
In 2011, the IRWM Region was awarded an implementation grant to construct three projects,
including:
Los Osos Community Wastewater Project
Flood Control Zone 1/1A Waterway Management Program, 1st Year Vegetation and
Sediment Management Project
Nipomo Waterline Intertie Project
A condition of the implementation grant was to update the 2007 IRWM Plan to meet ongoing
updates to the 2012 IRWM Plan Guidelines eventually published by the State in November
2012. Given the seven-year period since the last update, the District is capitalizing on the
requirement to update the IRWM Plan by addressing the changed conditions and needs in the
region.
The objectives of the 2014 IRWM Plan Update were to incorporate changes that occurred since
2007 were as follows:
Build on the successful collaboration and planning presented in the 2007 IRWM Plan
Incorporate the four Proposition 50 planning studies
Address the enhanced IRWM planning standards
Include changed regional conditions (i.e., groundwater/surface water availability and
increased agricultural and urban water demands) and enhanced planning approaches,
including a revised governance approach
Address the highest priority data gaps and planning needs as determined through a
public solicitation and review process
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 1-5
The 2014 Plan update included an exhaustive public outreach program that included meeting
with stakeholders in the sub-regions, taking surveys and conducting public meetings
throughout the County. This plan update created opportunities for the following projects to
receive funding and support from DWR:
Prop 84 Expedited Drought Grant:
o CSA 23-AMWC-Garden Farms Emergency Intertie
o Heritage Ranch CSD Emergency Turnout
o Cambria CSD Emergency Water Supply
Prop 84 Implementation Grant (2015)
o Templeton CSD Upper Salinas River Basin Conjunctive Use
o San Simeon CSD Well Head Treatment
o Oceano CSD Water Resources and Reliability Program – Planning Study
Once the 2016 Standards were released, which were created in response to Proposition 1
(2014), work on this plan update began. The focus of these standards was on creating a more
robust discussion and understanding of climate change and integration mitigation and
adaptation to climate change throughout the document.
1.5 MEETING THE 2016 IRWM PLAN STANDARDS
As the IRWM Plan was developed, the RWMG maintained the list of requirements developed
using the 2016 IRWM Plan Guidelines to ensure acceptance and approval by the State after
completion of the IRWM Plan Update. Detailed tables addressing specific requirements of the
2016 Guidelines are compiled and incorporated as Appendix L – State Guidelines
Requirements Tables. Appendix L also provides a short narrative on how each requirement
is met, along with the various sub-sections where information can be found in the IRWM Plan.
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 2-i
2 TABLE OF CONTENTS
2 Governance and Stakeholder Involvement ............................................................................... 2-1
2.1 Plan Participants .................................................................................................................. 2-1
2.1.1 Regional Water Management Group ......................................................................... 2-1
2.1.2 RWMG Members .......................................................................................................... 2-4
2.1.3 Lead Agency .................................................................................................................. 2-4
2.1.4 Water Resources Advisory Committee ...................................................................... 2-5
2.1.5 Implementation Affiliates ............................................................................................ 2-6
2.1.6 RWMG Working Group ................................................................................................ 2-7
2.1.7 Interested Stakeholders .............................................................................................. 2-8
2.1.8 Native American Tribes ............................................................................................... 2-8
2.2 IRWM Organization Structure ............................................................................................. 2-8
2.2.1 Governance Structure .................................................................................................. 2-8
2.2.2 Decision Making Process ........................................................................................... 2-10
2.3 Stakeholder Involvement and Public Outreach Process ............................................... 2-11
2.3.1 Communications and Outreach Plan ....................................................................... 2-12
2.3.2 Public Outreach for the 2019 IRWM Plan ................................................................ 2-13
2.3.3 Public Outreach to Disadvantaged Communities (DACs) ...................................... 2-13
2.3.4 Native American Tribes Outreach ............................................................................ 2-14
2.3.5 IRWM Plan Update Administration .......................................................................... 2-15
2.3.6 Public Information ..................................................................................................... 2-15
2.3.7 RWMG Meetings ......................................................................................................... 2-16
2.4 Stakeholder and Resource Integration ............................................................................ 2-16
2.5 Plan Implementation ......................................................................................................... 2-17
2.5.1 Long-term Implementation ....................................................................................... 2-17
2.5.2 Updating the IRWM Plan ........................................................................................... 2-18
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 2-ii
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 2-1: General composition of the RWMG based on membership ....................................... 2-3
Figure 2-2: Organizational structure of the San Luis Obispo IRWM Program Participants ........ 2-9
LIST OF TABLES
Table 2-1: San Luis Obispo County RWMG Membership ................................................................ 2-2
Table 2-2: Water Resource Advisory Committee Membership ...................................................... 2-6
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 2-1
2 GOVERNANCE AND STAKEHOLDER INVOLVEMENT
This section describes the regional governance and stakeholder involvement for the
development and implementation of the San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water
Management (IRWM) Plan.
2.1 PLAN PARTICIPANTS
The development and implementation of the IRWM Plan is a collaborative effort by a variety of
participants in the San Luis Obispo County IRWM region, including local agencies, organizations,
Native American Tribes, and stakeholders.
Governance determines the processes and organization used to exercise power, make
decisions, and hold the decision-makers accountable throughout the implementation and
updating of the IRWM plan. Native American Tribe and stakeholder involvement as well as
public outreach and participation are essential for successful governance.
2.1.1 Regional Water Management Group
The Regional Water Management Group (RWMG), as defined in Water Code §10539, is the
group responsible for development and implementation of the IRWM Plan. The RWMG must
consists of three or more local agencies, at least two of which have statutory authority over
water supply or water management. Local agencies may include cities, counties, special
districts, joint power authorities, or other political subdivision of the state, public utilities, or
mutual water companies. The RWMG may also include non-profit organizations and other
persons who may be necessary for the development and implementation of the IRWM Plan.
The San Luis Obispo County RWMG was established to ensure that the San Luis Obispo
County IRWM Plan is developed, implemented, and updated while
Engaging elected officials and water resource management leaders
Representing public and stakeholder groups
Resolving conflicts
Building political support
Planning for important water resources projects in a regionally unified way
The members of the RWMG participate by means of the San Luis Obispo County IRWM Plan
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), as provided in Appendix A – Resolution of Adoption.
The MOU formalizes the governance mechanism of the RWMG and describes the essential
governance structure inclusions such as definitions of IRWM common terms, program
participant roles and responsibilities, and decision-making processes.
The San Luis Obispo County RWMG consists of the local agencies and organizations who are
signatories to the MOU and have adopted the Plan, as presented in Table 2-1. Entities that have
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 2-2
statutory authority (“SA”) over water supply or water management are indicated with a
checkmark (“”) in the table.
Table 2-1: San Luis Obispo County RWMG Membership
Agency/Organization/Group Entity Type SA
San Luis Obispo County Flood Control and Water
Conservation District Special district
County of San Luis Obispo County
Avila Beach Community Services District Special district
California Men’s Colony* State political subdivision
Cambria Community Services District Special district
Cayucos Sanitary District Special district
Central Coast Salmon Enhancement Non-profit organization
City of Arroyo Grande City
City of Grover Beach City
City of Morro Bay City
City of Paso Robles City
City of Pismo Beach City
City of San Luis Obispo City
Coastal San Luis Resource Conservation District State political subdivision
Estrella-El Pomar-Creston Water District Special District
Heritage Ranch Community Services District Special district
Los Osos Community Services District Special district
Morro Bay National Estuary Program Non-profit organization
Nipomo Community Services District Special district
Oceano Community Services District Special district
S&T Mutual Water Company Mutual water company
San Miguel Community Services District Special district
San Miguelito Mutual Water Company Mutual water company
San Simeon Community Services District Special district
Shandon-San Juan Water District Special district
South San Luis Obispo County Sanitation District Special district
Templeton Community Services District Special district
The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County Non-profit organization
Upper Salinas-Las Tablas Resource Conservation District State political subdivision
*Note: The California Men’s Colony has signed the RWMG MOU (see appendix B), but did not adopt the 2014
IRWM Plan.
The general composition of the RWMG based on membership that meets Water Code §10539
and is sufficient in breadth of membership and participation to develop and implement the
IRWM Plan is shown on Figure 2-1.
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Figure 2-1: General composition of the RWMG based on membership
RWMG membership will continue to be open to local agencies, organizations, groups, and other
persons necessary to develop and implement the IRWM Plan, including the following eligible
grant applicants, as defined in Water Code §79712:
Public agencies (as defined in Water Code §79702(s))
Non-profit organizations (as defined in Water Code §79702(p))
Public utilities (as defined in Public Utilities Code §216)
Mutual water companies (as defined in Public Utilities Code §2725)
Federally recognized Indian Tribes
State Indian Tribes listed on the Native American Heritage Commission’s Tribal
Consultation list
The San Luis Obispo County IRWM Program Participants MOU is used as a method of clarifying
the organizational structure and describes the ways that RWMG members, project proponents,
stakeholders can participate in the development and implementation of the IRWM Plan.
The MOU defines the participants of the San Luis Obispo County IRWM Plan:
RWMG Members
RWMG Lead Agency
County (1)
City (6)
Mutual water
company (2)
Other political
subdivision of the
State (3)
Non-profit
organization (3)
Special district
(14)
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Water Resources Advisory Committee (WRAC)
Implementation Affiliates
RWMG Working Group
Interested Stakeholders
To encourage broad participation across jurisdictional, watershed, and political boundaries,
each local agency, organization, or stakeholder determines their level of participation in IRWM
planning for addressing issues related to water resources in the region.
2.1.2 RWMG Members
RWMG members have signed the MOU and the governing bodies of each agency have formally
adopted the current IRWM Plan. Member agencies and organizations designate representatives
to work collaboratively in providing the expertise and timely information in the review and
development of the IRWM Plan.
New members can be incorporated into the RWMG by signing the MOU and formally adopting
the current IRWM Plan.
The composition of RWMG members will continue to include municipalities, water purveyors,
resource conservations districts, non-profit organizations with interest in natural resources,
environmental and land use management, water districts, sanitation districts, and other entities
that are involved with water management issues in the San Luis Obispo IRWM region.
RWMG members that have sufficient managerial, financial, and staffing capacity and meet
eligibility requirements may pursue IRWM grant program funding opportunities for planning or
implementation projects.
2.1.3 Lead Agency
The San Luis Obispo County Flood Control and Water Conservation District (District) serves as
the RWMG’s Lead Agency for IRWM Plan development and implementation. The District is
ultimately responsible for the preparation, production, and presentation of the IRWM Plan, the
submission of grant applications, the execution and administration of grant agreements with
the State and local project sponsors, and the monitoring and reporting of plan and project
performance.
Given its regional framework and geographic scope, the District was viewed as an appropriate
agency to act as the Lead Agency of the RWMG. The California Legislature established the
District in 1945 with the passage of the San Luis Obispo County Flood Control and Water
Conservation District Act. The District’s boundaries are co-terminus with the County of San Luis
Obispo. The County of San Luis Obispo Board of Supervisors act as the District Board of
Supervisors and County Public Works Department provides staffing support for the District.
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The District is responsible for San Luis Obispo County’s regional water planning and
implementation of regional water management projects, which include the following primary
services:
1. Management of flood and storm waters
2. Conserving waters for beneficial purposes
3. Protecting life and property
4. Preventing waste or diminution of the water supply
5. Obtaining, retaining, and reclaiming waters for beneficial use, including the purchase
and sale of water within the district
6. Providing for incidental recreational activities
The District gathers data, identifies issues, coordinates stakeholder review, and recommends
solutions. The general regional data gathering, planning, and coordination efforts are included
in the District’s budget that is funded from general property tax allocations.
Projects and programs relating to the primary services of the District that are identified for
implementation are funded from revenues provided by participating agencies, organizations,
and other parties benefiting from the services.
2.1.4 Water Resources Advisory Committee
The Water Resources Advisory Committee (WRAC) is an advisory body made up of citizens and
governmental representatives, including elected officials, appointed by the District’s Board of
Supervisors to advise the Board on water resource policies and programs in the Region.
The WRAC has thirty-seven (37) members representing county supervisorial districts, cities,
community service districts, resource conservation districts, water management agencies,
water purveyors, institutions, and at-large individuals and organizations for agricultural,
development, and environmental interests. The agencies, organizations, and groups including
at-large members that constitute the WRAC are identified in Table 2-2.
Since 1952, WRAC meetings have been the primary means for the District’s review of regional
water resources issues. The purposes of the committee include developing recommendations
for the District’s Board of Supervisors on all policy decisions and programs (including financing)
related to water resources.
The District collaborated with WRAC members to establish the RWMG and develop the initial
IRWM Plan in 2005 and subsequent updates in 2007 and 2014. The WRAC offers an ongoing
stakeholder forum to provide additional input and recommendations to the District Board of
Supervisors during IRWM Plan development and implementation. The RWMG will continue to
collaborate with the WRAC to receive broad perspectives from a wide number of stakeholders
in the region as well as support for IRWM planning activities and implementation projects.
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Table 2-2: Water Resource Advisory Committee Membership
Agency/Organization/Group Representing
County Supervisorial District 1 County government
County Supervisorial District 2 County government
County Supervisorial District 3 County government
County Supervisorial District 4 County government
County Supervisorial District 5 County government
City of Arroyo Grande Municipality
City of Atascadero Municipality
City of Grover Beach Municipality
City of Morro Bay Municipality
City of Paso Robles Municipality
City of Pismo Beach Municipality
City of San Luis Obispo Municipality
Avila Beach Community Services District Water-serving agency
Cambria Community Services District Water-serving agency
Estrella-El Pomar-Creston Water District Water district
Heritage Ranch Community Services District Water-serving agency
Los Osos Community Services District Water-serving agency
Nipomo Community Services District Water-serving agency
Oceano Community Services District Water-serving agency
Templeton Community Services District Water-serving agency
San Miguel Community Services District Water-serving agency
San Simeon Community Services District Water-serving agency
Shandon-San Juan Water District Water district
Coastal San Luis Resource Conservation District Resource conservation district
Upper Salinas-Las Tablas Resource Conservation District Resource conservation district
Atascadero Mutual Water Company Water purveyor
California’s Men Colony Institution
Camp San Luis Obispo Institution
Cuesta Community College Institution
Golden State Water Company Water purveyor
San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau Agriculture interests
Environmental At-Large (3 members) Environmental interests
Agriculture At-Large (2 members) Agriculture interests
Development At-Large (1 member) Development interests
2.1.5 Implementation Affiliates
Implementation affiliates are local project proponents that have formally adopted the current
IRWM Plan. This participant category allows agencies and organizations to submit projects as
part of the plan implementation even if they choose not to participate as an RWMG member.
Any Implementation affiliate that meets grant application eligibility requirements may pursue
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IRWM grant program funding opportunities for planning and implementation projects. There
are currently no Implementation Affiliates in the San Luis Obispo County IRWM Program.
2.1.6 RWMG Working Group
The RWMG Working Group consists of representatives designated by RWMG Members to
develop information and recommendations for IRWM program planning and implementation,
stakeholder outreach, and pursuit of funding opportunities. Ideally, the RWMG Working Group
is constituted as
One (1) Lead Agency representative
Three (3) North Coast Sub-Region representatives
Three (3) North County Sub-Region representatives
Three (3) South County Sub-Region representatives
The RWMG Working Group coordinates technical resources, agency staff, and stakeholders for
addressing specific topics or assignments and provides draft findings and recommendations to
the RWMG.
RWMG Working Group activities may include:
Participating and inviting others to participate in workshops, presentations, and other
stakeholder/public meetings
Defining the project review process and project selection criteria
Reviewing and defining water resources management strategies
Workshops in each of the three IRWM Sub-Regions may be convened to engage community
members who have relevant expertise and interests in water resources management.
Workshops serve as an outreach function to inform stakeholders and other organizations
about the IRWM Plan, and may include the following activities:
Soliciting input and feedback from community members and stakeholders
Obtaining data and information relevant to IRWM
Identifying issues and opportunities related to IRWM objectives, project review process,
and other sections of the plan
Reviewing draft findings on resource management strategies
Reviewing draft findings on project review solicitation and prioritization
Providing feedback and input to the RWMG
RWMG Working Group meetings and workshops will be held to review and update the IRWM
project lists so that plan information is current and meets State guidelines and requirements.
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2.1.7 Interested Stakeholders
Interested Stakeholders include local agencies, organizations, groups, and individuals who
choose to participate in IRWM planning efforts. Interested Stakeholders may provide a letter of
support or other forms of feedback and input for IRWM planning efforts to the RWMG. This
participant category allows members of the public, stakeholders, and others to provide input to
the RWMG without needing to be eligible for directly receiving state IRWM grant funds.
2.1.8 Native American Tribes
California Native American Tribes are all Indigenous Communities of California, which are on
the contact list maintained by the Native American Heritage Commission, including those that
are federally non-recognized and federally recognized, and those with allotment lands,
regardless of whether they own those lands.
Native American Tribes are sovereign nations and the RWMG will coordinate with Tribes on a
government-to-government basis. The RWMG maintains an open policy to continually invite
and encourage collaboration with Tribes. Letters to the local Native American Tribes have been
sent to invite them of the various IRWM processes and encourage their participation during
both plan development and implementation. See Section 2.3.4 for additional information
regarding outreach to Native American Tribal communities.
Native American Tribes are invited to participate as RWMG Members, Implementation Affiliates,
or Interested Stakeholders (as described in the MOU) or on a consultation basis for plan
development and implementation. Native American Tribes who meet DWR requirements as a
project proponent are encouraged to submit projects, programs, and technical support to the
RWMG or on a government-to-government basis with the Lead Agency.
San Luis Obispo County does not currently contain any tribal lands.
2.2 IRWM ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE
2.2.1 Governance Structure
The MOU defines the governance structure of the RWMG and includes the purpose for
developing and implementing the San Luis Obispo County IRWM Plan, membership list of
agencies and organizations, participant roles and responsibilities in program development and
implementation, and the decision making process. The participants are organized in four areas
characterized by these key actions:
Submitting projects, programs, and technical support
Evaluating projects, programs, and technical support
Making recommendations for plan development and implementation
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Submitting plans, administering grants, and coordination with DWR & Native American
tribes
Figure 2-2 illustrates the organizational structure of the relationship between the program
participants and their key actions.
Figure 2-2: Organizational structure of the San Luis Obispo IRWM Program Participants
Individual RWMG Members and Implementation Affiliates submit projects, programs, and
technical support for plan development and along with Interested Stakeholders provide
information and input to the RWMG Working Group.
The RWMG Working Group evaluates projects, programs, and technical support including
stakeholder information and input to prepare recommendations throughout the plan
development and implementation process to the RWMG.
The RWMG considers the recommendations provided by the RWMG Working Group and
receives input from community members and other stakeholders via public forum. The RWMG
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maintains the regional perspective during plan review and decision making for the IRWM
program and seeks WRAC support of its recommendations at key decision points.
The WRAC can consider concurrence or modification of RWMG recommendations, review via
WRAC sub-committee or other action either directly to the District Board of Supervisors or the
RWMG.
Because of its broad stakeholder composition and direct link as advisors to the Lead Agency’s
Board of Supervisors, the WRAC provides review of content and at key decision points of the
IRWM Plan. The RWMG will seek WRAC support of its recommendations at key decision points
(e.g., for IRWM Plan approval and adoption by the District Board of Supervisors). Once the
IRWM Plan is approved and adopted by the District Board of Supervisors (Board of the Lead
Agency) and San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors, other RWMG members and
Implementation Affiliates will adopt the IRWM Plan. As a final step, the District will submit the
IRWM Plan to DWR for approval.
The Communications and Outreach Plan ensures that all relevant communications are elevated
from the RWMG Working Group and Sub-Region discussions to the RWMG for consideration.
The RWMG members will consider all comments and concerns recorded from these discussions
and weigh them during their review of the IRWM Plan. The Communications and Outreach Plan
defines processes for interactions between participant tiers, which is further described in
Section 2.3.1.
2.2.2 Decision Making Process
Decisions are made by simple majority vote at the RWMG meetings and then elevated to the
Lead Agency Board of Supervisors as needed for final approval and coordination with DWR.
Decision-making protocol defined in the MOU states:
The RWMG shall develop IRWM program materials and will make recommendations to the
Lead Agency at key decision points of the IRWM program. Written input from the member
representatives will be sought between the RWMG members in the event the need for a
decision arises that cannot be brought forth to the RWMG before a decision needs to be
made. The District, by way of its Public Works Department, shall notify the RWMG agencies of
recommendations being taken to the District's Board of Supervisors for action.
Decisions are made by a simple majority vote of the RWMG member representatives present at
a meeting. Of course, consensus is the goal and will be achieved whenever possible.
Stakeholders are invited to attend and provide input at all RWMG meetings; however, decision
making votes will only include RWMG member representatives.
If decisions cannot be made, the governance structure allows for a public hearing process to
consider the differing perspectives, as stated in the MOU:
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The District's Board of Supervisors may approve, alter, or return any said recommendation of
the RWMG. Furthermore, if the District’s Board of Supervisors intends to alter an item or
proposition approved by the RWMG, the District’s Board of Supervisors shall set forth in writing
its findings, after which the Board will hold a public hearing. The RWMG agencies shall have the
right to appear and address the District's Board of Supervisors.
2.3 STAKEHOLDER INVOLVEMENT AND PUBLIC OUTREACH PROCESS
Public and stakeholder involvement have been integrated into the decision-making process in a
manner that ensures education, awareness, balanced opportunity to participate, and clear
communication conduits. One of the goals of the public and stakeholder involvement is to
strengthen overall regional capacity to move forward toward the goals of IRWM over a longer
term planning horizon.
It is the expressed aim to both fortify the core group of active and engaged regional and sub-
regional representatives, i.e., the WRAC, who are motivated and equipped to meet the
formidable challenges involved in planning for increased water reliability, water sustainability,
flood management, water quality, water supply, environmental benefits, among others within
the context of a rapidly changing climate, increased political pressure, and diminishing
resources as well as stretch the membership and extend meaningful stakeholder participation.
Apart from building relationships and capacity, stakeholder involvement facilitates overall
assimilation of information to achieve a more water-aware culture that moves beyond
traditional alliances to a more comprehensive vision which is realistic in relation to the
watersheds in which we live and the water resources we share. As of the most recent census,
San Luis Obispo County had just over a quarter of a million people (just over 274,000), all of
whom consume water and all of whom are stakeholders. While it unrealistic to reach every
single person in the county, the IRWM Plan considers each and every person in its inclusive
Planning process, particularly in recognition of the fact that the majority of water consumption
is in rural areas.
It is important to recognize barriers to involvement, so effort can be made to overcome them.
While the regular RWMG meetings are held centrally in the City of San Luis Obispo, for the more
remote communities of San Simeon, San Miguel, Shandon, Nipomo, etc. even this location can
be upwards of an hour drive away. Additionally, our region, like others, has communities with
very limited staffing capacity. In some cases, there are no engineers or water specific staff on
site; all are consultants or contracted employees. This presents an institutional disadvantage in
participation. Even so, attendance to RWMG meetings is not a requirement for receiving grant
funds. Additionally, District staff visit these agencies as needed in provide opportunity to
participate and receive feedback. Most recently, this occurred for the Implementation List
scoring efforts in 2018. See Section 6 – Project Review Process for more information.
The RWMG acknowledges four (4) critical success factors for effective stakeholder involvement,
decision making and overall IRWM program:
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Meeting attendance.
Compliance with information/data requests.
Review of TMs, draft, and final drafts of plan according to schedule and workplan (based
on Scope of Work).
Agency participants have decision-making authority and communicate frequently with
agency boards and councils to ensure information about the Plan is current and
accurate.
2.3.1 Communications and Outreach Plan
The 2014 IRWM Plan developed communication processes as a simple guide on how
communication will flow and be managed through the life of the IRWM Program. These
processes continue for the 2019 IRWM Plan Update.
These processes are built upon the MOU (See Appendix B) and the identified IRWM Program
Participants (RWMG, WRAC, RWMG Working Group, Implementation Affiliates and stakeholders
– See Section 2.1) involved in the IRWM Plan Update. It also describes the planned and periodic
communications to occur between the entities. It characterizes what types of communication
are used and how communication proceeds to facilitate the overall goals of the IRWM Plan
Update. These are not intended to limit, but rather to enhance the exchange of information.
Open, ongoing communication among actively engaged stakeholders is critical to the success of
the overall IRWM Program.
2.3.1.1 Informal Communication
Informal communications consist of e-mail, conversations or phone calls and serve to
supplement and enhance formal communications. Due to the varied types and ad-hoc nature
of informal communications, which will occur among and between all the entities, they are not
discussed in this plan.
2.3.1.2 Formal Communication
San Luis Obispo County IRWM Plan Update will engage in various types of formal
communications. The types and purposes are described below:
Notice of Intent– A formal “Notice of Intent” (NOI) to update the San Luis Obispo
County IRWM Plan will be prepared and will be distributed to all entities. The NOI will
also be publicly noticed in media publications throughout the County. The NOI will be
posted on the SLO County website for public access.
Public Meeting Notices – Adoption Hearings on the Plan and certain meetings will be
publicly noticed to allow for public and stakeholder input. Meeting Notices will be
posted on the SLO County website for public access.
RWMG Meeting Notices – Will be generated and sent out by email to the RWMG one (1)
week in advance of the actual meeting. The WRAC will be notified of RWMG meetings in
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their meeting notices as well. Meeting notices and agendas will be posted on the SLO
County website for public access.
WRAC meeting notices have been generated and will continue to be generated and sent
via email to all entities and individuals that request to be added to the email distribution
list. Meeting Notices, Agendas and Meeting Minutes will be posted on the SLO County
website for public access.
RWMG Working Group meeting notices will be generated and sent out by email one (1)
week in advance of the actual meeting. The RWMG will be copied on Working Group
meeting notices to ensure that the RWMG is abreast of the progression on the Plan and
the progress on issue areas. Interested Stakeholders will also be copied on RWMG
Working Group meetings. Meeting notices and agendas will be posted on the SLO
County website for public access.
2.3.2 Public Outreach for the 2019 IRWM Plan
Building off the successful public outreach efforts in creation of the 2014 IRWM Plan, District
staff and RWMG members continued to provide opportunities to the public and potential
stakeholders to learn more about and engage in the IRWM process. More recently, these
outreach efforts also included the Stormwater Resources Plan (SRP), which is also lead by the
District.
Outreach efforts for the plan update began in 2016 and included:
17 regular RWMG meetings*
5 RWMG Working Group meetings
10 Agency meeting presentations throughout the County*
1 Climate Change workshop*
3 sub-regional workshops*
1 Tribal Council Outreach meeting (see Section 2.3.4)
*denotes meeting was open to the public. Information provided at these meetings can be
found in Appendix C – Public Meetings and Workshops.
The highlight of these meetings is series of 8 IRWM Plan Update kick-off presentations that
informed the public of the purpose of IRWM, solicited feedback on potential projects, as well as
hear from the public on the water-related priorities for their communities.
2.3.3 Public Outreach to Disadvantaged Communities (DACs)
The IRWM Region has seven (7) identified DACs as follows:
Community of San Miguel Community of Oceano City of Grover Beach
Community of San Simeon City of San Luis Obispo Community of Shandon*
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Community of Santa Margarita*
All seven DACs are signatories to the MOU and are represented in the RWMG. The Cities of San
Luis Obispo and Grover Beach are RWMG members. The Communities of Oceano, San Simeon
and San Miguel are represented by their Community Services District (CSD). Lastly, The
Communities of Santa Margarita and Shandon are represented by the County of San Luis
Obispo. All public outreach and communication efforts include and support the involvement of
the SLO IRWM Region’s DACs. The abovementioned outreach efforts included specific meetings
targeted at San Simeon, Oceano, San Luis Obispo and Grover Beach.
The Proposition 1 Disadvantaged Communities Involvement Grant (DAC-Inv. Grant) was a key
opportunity to engage with 5 DACs in our area and meet immediate needs. Each DAC was
awarded funds to meet these critical needs. Shandon and Santa Margarita were identified as
DACs after the awards were made for the DAC-Inv. Grant. The community of Shandon,
represented by County Service Area (CSA) 23, completed an income survey in June 2019 that
showed an MHI below the 80% average of the State1. The Community of Santa Margarita was
identified as a DAC with the release of the 2012-2016 American Communities Survey (ACS) date
in 2018.
In addition to the DAC-Inv. Grant, these communities are involved with and regularly attend the
RWMG meetings. Specifically, San Simeon was represented in the RWMG Working Group that
met 3 times in April 2018 to implement the updated Project Review Process for this IRWM Plan
Update.
Lastly, outreach to and engage of DACs will continue beyond this Plan in development of the
County-wide Needs Assessment. This Needs Assessment is looking at “communities” beyond
the Census Designated Place boundaries to identify needs and capacities for portions of larger
communities that are disadvantaged, underserved or underrepresented. Upon its completion,
it will be added to this Plan as a reference and intended to be used in project development and
selection for future grants opportunities. The Needs Assessment will include in depth review of
these seven DACs as well as other potential DACs across the region.
2.3.4 Native American Tribes Outreach
While San Luis Obispo County does not contain any officially designated Tribal lands, local
groups are active in education, events, and protecting their culture.
In the course of the 2019 Plan update, two focused outreaches were made to local Tribal
groups.
1 The income survey is available on the County’s website.
http://www.slocounty.ca.gov/Departments/Public-Works/Committees-Programs/County-Service-
Areas/CSA-16-Shandon.aspx
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Early on in the update process on March 10, 2016, all local Tribal groups were contacted via
email. This email included information regarding IRWM, the 2014 IRWM Plan, Proposition 1
(2014) and an invitation to participate. This correspondence and responses are provided in
Appendix D – Native American Tribal Outreach.
Prior to the final push of the update, in April 2018, local Native American Tribes and any tribes
in surrounding counties that have members living in San Luis Obispo County were contacted via
mail, email, and telephone. A copy of these materials is provided Appendix D– Native
American Tribal Outreach.
These Native American Communities were asked to:
Identify if and how they would like to participate in the RWMG
Describe of the social and cultural makeup of their tribal community
Describe of critical water issues for their tribal community
Discuss any potential impacts or benefits to their community of implementing the
IRWM Plan.
Many Tribal communities did not respond or indicated that they would not participate in IRWM
in SLO County, citing not having any lands in the County to implement projects.
Responses regarding critical water issues were used in development of the project review
process. See Section 6 – Project Review Process for additional information.
2.3.5 IRWM Plan Update Administration
The District, as the Lead Agency, provides consultant contract administration and program
management, as well as overall grant contract administration. This includes issuing task orders
to consultants, acting as liaison to the State, reviewing consultant’s work, managing project
budget and schedule, and coordinating with agencies, neighboring IRWM regions, and other
stakeholders.
The District is the submitting agency for selected grant applications. Additionally, the District is
acting as fiduciary agent during IRWM Plan development, as well as acting as the Project
Proponent for the Proposition 1 Planning Grant awarded in 2017.
2.3.6 Public Information
The District staff coordinates and facilitates regional outreach and public relations functions.
Through this process, presentations and briefing materials are developed for use by RWMG
members at regularly scheduled stakeholder business meetings. The District periodically
provides public notice in local newspapers inviting all members of the public to attend outreach
meetings that are being held.
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A variety of media is used for the public outreach efforts to publicize the IRWM process and
encourage participation, including the development of the IRWM Plan website. The website2 is
maintained by the District and used to publish meeting announcements and notes,
presentations, briefings, and draft and final technical work products, including the draft and
final IRWM Plan. Contact information is posted on the website, so the public may contact with
comments, questions, and concerns.
Brochures and documents used to raise awareness are prepared intermittently (e.g., to address
frequently asked questions, to provide a status report). The RWMG members are encouraged
to use their agencies’ newsletters to publicize the IRWM activities and IRWM Plan development.
2.3.7 RWMG Meetings
In an effort to provide opportunities for all stakeholders to give input to the IRWM Plan Update,
all RWMG meetings and Sub-Region Workshops are open to the public. Interested members of
the public have provided input throughout the IRWM Plan process at these public forums, and
through written comments to District (acting as Lead Agency) staff and/or to the RWMG.
Members of the public routinely attend RWMG meetings and ask questions to stay informed
about the options and opportunities available to their communities.
All are welcome and encouraged to participate in IRWM in San Luis Obispo County.
2.4 STAKEHOLDER AND RESOURCE INTEGRATION
As an integrated regional plan, the word “integrated” describes the IRWM Region Stakeholder’s
efficient use of local resources through collaborative and coordinated efforts and shared
resources. As a “regional integrated” plan, as opposed to individual local efforts, many more
strategic options become available to solve water resource management issues. Multi-agency
regional projects can serve multiple communities more efficiently, at a lower cost (i.e.
economies of scale) and can achieve broader public support than can be achieved through
smaller, localized efforts. Access to technical support and sources of funding from federal and
state agencies is more effective using a regional plan supported by a regional partnership of
local agencies
The IRWMP process, and specifically the RWMG and WRAC, provides a forum for sharing
experience, insights, and knowledge among agencies and for developing solutions that can be
effectively implemented at a regional and inter-regional scale. Regional integrated planning is
advantageous for issues that span the region and cross jurisdictional boundaries within and
outside the IRWM planning region.
There are many issues in the watershed that can only be effectively addressed through a
coordinated regional planning approach. For example, an effective flood management solution
2 http://www.slocounty.ca.gov/irwm
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requires consideration of activities by multiple agencies in both the upper and lower portions of
the river. Addressing water quality issues such as TMDLs involves concerted efforts to control
point source and non-point source pollution by agencies, cities, and counties. Surface water
reservoirs can be operated to achieve maximum benefit only by understanding the needs and
considerations of all downstream users.
There are also many water management related contrasts that exist between different areas of
the region. This presents opportunities for regional planning to integrate efforts and utilize the
attributes of one area to address deficiencies existing in another. Finally, an integrated regional
planning process allows agencies planning single purpose projects to work together and
combine efforts to develop multi-objective solutions, or to examine projects for potential
enhancements that can address additional issues simultaneously within one project.
Examples include tying two similar projects or programs together making larger, more robust
projects or programs for the region, and gaining the needed recognition by county, state and
federal agencies.
Thus far, the IRWMP process has identified high priority projects, considered them in the
context of regional objectives, and assembled them into Project Elements that are
representative of a synergistic approach. Relationships and connections between stakeholders
that were not apparent previously, are enabled through the regional planning process by
aligning the Project Elements and looking for similarities. From a coordination standpoint, the
IRWMP process builds relationships and understandings that will be invaluable for working out
future issues. These Project Elements are described and listed in Section 5 – Resource
Management Strategies.
2.5 PLAN IMPLEMENTATION
2.5.1 Long-term Implementation
As directed by the Board of Supervisors, the governing body of the District, the Lead Agency,
District staff is to prioritize implementing IRWM. This functionally means staff are to prioritize
facilitating this Plan, the RWMG, grant opportunities, maintaining eligibility and compliance with
program guidelines, etc. The resolution from the Board of Supervisors prioritizing IRWM can be
found on the County’s website.3
Beyond the District, each member agency/organization, interested stakeholder, Native
American Tribe, and member of the public carry a shared responsibility of implementing the
plan. These activities include attending meetings, providing feedback at decision points,
participating in RWMG Working Groups, submitting projects, etc.
3 https://agenda.slocounty.ca.gov/IIP/sanluisobispo/agendaitem/details/6595
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Detailed approaches to performance monitoring of this Plan can be found in Section 8 – Plan
Performance and Monitoring.
Tasks to be undertaken during the implementation of the 2019 IRWM Plan include:
(note: * denotes an activity that triggers a re-adoption)
Modifying / Updating Goals, Objectives and/or Governance*
Evaluate updates to the State list of RMS for inclusion into the San Luis Obispo Region’s
IRWM Plan
Update Supply and Demand projections and methodologies of the 2012 Master Water
Report
Maintain and update the Full Project List
Explore stakeholder, project and resource integration opportunities
Respond to DWR, SCRWB and other Funding Opportunities
Maintain and update the impacts and benefits as individual projects are developed and
implemented
Produce an IRWM Monitoring Report
Maintain database of local planning documents (i.e. 2020 UWMPs when required)
Update Stakeholder involvement surveys
Maintain the finance opportunities list for members and interested stakeholders
Respond to update State guidelines for IRWM planning and implementation*
Conduct annual review of climate change prioritized vulnerabilities per Section 14.10
As denoted above, certain implementation activities may trigger a re-adoption of the plan by
RWMG members. These activities are updating the plan in response to State guidelines and
changing the IRWM Plan goals, objectives and/or Governance.
2.5.2 Updating the IRWM Plan
An adaptive management process creates a balance between a stable plan that guides action,
and a flexible plan that allows for responding to changed circumstances. The approach to
updating and amending the IRWM Plan is intended to ensure its effective implementation over
time and to make the San Luis Obispo County IRWM Plan a living document.
Changes to regional and Sub-Region planning assumptions and priorities, to State and federal
legislative and/or policy, or climate conditions could create a need to update the list of projects
and programs. Areas of uncertainty that could drive a plan update include litigation, changes in
on-farm water use practices, State and federal coastal plans, and major changes in land use
that would have an effect on the Region’s water use. The process for making changes to the
IRWM Plan is intended to provide the flexibility to respond to changing conditions in the region.
Interim changes are defined as minor amendments to process, organization, or water
management. These changes might occur with some frequency and don’t require the update
and re-adoption of the IRWM Plan, or resubmittal to DWR. Interim changes include, but may not
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May 2020 2-19
be limited to, updates to data and maintaining the Full Project List. See Section 6.2 for more
information about the Full Project List.
As described in Section 1 – Introduction and this section of the IRWM Plan, the RWMG is the
lead decision making body with representation from each of the stakeholder interests and local
agencies for the development and implementation of the IRWM Plan. Once an
agency/stakeholder adopts the IRWM Plan, it accepts responsibilities to participate in the
implementation of the IRWM Plan. Thus, while, the IRWM Plan will be a living document that will
change over time, an agency that adopts the IRWM Plan agrees to continue building common
ground and collaborating to implement the IRWM Plan.
The update frequency of the IRWM Plan for re-adoption by the region’s stakeholders is planned
to be every five years. The intervening time in between each update is spent on a myriad of
tasks to ensure compliance with the IRWM Plan requirements, assuming a funding source is
available to support this effort. Timing of the various events shown in the figure coincides with
probable funding opportunities and to, more or less, even the workload and effort so as to be
manageable by one to two full time equivalents at the Associate Engineer/Principal Technician
Level by the District. Outreach efforts during the intervening years should strive to keep the
IRWM Plan and related activities fresh in the minds of Sub-Region stakeholders (i.e., update
Sub-Region Priorities), DACs, and project sponsors.
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3 TABLE OF CONTENTS
List of Tables ........................................................................................................................................ 3-iii
List of Maps .......................................................................................................................................... 3-iv
3 Region Description ....................................................................................................................... 3-1
3.1 Organization of Section ....................................................................................................... 3-1
3.2 Regional Planning Area ....................................................................................................... 3-2
3.3 Sub-Regional Planning Areas .............................................................................................. 3-3
3.3.1 North Coast Sub-Region .............................................................................................. 3-3
3.3.2 South County Sub-Region ........................................................................................... 3-4
3.3.3 North County Sub-Region ........................................................................................... 3-4
3.4 Water Planning Areas .......................................................................................................... 3-4
3.4.1 WPA 1 - San Simeon/Cambria ..................................................................................... 3-6
3.4.2 WPA 2 - Cayucos/Morro Bay/Los Osos ...................................................................... 3-8
3.4.3 WPA 3 - San Luis Obispo/South County ................................................................... 3-10
3.4.4 WPA 4 - Cuyama River ............................................................................................... 3-12
3.4.5 WPA 5 – North County ............................................................................................... 3-12
3.4.6 WPA 6 – Carrizo Plain ................................................................................................. 3-15
3.5 Groundwater Basins .......................................................................................................... 3-16
3.5.1 Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) ............................................. 3-17
3.6 Wastewater Service Areas ................................................................................................. 3-18
3.7 Flood Control Districts ....................................................................................................... 3-19
3.8 Land Use Agencies ............................................................................................................. 3-20
3.9 Major Infrastructure .......................................................................................................... 3-21
3.9.1 Nacimiento Water Project ......................................................................................... 3-21
3.9.2 Whale Rock Reservoir ................................................................................................ 3-22
3.9.3 Lopez Lake/Reservoir ................................................................................................. 3-23
3.9.4 Santa Margarita Lake/Salinas Reservoir .................................................................. 3-23
3.9.5 Chorro Reservoir ........................................................................................................ 3-24
3.9.6 State Water Project Facilities ..................................................................................... 3-24
3.9.7 Reducing Reliance on the Delta ................................................................................ 3-26
3.9.8 Desalination Projects ................................................................................................. 3-26
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3.10 Watersheds ......................................................................................................................... 3-27
3.10.1 Watersheds in WPA 1 – San Simeon / Cambria ...................................................... 3-29
3.10.2 Watersheds in WPA 2 – Cayucos / Morro Bay / Los Osos ...................................... 3-31
3.10.3 Watersheds in WPA 3 – San Luis Obispo / South County ...................................... 3-33
3.10.4 Watersheds in WPA 4 – Cuyama River ..................................................................... 3-37
3.10.5 Watersheds in WPA 5 – North County ..................................................................... 3-40
3.10.6 Watersheds in WPA 6 – Carrizo Plain ....................................................................... 3-46
3.11 Regional Water Quality ...................................................................................................... 3-48
3.11.1 SWRCB Water Quality Evaluation ............................................................................. 3-48
3.11.2 IRWM Water Quality Analysis .................................................................................... 3-49
3.11.3 Nitrate.......................................................................................................................... 3-50
3.11.4 Arsenic ......................................................................................................................... 3-51
3.11.5 Perchlorate ................................................................................................................. 3-52
3.11.6 Hexavalent Chromium ............................................................................................... 3-53
3.11.7 Salt and Nutrient Management Planning Efforts .................................................... 3-53
3.12 Environmental Resources ................................................................................................. 3-54
3.13 Climate Change .................................................................................................................. 3-62
3.13.1 North Coast Sub Region ............................................................................................ 3-63
3.13.2 North County Sub Region .......................................................................................... 3-64
3.13.3 South County Sub Region .......................................................................................... 3-65
3.14 IRWM Plan Regional Issues and Conflicts ........................................................................ 3-66
3.14.1 North Coast Sub Region ............................................................................................ 3-66
3.14.2 North County Sub Region .......................................................................................... 3-67
3.14.3 South County Sub Regions ........................................................................................ 3-68
3.15 Disadvantaged Communities ........................................................................................... 3-69
3.16 Tribal History ...................................................................................................................... 3-70
3.16.1 Salinan Tribe of Monterey and San Luis Obispo ..................................................... 3-74
3.16.2 Northern Chumash Tribe of San Luis Obispo ......................................................... 3-74
3.17 References .......................................................................................................................... 3-75
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LIST OF TABLES
Table 3-1: San Luis Obispo County IRWM Region – Water Planning Areas .................................. 3-4
Table 3-2: Groundwater Basins and Sub-Basins within the IRWM Region ................................. 3-16
Table 3-3: Wastewater Service Areas by WPA ................................................................................ 3-18
Table 3-4: Summary of Land Use Agency Participation in WRAC and RWMG within the IRWM
Region ................................................................................................................................................. 3-20
Table 3-5: Nacimiento Water Project Entitlement Contract Values, 2018-2019 Water Year .... 3-21
Table 3-6: Whale Rock Reservoir Allocations ................................................................................. 3-22
Table 3-7: Whale Rock Downstream Entitlements ........................................................................ 3-22
Table 3-8: Lopez Lake Allocations ................................................................................................... 3-23
Table 3-9: Sub-contractor Water Service Amounts and Drought Buffer, by turnout, in San Luis
Obispo County ................................................................................................................................... 3-25
Table 3-10: Watershed Area Names, Numbers by WPA ............................................................... 3-28
Table 3-11: USGS Hydraulic Unit 12 (HU-12) Watershed Designations for WPA 1 – San
Simeon/Cambria ................................................................................................................................ 3-29
Table 3-12: USGS Hydraulic Unit 12 (HU-12) Watershed Designations for WPA 2 –
Cayucos/Morro Bay/Los Osos .......................................................................................................... 3-31
Table 3-13: USGS Hydraulic Unit 12 (HU-12) Watershed Designations for WPA 3 – San Luis
Obispo/South County ........................................................................................................................ 3-33
Table 3-14: USGS Hydraulic Unit 12 (HU-12) Watershed Designations for WPA 4 – Cuyama River
............................................................................................................................................................. 3-37
Table 3-15: USGS Hydraulic Unit 12 (HU-12) Watershed Designations for WPA 5 – North County.
............................................................................................................................................................. 3-40
Table 3-16: USGS Hydraulic Unit 12 (HU-12) Watershed Designations for WPA 6 – Carrizo Plain
............................................................................................................................................. 3-46
Table 3-17: Summary of Active Community Water System Wells Sampled for Nitrate, Arsenic,
Perchlorate and Hexavalent Chromium between 2007 and 2017 ............................................... 3-49
Table 3-18: Summary of Contaminated, Groundwater-Reliant Community Water Systems from
2007 to 2017 ...................................................................................................................................... 3-50
Table 3-19: Active Community Water Systems Impacted by Nitrate (NO3-) ................................ 3-50
Table 3-20: Active Community Water Systems Impacted by Arsenic (As) ................................... 3-51
Table 3-21: Active Community Water Systems Impacted by Hexavalent Chromium (Cr+6) ...... 3-53
Table 3-22: Environmental Resources Throughout the IRWM Region ........................................ 3-54
Table 3-23: Disadvantaged Communities and Suspected Disadvantaged Communities /
Economically Distressed Areas. ....................................................................................................... 3-69
Table 3-24: San Luis Obispo County Historical Timeline and Images from the Past ................. 3-71
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LIST OF MAPS
Maps are located at the end of the section.
Map 3-1: Central Coast Funding Area and Neighboring IRWM Regions
Map 3-2: Bulletin 118 Groundwater Basins
Map 3-3: Water Planning Index Map
Map 3-4: Water Planning Area 1: San Simeon / Cambria
Map 3-5: Water Planning Area 2: Cayucos / Morro Bay / Los Osos
Map 3-6: Water Planning Area 3: San Luis Obispo / South County
Map 3-7: Water Planning Area 4: Cuyama River
Map 3-8: Water Planning Area 5: North County
Map 3-9: Water Planning Area 5: North County (enlarged)
Map 3-10: Water Planning Area 6: Carrizo Plain
Map 3-11: Land Use Agencies and Planning Areas
Map 3-12: Watersheds
Map 3-13: Major Water Conveyance and Storage
Map 3-14: San Luis Obispo County Reservoirs
Map 3-15: Disadvantaged Communities
Map 3-16: Population Density by Census Block
Map 3-17: Irrigated Agriculture Areas
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3 REGION DESCRIPTION
This section describes the region description for the development and implementation of the
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management (IRWM) Plan.
3.1 ORGANIZATION OF SECTION
The 2016 State Guidelines for this section include the following elements:
IRWM Plan Standard from November 2016 IRWM Guidelines (pg. 38):
An IRWM Plan must include a description of the region being managed by the RWMG. This description
should include a comprehensive inclusion of the following:
A description of the watersheds and the water systems, natural and anthropogenic (i.e. “man-
made”), including major water related infrastructure, flood management infrastructure, and
major land-use divisions. Also include a description of the quality and quantity of water resources
within the region (i.e. surface waters, groundwater, reclaimed water, imported water, and desalinated
water). As relevant, describe areas and species of special biological significance and other
sensitive habitats, such as marine protected areas and impaired water bodies within the region.
A description of internal boundaries within the region including the boundaries of municipalities,
service areas of individual water, wastewater, flood control districts, and land use agencies. The
description should also include those not involved in the Plan (i.e. groundwater basin boundaries,
watershed boundaries, county, State, and international boundaries).
A description of water supplies and demands for a minimum 20-year planning horizon. Include a
discussion of important ecological processes and environmental resources within the regional
boundaries and the associated water demands to support environmental needs. This includes a
description of the potential effects of climate change on the region.
A descriptive comparison of current and future (or proposed) water quality conditions in the
region. Describe any water quality protection and improvement needs or requirements within the area
of the Plan. If the IRWM Region has areas of nitrate, arsenic, perchlorate, or hexavalent chromium
contamination, the plan must include a description of location, extent, and impacts of the
contamination; actions undertaken to address the contamination, and a description of any additional
actions needed to address the contamination (Water Code §10541.(e)(14)).
A description of the social and cultural makeup of the regional community. Identify important
cultural or social values. Identify DACs in the management area. Describe economic conditions and
important economic trends within the region. Describe efforts to effectively involve and collaborate
with Tribal government representatives to better sustain Tribal and regional water and natural
resources (if applicable).
A description of major water related objectives and conflicts in the defined management region,
including clear identification of problems within the region that lead to the development of the
objectives, implementation strategies, and implementation projects intended to provide resolution.
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An explanation of how the IRWM regional boundary was determined and why the region is an
appropriate area for IRWM planning.
Identification of neighboring and/or overlapping IRWM efforts (if any) and an explanation of the
planned/working relationship that promotes cooperation and coordination between regions
For IRWM regions that receive water supplied from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, an explanation
of how plan will help reduce dependence on the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta for water supply
(SB 855 (Committee on Budgets), Section 31.(c)(1)).
In an effort to fully address each of the State Guideline requirements and maintain a concise
amount of section content, thereby minimizing the number of pages, the section relies heavily
on providing data in a tabular format; in most cases, a table is used to summarize more
detailed information located in the IRWM Plan’s Appendices. The following appendices support
this section:
Appendix E – Supply and Demand
Appendix G – Detailed Description of Groundwater Basins
Appendix H – San Luis Obispo County Watershed Management Planning Project Report
Section 3 is organized to assist in the understanding for splitting the IRWM Region up into
three Sub-Regions, 6 Water Planning Areas (WPAs), and 25 watersheds. Completion of the San
Luis Obispo County Watershed Management Planning Project Report (Coastal San Luis RCD 2014 &
Upper Salinas-Las Tablas RCD, January 2014), included as Appendix H, provides the first phase
of describing the region at the watershed level. The next phase improves this description by
populating areas identified in the report as prioritized data gaps. For purposes of the IRWM
Plan Update, the WPAs are still the primary boundaries for purposes of water supply planning
and summarizing water supplies and demands; whereas, watershed-level descriptive
information is provided in Section 3.10 with reference to Appendix H if additional details are
needed.
3.2 REGIONAL PLANNING AREA
The San Luis Obispo County IRWM Region is co-terminus with the boundaries of both the
County of San Luis Obispo (County) and the San Luis Obispo County Flood Control and Water
Conservation District (District) as shown on. The Region encompasses a total area of 3,304
square miles and is located within the Central Coast Hydrologic Region as shown on Map 3-1.
The Region’s geographic features and composition are appropriate for integrated regional
water management planning and generally contain the same physical, political, environmental,
social, and economic boundaries needed to facilitate active stakeholder involvement at the
local and regional levels. Communities can better balance economic well-being, social equity,
and environmental protection needs by linking water resources management to land use
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planning. The Region’s boundary effectively links land use and water management planning
efforts within the context of local shared values and sense of place.
Using the County/District boundary to define the IRWM Region boundary enables the local
agencies, communities, and stakeholders to use existing infrastructure, management systems,
funding mechanisms, partnerships, and planning documents as a scaffold upon which to build
the IRWM Plan.
Water management agencies and other stakeholders within the county participate on the
Water Resources Advisory Committee (WRAC) and other local advisory committees that ensure
broad coordination for all aspects of water resources management. These efforts have resulted
in overall efficiencies in integrating strategies at local, sub-regional, regional, and interregional
levels and among participating agencies and organizations across a variety of management
authorities, interests, and concerns.
3.3 SUB-REGIONAL PLANNING AREAS
The Region was divided into three sub-regions to facilitate collaboration among stakeholders
for integrated regional water management planning efforts:
North Coast Sub-Region
South County Sub-Region
North County Sub-Region
Sub-regions generally share climatic features as well as common watershed and groundwater
basin characteristics that facilitates water resources management. Major water infrastructure
projects, such as the Nacimiento Water Pipeline (North County) and the State Water Coastal
Branch and Lopez Reservoir systems (South County), generally benefit communities at a sub-
regional level.
Sub-regional planning provides an opportunity for stakeholders with agricultural,
environmental and development interests to address their unique water management
challenges. Project sponsors are encouraged to shape their programs and projects to meet
both sub-regional priorities and regional objectives.
3.3.1 North Coast Sub-Region
The North Coast Sub-Region spans along the coast from the San Luis Obispo/Monterey County
line southward to the community of Los Osos, bounded to the west by the Pacific Ocean, and to
the east by the crest of the Santa Lucia Range. Urban areas include, but are not limited to, San
Simeon, Cambria, Cayucos, Morro Bay, and Los Osos.
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3.3.2 South County Sub-Region
The South County Sub-Region spans from the City of San Luis Obispo south to the San Luis
Obispo/Santa Barbara County line, east to the Cuyama valley, and west to the community of
Avila Beach. Urban areas include, but are not limited to, San Luis Obispo, Avila Beach, Pismo
Beach, Arroyo Grande, Grover Beach, Oceano, and Nipomo.
3.3.3 North County Sub-Region
The North County Sub-Region spans from the inland San Luis Obispo/Monterey County line
southward, bounded to the east by Kern and Fresno Counties and to the west and south, in
part, by the Santa Lucia range. Urban areas include, but are not limited to, Paso Robles,
Templeton, Atascadero, Santa Margarita, San Miguel, Heritage Ranch, Creston, and Shandon.
3.4 WATER PLANNING AREAS
The Region was subdivided into six Water Planning Areas (WPA) to organization water resource
management data collection, analysis, and reporting. The 2018 IRWM Plan WPAs were
redefined as six areas compared to the sixteen areas defined in the 2014 IRWM Plan and 2012
Master Water Report.
Delineation of the WPAs considered the following information:
Watershed boundaries
Groundwater basin boundaries
Water supply systems
Urban growth boundaries
Water supplies and management practices
The sub-regions, WPAs, watersheds, groundwater basins, communities, places of interests, and
water suppliers within the IRWM region are summarized in Table 3-1 and depicted in Map 3-3.
Table 3-1: San Luis Obispo County IRWM Region – Water Planning Areas
Watersheds Groundwater Basins Communities &
Places of Interest
NORTH COAST SUB-REGION
WPA 1 - San Simeon/Cambria
San Carpoforo Creek
San Simeon Area
Santa Rosa Creek Area
San Carpoforo Valley
Arroyo De La Cruz Valley
Pico Creek Valley
San Simeon Valley
Santa Rosa Valley
Villa Valley
San Simeon
Cambria
Hearst Ranch
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Watersheds Groundwater Basins Communities &
Places of Interest
WPA 2 - Cayucos/Morro Bay/Los Osos
Cayucos Creek – Whale
Rock Area
Morro Bay
Coastal Irish Hills
Cayucos Valley
Old Valley
Toro Valley
Morro Valley
Chorro Valley
Los Osos Valley
Cayucos
Morro Bay
Los Osos
California Men’s Colony
Camp San Luis Obispo
(National Guard)
County Office of
Education
County Operational
Center
Morro Bay Estuary
SOUTH COUNTY SUB-REGION
WPA 3 - San Luis Obispo/South County
San Luis Obispo Creek
Pismo Creek
Arroyo Grande Creek
Oso Flaco – Black Lake
Area
Nipomo Creek – Santa
Maria River Area
San Luis Obispo Valley
Santa Maria River Valley
San Luis Obispo
California Polytechnic
State University
Port San Luis Harbor
District
Edna
Los Ranchos
Avila Beach
Pismo Beach
Arroyo Grande
Grover Beach
Oceano
Nipomo
Black Lake
Callender-Garrett
Los Berros
Woodlands
Palo Mesa
WPA 4 - Cuyama River
Alamo Creek
Huasna River
Cuyama River
Huasna Valley
Cuyama Valley Basin
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Watersheds Groundwater Basins Communities &
Places of Interest
NORTH COUNTY SUB-REGION
WPA 5 – North County
Upper San Juan Creek
Lower San Juan Creek
Cholame Creek
Estrella River
Upper Salinas River –
Santa Margarita Area
Mid Salinas River –
Atascadero Area
Huer Huero Creek
Lower Salinas River –
Paso Robles Area
Nacimiento Area
Paso Robles
Paso Robles
Atascadero
Rafael Valley
Big Spring Area
Pozo Valley
Rinconada Valley
Cholame Valley
Paso Robles
Camp Roberts
Templeton
Atascadero
Garden Farms
Santa Margarita
Pozo
Creston
Whitley Gardens
Lake Nacimiento
San Miguel
Shandon
Heritage Ranch
Oak Shores
Cholame
WPA 6 – Carrizo Plain
Soda Lake
Black Sulphur Spring
Carrizo Plain California Valley
3.4.1 WPA 1 - San Simeon/Cambria
WPA 1 – San Simeon/Cambria encompasses the communities of San Simeon and Cambria,
Hearst Ranch, agricultural, and other rural overlying users in the northern area of the North
Coast Sub-Region. See Map 3-4. The primary groundwater supplies include the San Carpoforo,
Arroyo De La Cruz, Pico Creek Valley, San Simeon, Santa Rosa, and Villa Valley Groundwater
Basins.
Primary water issues include seawater intrusion and tidal influences affecting water quality,
drought impacts to groundwater supplies, and limited groundwater basin yield.
Community of San Simeon
The unincorporated community of San Simeon is located along Highway 1, north of Cambria.
San Simeon Community Services District (CSD) serves an area of about 100 acres, which
includes approximately 320 residential dwelling units and over twice that number of
hotel/motel units. Though the permanent residential population is estimated at 247, the tourist
population can outnumber locals and varies with the season.
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San Simeon meets the definition as Severely Disadvantaged Community (SDAC), which is a
community with a medium household income (MHI) less than 60 percent of the statewide
average (Public Resource Code Section 75005(g)). San Simeon has an annual MHI of $33,889
based on the US Census American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Data (2010-2014). The
statewide annual MHI is $61,489 and the calculated DAC and SDAC thresholds are $49,191 and
$36,893, respectively.
Motel rooms, restaurants, and other tourist facilities are a major component in the San Simeon
CSD water and sewer usage. According to the Draft Community Plan, there were 706 existing
hotel/motel units (rooms) in the District service area. The tourist population varies with the
season. The majority of jobs for local residents are in the hotel/motel and service industries.
The build-out population is projected to reach 740 residents. The build-out population is the
upper range from the San Simeon Community Plan, which assumes 530 dwelling units (DU) and
1.4 persons per DU. The commercial/retail sector constitutes over 70% of the annual demand.
Build-out water demand is based on 3,426 gpd/acre for the non-residential sector and 72
gallons per capita per day (gpcd) consumption for residents.
Hearst Ranch
In 2005, the Hearst Corporation created a conservation easement over their lands just north of
the community of San Simeon, ensuring that San Simeon’s 82,000 acres Hearst Ranch remains
a family cattle ranch in perpetuity and largely undeveloped. They also donated thirteen miles of
pristine coastline to the people of California, protecting the shoreline from commercial
development. Hearst Ranch also includes the well-known Hearst Castle State Park. Their water
use is primarily related to the State’s maintenance and operations of Hearst Castle and on-site
ranching activities. Historically, Hearst Ranch has also accessed natural spring water sources
northeast of the castle’s location.
Community of Cambria
Cambria is an unincorporated town bisected by Highway 1. The Cambria Community Services
District (CSD) provides water and wastewater services to an area of about 4 square miles,
including approximately 3900 residential dwelling units and many hotels and other visitor
serving businesses. Cambria CSD also provides water and wastewater services to the San
Simeon State Park Campground. Tourism is a major contributor to the economy and tends
have a greater impact during the summer.
The areas surrounding the Cambria CSD services area are devoted to agricultural uses,
primarily grazing. Cambria’s existing population is 6,284 residents and the build-out population
ranges between 8,257 and 13,547 depending on assumptions.
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3.4.2 WPA 2 - Cayucos/Morro Bay/Los Osos
The Cayucos/Morro Bay/Los Osos WPA encompasses the City of Morro Bay, communities of
Cayucos, Los Osos, Chorro Valley Water System, agricultural, and other rural overlying users.
See Map 3-5.
Community of Cayucos
Cayucos is a small oceanfront community with a mixture of vacation homes and full-time
residences. A commercial sector serves both the residential and tourist population. The
Cayucos Area Water Organization (CAWO) members include the Morro Rock Mutual Water
Company, Cayucos Beach Mutual Water Company, County Service Area 10/10A, and the
Cayucos Cemetery District. CAWO members receive potable water predominantly from Whale
Rock Reservoir.
The primary groundwater supplies include the Cayucos, Old and Toro Valley Groundwater
Basins. CAWO members receive potable water predominantly from Whale Rock Reservoir. The
issues in this WPA include drought impacts to groundwater supplies and limited groundwater
basin yield.
Wastewater service is provided by the Cayucos Sanitary District.
City of Morro Bay
The only groundwater supplies include the Morro and Chorro Valley Groundwater Basins.
Other major supply sources include the State Water Project, ocean water desalination (City of
Morro Bay), Whale Rock Reservoir, Chorro Reservoir, and future recycled water from the Morro
Bay wastewater treatment plant.
The issues in this WPA include drought impacts to groundwater supplies and groundwater
quality due to high nitrates stemming from private septic systems and salinity intrusion, and
availability/reliability of State Water from year to year.
The City of Morro Bay provides water service to over 5,500 connections, including over 10,000
residents, businesses, industrial facilities, and public facilities. The population estimate in 2005
was 10,270 according to the 2005 Urban Water Management Plan (2005 UWMP). Its coastal
location attracts a large number of tourists during the summer and on weekends. The motels,
hotels, restaurants, State Parks, and other facilities serving the tourist population add a
significant water demand to the local population living primarily in single-family residences. The
2005 UWMP assumed a build-out population of 12,900, estimated to be achieved in 2028.
Chorro Valley Water System
The Chorro Valley Water System includes:
California Men’s Colony
Cuesta College
Camp San Luis Obispo (National Guard)
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May 2020 3-9
County Office of Education
County Operations Center
The California Men's Colony is a medium-security prison north of Highway 1. Including both the
East and West Facilities, the total current inmate capacity of the prison is 6,452 persons. Total
staff is about 1,700. Significant expansion of the prison is not anticipated.
The Cuesta College campus on Highway 1 provides community college services and associate of
arts degrees. Enrollment in 1994 was 7,880 students. Additional campuses of the college are
planned, one in the northern and one in the southern areas of the county.
Camp San Luis Obispo (National Guard) provides operational, training and logistical support to
a wide variety of civilian and military agencies at federal, state and local levels. These agencies
include: 1) the United States Property and Fiscal Office, 2) the California Army and National
Guard, 3) the United States Army reserve, 4) the United States Coast Guard Reserve, 5) the
California Conservation Corps, 6) the California Specialized Training Institute, 7) Cuesta
Community College, and 8) Caltrans. Units of the National Guard, Army Reserve and Active
Army occupy facilities at Camp San Luis Obispo for two- to three-week periods of training duty,
primarily during the summer months. In the past, the camp has also provided temporary
housing and an operational base for firefighting crews during a major wildfire - the Las Pilitas
fire. Facilities at the site include training fields, offices, barracks, and a heliport.
The San Luis Obispo County Office of Education has its administrative office across Highway 1
from the westerly entrance to Cuesta College. The narrow watershed of Pennington Creek
contains intensive development near Highway 1 and more extensive outdoor-related
educational activities upstream.
The San Luis Obispo County Operational Center is adjacent to Camp San Luis Obispo. Existing
and proposed facilities include: sheriff and county jail complex (including the honor farm),
sheriff's pistol range, emergency operations center, storage and maintenance areas for county
departments, environmental garage, vehicle maintenance, fuel facility, road yard, animal
control center, and a juvenile services center
Community of Los Osos
The Los Osos area includes the community of Los Osos, agricultural and other rural overlying
users. The primary groundwater supply is the Los Osos Valley Groundwater Basin. The issues in
this WPA include drought impacts to groundwater supplies, groundwater quality and
documented seawater intrusion.
The unincorporated community of Los Osos is just south of the City of Morro Bay. Los Osos is
bordered on the northwest by the Morro Bay Estuary and Morro Bay State Park; to the east by
Los Osos Creek and its riparian corridor; and to the south and southwest by the Irish Hills and
Montana de Oro State Park. The Los Osos Valley lies to the east of the community.
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May 2020 3-10
The community of Los Osos has been subject to a building moratorium since 1988, which has
resulted in only limited entitled development since that time. Upon completion of the
wastewater project by the County, the moratorium may be lifted (subject to availability of other
resource issues such as water supply and habitat conservation).
3.4.3 WPA 3 - San Luis Obispo/South County
The San Luis Obispo/South County WPA encompasses the Cities of San Luis Obispo, Pismo
Beach, Arroyo Grande and Grover Beach, communities of Avila Beach, Oceano and Nipomo, Cal
Poly San Luis Obispo, Port San Luis Harbor, agricultural, and other rural overlying users. See
Map 3-6.
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
Cal Poly is located to the north of the City of San Luis Obispo. Cal Poly occupies 1,321 acres with
a campus core of 155 acres. The university also owns ranches and other outlying properties
comprising an additional 7,857 acres. Cal Poly’s population is last reported as:
Students: 21,812 (2018)
Faculty: 1,473 (2017)
Staff: 1,670 (2017)
Total: 24,955
Community of Avila Beach
The unincorporated community of Avila Beach includes an area bounded on the east by
Highway 101, the city of Pismo Beach on the south, the coastal zone on the west and the Irish
Hills to the north. It includes the Avila Valley area and most of the San Luis Bay Estates
residential development. Development in outlying portions of the urban area could lead to
substantial population increases that could alter the community character.
Port San Luis
The Port San Luis Harbor District (Harbor District or District) is the governing agency that
provides public services and improvements for the Port and regulates the various commercial
and recreational uses at the harbor. The Harbor District shares authority over land uses and
development under its ownership with two regulatory agencies: the County of San Luis Obispo
and the California Coastal Commission.
City of San Luis Obispo
The City of San Luis Obispo is located in a coastal valley approximately 10 miles inland from the
Pacific Ocean. Historically, the City of San Luis Obispo has been the sole water purveyor within
its limits. This allowed the city to maintain uniformity of water service and distribution
standards, and to be consistent in developing and implementing water policy. The City also
serves the County Regional Airport and Cal Poly. Since Cal Poly has its own allocation of water
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May 2020 3-11
from the Whale Rock Reservoir and has water resources that do not pass through the City’s
treatment plant, the University is discussed separately.
The City of San Luis Obispo has an existing (2010) population of 44,948 and a 1 percent
residential growth cap which assists in projecting future annual water needs. The current
General Plan estimates that the build-out population for the City will be approximately 57,200
people.
South Coast
The South Coast area includes Edna Valley (Golden State Water Company); the Northern Cities
Management Area (NCMA), which includes the Cities of Pismo Beach, Arroyo Grande, and
Grover Beach, Oceano Community Services District, agricultural and rural overlying users; the
Nipomo Mesa Management Area (NMMA), which includes the Golden State Water Company,
Nipomo Community Services District (NCSD), Rural Water Company, Woodlands Mutual Water
Company (Woodlands MWC), ConocoPhillips, agricultural and rural overlying users; the Santa
Maria Valley Management Area (SMVMA), which includes the City of Santa Maria, agricultural,
and rural users; and agricultural and rural users outside of the three management areas.
The primary groundwater supplies include the Edna, Pismo Creek, and Arroyo Grande Valley
Sub-basins, the Santa Maria Valley Groundwater Basin, and the Pismo Formation. Other major
supply sources include the State Water Project, Lopez Lake Reservoir, and recycled water from
the City of Pismo Beach Wastewater Treatment Plant. The issues in this WPA include
adjudicated groundwater basins, limited groundwater supply, and to some extent groundwater
quality.
Community of Nipomo
The town of Nipomo is an unincorporated area located in southern San Luis Obispo County.
Community of Oceano
The community of Oceano is located immediately south of Grover Beach and Arroyo Grande
and is about 1,150 acres. Oceano includes residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, and
public facility land uses. Existing population (as of July 2009) is estimated at 8,137 and the
forecast population is estimated at 12,855.
The unincorporated community of Oceano qualifies under the State’s definition as a
disadvantaged community. The Oceano Community Services District, with funding provided by
the State Water Resources Control Board’s Technical Assistance Program, completed an income
study in 2017 and found the MHI to be $39,000.
Palo Mesa Village
The Palo Mesa village reserve line encompasses approximately 918 acres on the northwest
corner of the Nipomo Mesa around the intersection of Halcyon Road and Highway 1.
City of Pismo Beach
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The City of Pismo Beach supplies its customers with domestic water service. The dominant
economic activity in Pismo Beach is tourism, and as a result, the population of Pismo Beach can
more than double during summer holidays. The 2010 population was 7,676 and the forecast
build-out population is 11,854.
City of Arroyo Grande
The City of Arroyo Grande supplies its customers with domestic water service. Arroyo Grande is
located in the southern portion of San Luis Obispo County along the banks of the Arroyo
Grande Creek. Land use is primarily residential and agriculture with a small commercial sector.
There are no agricultural or industrial water service connections. In 2010, the service
population was 16,901 and the forecast build-out population is 20,000.
City of Grover Beach
The City of Grover Beach supplies its customers with domestic water service. Grover Beach is
primarily a residential community, with a small commercial/industrial sector. Approximately 80
percent of the water consumers are residents. No agricultural consumers are served by the City
water system, though landscape irrigation consumes approximately 90 AFY. In 2010, the
population was 13,156. The build-out population is expected to reach 15,000.
3.4.4 WPA 4 - Cuyama River
WPA 4 includes the Huasna Valley and Cuyama Valley areas as shown in Map 3-7.
The Huasna Valley area includes agricultural and rural users only. There are no large population
centers with urban demands in this WPA. The primary groundwater supply is the Huasna Valley
Groundwater Basin. The issue in this WPA includes limited available data on the groundwater
supply’s safe yield.
The Cuyama Valley area includes agricultural and rural users, and some oil fields. There are no
large population centers with urban demands in this WPA. The primary groundwater supply is
the Cuyama Valley Groundwater Basin. Twenty-two percent of the groundwater basin is in San
Luis Obispo County, and the remainder of the basin resides in the counties of Santa Barbara,
Kern, and Ventura. There is no separate yield estimate for the San Luis Obispo County portion.
The primary issues in this WPA include critical overdraft of the groundwater basin and
degrading water quality.
3.4.5 WPA 5 – North County
WPA 5 includes what is collectively known as “North County”. This entire area drains to the
Salinas River, eventually flowing through Monterey County to the Pacific Ocean. Maps 3-8 and
3-9 depict this area.
Village of Pozo
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The village of Pozo consists of approximately 42 acres along Pozo Road in an agricultural area
originally known as San Jose Valley.
Community of Santa Margarita
Santa Margarita has a population of approximately 1,400 and covers an area of approximately
265 acres.
Santa Margarita Ranch
The Santa Margarita Ranch (Ranch) encompasses approximately 14,000 acres and is located
immediately east of U.S. Highway 101 and surrounds the community of Santa Margarita. The
land currently functions as ranch and vineyard with minimal residential water use.
Approximately 96 percent of the water is used by vineyards and other farm operations. An
Agricultural Residential Cluster Subdivision (ARCS) is proposed, including 3,778 acres near the
middle of the Ranch, southeast of the community of Santa Margarita. A Future Development
Program (FDP) is planned in various locations throughout the balance of the property. The
proposed ARCS includes 111 large-lot residential units and agricultural reserves. The FDP
covers a variety of development types, including 402 residences, a golf course, guest ranch,
wineries, and other commercial and recreational facilities.
Atascadero/Templeton
The Atascadero/Templeton area includes the Templeton Community Services District
(Templeton CSD), Atascadero Mutual Water Company, Garden Farms Community Water District,
agricultural, and rural users. The primary sources of water supply for this WPA are the
Atascadero Groundwater Sub-basin (Paso Robles Formation and Salinas River Underflow),
recycled water, and the Nacimiento Water Project. The issues in this WPA include limited basin
yield and State managed water rights to the Salinas River underflow (alluvial deposits
underlying the Salinas River).
Community of Templeton
Templeton is an unincorporated community located along Highway 101 between the City of
Paso Robles and City of Atascadero. Templeton consists of a mix of residential, commercial,
agriculture, and recreational areas. The Templeton area has a number of homes on larger lots,
and thus exhibits a relatively large per capita water demand as a result.
Community of Garden Farms
Garden Farms is a small residential community of 240 residents with 113 water service
connections. Besides two small commercial establishments, all connections are residential.
City of Atascadero
The City of Atascadero is located along Highway 101, between the City of Paso Robles and City
of San Luis Obispo. The City of Atascadero consists of a mix of residential, commercial,
agriculture, and recreational areas.
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Community of San Miguel
San Miguel grew from the founded Mission San Miguel Arcangel in 1797 to a small community
in 2010 of 698 households over a 1,705 square mile area. With a 2000 census population of
1,427, San Miguel experienced an annual average 6.4% growth rate to achieve a 2010
population of 2,336. Governance for the small community comes from the San Miguel
Community Services District (SMCSD) started by Gregory B. Campbell, a local resident.
The SMCSD is responsible for water, wastewater, fire protection, and street lighting to the
community of San Miguel. The majority of the District’s residents are low-income households,
as shown in Figure C-58, meeting the criteria for federal funding (CDBG, USDA, and others) as a
Disadvantaged Community (DAC) by having incomes of $42,176, well below the State’s DAC
threshold of $48,706.
Community of Shandon
Within the existing community of Shandon, build-out service is expected to reach up to 547
service connections. However, the Shandon Community Plan is being updated that could result
in a total of 2,200 residential connections and over 50 commercial and public authority service
connections. The projected population is approximately 8,125.
Village of Whitley Gardens
The village of Whitley Gardens is a suburban residential settlement located on a relatively flat
plain alongside Highway 46 adjacent to the Estrella River. Situated midway between Shandon
and Paso Robles, it occupies about 606 acres.
Village of Creston
Creston is a small community of a 2010 population of less than 100 and is located
approximately 12 miles east of Atascadero. Creston (named after Calvin J. Cressy) was founded
in 1884 on the Rancho Huerhuero Mexican land grant.
Camp Roberts
Camp Roberts is operated by the California Army National Guard and covers 42,784 acres.
Camp Roberts, located north of the community of San Miguel, is situated in both San Luis
Obispo and Monterey Counties. When fully mobilized, the base supports 8,500 people. In the
event of a nuclear disaster at Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant, Camp Roberts is an
evacuation and staging area for about 23,000 residents within San Luis Obispo County. Base
population can be a combination of on-base personnel and civilian personnel that do not live
on Base.
City of Paso Robles
The City of Paso Robles is located along Highway 101 in northern San Luis Obispo County. Paso
Robles is situated on the upper Salinas River. Paso Robles encompasses a total area of 11,985
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acres on both sides of the Salinas River. The City also is situated on the western margin of the
Paso Robles Groundwater Basin.
Paso Robles has a strong agricultural base and remains the major service center for ranching
and agriculture in the North County, particularly areas to the east along Highway 46. The City
proper is a mix of residential, commercial and industrial land uses, with significant areas
devoted to parks and open space. Paso Robles, with a 2005 population of 27,361, is a growing
community that could attain a population of 44,000 at build-out.
Cholame
The Cholame are includes agricultural and rural users only. There are no large population
centers with urban demands in this WPA. The primary groundwater supply is the Cholame
Valley Groundwater Basin. The issue in this WPA includes limited available data on the
groundwater quality and basin safe yield.
Nacimiento
The Nacimiento area includes Oak Shores, Heritage Ranch Community Services District,
agricultural, and rural users. The primary source of water supply for this area is Lake
Nacimiento.
Heritage Ranch
Heritage Ranch is an unincorporated community located on the east side of Lake Nacimiento,
approximately 15 miles northwest of the City of Paso Robles. Land use at Heritage Ranch
consists mostly of residential, recreational, and open space areas with some commercial and
public facility areas. A community that was originally started as a remote vacation destination
with the vast majority of part-time residents has now become a bedroom community to
neighboring cities with full-time residents.
Community of Oak Shores
The Community of Oak Shores is on the banks of Nacimiento Lake with a 2010 population of
337.
Rafael/Big Spring
The Rafael/Big Spring area includes agricultural and rural users only. There are no large
population centers with urban demands in this WPA. The primary groundwater supplies are the
Rafael and Big Spring Valley Groundwater Basins. The issue in this WPA includes limited
available data on the groundwater basin’s safe yield.
3.4.6 WPA 6 – Carrizo Plain
The Carrizo Plain area includes agricultural and rural users, and potentially future solar farms.
See Map 3-10. There are no large population centers with urban demands in this WPA. The
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primary groundwater supply is the Carrizo Plain Groundwater Basin. The primary issues in this
WPA include water quality and limited groundwater supply.
Community of California Valley
The California Valley village area is home to approximately 2,735 residents (2010) and is located
in the Carrizo planning area. It is an undeveloped village settlement encompassing 24,083 acres
located on the Carrizo Plain, about 60 miles east of San Luis Obispo. It came into being in 1960,
when part of the El Chicote Ranch was subdivided into more than 7,200, 2.5 acre "ranchos" and
sold through nationwide advertising as "the geographic center of this spectacular California
growth area with unbounded future." This proposed new town has never developed and each
year many of the subdivided parcels are sold at tax auctions.
3.5 GROUNDWATER BASINS
There are 22 groundwater basins and 3 sub-basins in the San Luis Obispo IRWM Region. See
Map 3-2 for a comprehensive view of both DWR-listed groundwater basins in relation to the
region at-large. This section condenses the highly detailed descriptions of the groundwater
resources based on the 2012 Master Water Report and 2014 Watershed Management Planning
Project Study (Watershed Snapshot Study).
Groundwater is essential to the region’s water supply portfolio. As shown in Map 3-2, the
largest urban areas all overly High priority or adjudicated groundwater basins.
Table 3-2 provides a list of the various groundwater basins and sub-basins within the IRWM
region and is organized based on Sub-Region and WPA. A thorough description of each basin
and sub-basin is included as Appendix G – Groundwater Basin Descriptions.
Additional information of the region’s geology can be found in Section 3.10 - Watersheds.
Table 3-2: Groundwater Basins and Sub-Basins within the IRWM Region
Sub-Region WPA Basin ID Bulletin 118 Groundwater
Basin Name
Prioritization
(2019)*
Subject to
Critical
Conditions of
Overdraft
(y/n)*
North
Coast
1
3-033 San Carpoforo Valley Very Low -
3-034 Arroyo De La Cruz Valley Very Low -
3-035 San Simeon Valley Very Low -
3-036 Santa Rosa Valley Very Low -
3-037 Villa Valley Very Low -
2
3-038 Cayucos Valley Very Low -
3-039 Old Valley Very Low -
3-040 Toro Valley Very Low -
3-041 Morro Valley Very Low -
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Sub-Region WPA Basin ID Bulletin 118 Groundwater
Basin Name
Prioritization
(2019)*
Subject to
Critical
Conditions of
Overdraft
(y/n)*
3-042 Chorro Valley Very Low -
3-008.01 Los Osos Valley - Los Osos
Area Very Low** Yes
3-008.02 Los Osos Valley - Warden
Creek Very Low -
South
County
3
3-009 San Luis Obispo Valley High -
3-012.01 Santa Maria River Valley -
Santa Maria Very Low** -
3-012.02 Santa Maria River Valley -
Arroyo Grande Very Low -
4 3-045 Huasna Valley Very Low -
3-013 Cuyama Valley High Yes
North
County
5
3-047 Big Spring Area Very Low -
3-046 Rafael Valley Very Low -
3-044 Pozo Valley Very Low -
3-043 Rinconada Valley Very Low -
3-004.06 Salinas Valley - Paso Robles
Area High Yes
3-004.11 Salinas Valley - Atascadero
Area Very Low -
3-005 Cholame Valley Very Low -
6 3-019 Carrizo Plain Very Low -
* Groundwater basins are identified (and as appropriate, designated as subject to critical conditions of overdraft) in
DWR’s Bulletin 118, Interim Update 2016 and prioritized in DWR’s release of the SGMA 2019 Basin Prioritization
Process and Results. https://water.ca.gov/Programs/Groundwater-Management/Basin-Prioritization
** denotes a basin under adjudication.
3.5.1 Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA)
The “Sustainable Groundwater Management Act” (SGMA) took effect on January 1, 2015. SGMA
provides for the preparation and implementation of Groundwater Sustainability Plans (GSP) for
High and Medium priority groundwater basins.
Implementation of SGMA is on-going. The Salinas Valley - Paso Robles Area GSAs have
completed and adopted their GSP. All other basins & GSAs are currently in the planning phase.
Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSA) have been formed throughout the County to first
create the GSPs and then to implement them. See Section 12.4.4 – Groundwater
Sustainability Plans (GSPs) for a detailed breakdown of GSA’s for the basins requiring GSPs.
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May 2020 3-18
Because this effort is on-going and GSPs are not yet complete, most SGMA-related information
is to-be-determined by GSPs and how they will be implemented. For most up-to-date
information regarding SGMA planning and implementation, see the County’s SGMA website:
http://www.slocounty.ca.gov/Departments/Public-Works/Committees-Programs/Sustainable-
Groundwater-Management-Act-(SGMA).aspx
3.6 WASTEWATER SERVICE AREAS
There are seven City Wastewater Service Areas, nine Community Service Districts (CSDs), six
Community Service Areas (CSAs) and two Sanitation Districts (SDs) that provide wastewater
service in the San Luis Obispo IRWM Plan. Table 3-3 below is a limited summary of the location
of these agencies relative to the WPAs.
Table 3-3: Wastewater Service Areas by WPA
Sub-Region WPA Wastewater Districts
North Coast
1 – San Simeon / Cambria San Simeon CSD
Cambria CSD
2 – Cayucos / Morro Bay /
Los Osos
CSA 10 Cayucos
Cayucos Sanitary District
City of Morro Bay
Los Osos CSD
South County
3 – San Luis Obispo /
South County
City of San Luis Obispo
Avila Beach CSD
CSA 18 Los Ranchos
City of Arroyo Grande
City of Pismo Beach
City of Grover Beach
Nipomo CSD
Oceano CSD
CSA 1 Nipomo
South County Sanitation District
4 - Cuyama River
North County 5 –North County
CSA 23 Santa Margarita
City of Atascadero
Templeton CSD
City of Paso Robles
San Miguel CSD
CSA 16 Shandon
Heritage Ranch CSD
CSA 7 Oak Shores
6 - Carrizo Plain
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3.7 FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICTS
The only Flood Control District in the Region is the San Luis Obispo Flood Control and Water
Conservation District. The District was established by the State Legislature in 1945 with the
passage of the "San Luis Obispo County Flood Control and Water Conservation District Act". The
District is governed by a Board of Supervisors; its boundaries are co-terminus with the County
of San Luis Obispo and its board members and staff are the same as those who act separately
on behalf of the County of San Luis Obispo. Pursuant to the 1945 legislation, the primary
services of the District include or cover:
1. Flood and storm waters
2. Conserving waters for beneficial purposes
3. Protecting life and property
4. Preventing waste or diminution of the water supply
5. Obtaining, retaining, and reclaiming waters for beneficial use, including the purchase
and sale of water within the district
6. Providing for incidental recreation activities
As the primary agency with responsibility for regional water planning and the implementation
of regional water supply projects, the District essentially acts in two capacities.
First, District and its Board of Supervisors functions as a regional water resource planning
agency to gather data, identify issues, coordinate stakeholder review, and make
recommendations on water resource solutions to the San Luis Obispo County Board of
Supervisors. Second, it implements specific projects and programs, typically on a sub-regional
basis, relating to the services identified above. The general regional data gathering, planning
and coordination efforts are funded by the District’s budget from its general property tax
allocations. The sub-regional projects, programs and services are typically funded by
participating agencies, organizations, and other parties benefiting from the services.
In addition to the preparation of this IRWM Plan and leading the RWMG, the District’s other
regional priorities include the following:
Groundwater recharge efforts
Regional environmental permitting
Hydrological data gap analysis – with special emphasis on environmental needs and
natural groundwater recharge areas
Flood management planning
Optimization of the Nacimiento Water Project
Digital and electronic conversion of historical hydrological data
Preliminary efforts on web-based data retrieval
Stakeholder efforts on Six-Community drainage study
Monthly Meetings with the Water Resources Advisory Committee to review and develop
recommendations on the items listed above, among others
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3.8 LAND USE AGENCIES
Land use agencies in the San Luis Obispo County Region include the County, 7 incorporated
cities and the US Forest Service. Coordination with these agencies, their planning efforts and
more is included in Section 12 – Relation to Local Water and Land Use Planning. See Map
3.11 for a depiction of the Land Use areas of the County.
Through participation and representation in the WRAC and RWMG, the land use agencies
interests are well represented in the IRWM planning process (see Table 3-4).
Table 3-4: Summary of Land Use Agency Participation in WRAC and RWMG within the IRWM Region
Land Use
Planning Area
Unincorporated
Communities and Cities
Land Use
Agency
WRAC
Participation
RWMG
Participation
North Coast San Simeon, Cambria SLO County
Nacimiento Nacimiento, Heritage Ranch,
Oak Shores SLO County
Adelaida Adelaida SLO County
Estero Cayucos, Morro Bay, Los
Osos, Baywood Park
SLO County
Morro Bay
Salinas River
Paso Robles, Atascadero,
Garden Farms, Templeton,
San Miguel, Santa Margarita
SLO County
Paso Robles
Atascadero
El Pomar/Estrella Creston, Linne SLO County
San Luis Bay
Coastal, Inland
North and Inland
South
Avila Beach, Pismo Beach,
Arroyo Grande, Grover
Beach, Oceano, Halcyon
SLO County
Pismo Beach
Arroyo
Grande
Grover Beach
San Luis Obispo
North and South
San Luis Obispo, Los
Ranchos, Edna Valley
SLO County
San Luis
Obispo
Las Pilitas Pozo SLO County
Los Padres North
and South Los Padres National Forest US Forest
Service
Carrizo and
Shandon/Carrizo
North and South
Shandon, Whitley Gardens,
Cholame, California Valley SLO County
Huasna – Lopez Huasna, Lopez Lake
Recreation Area SLO County
South County
Coastal and
Inland
Nipomo SLO County
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3.9 MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE
This section describes the major infrastructure that provides water throughout the San Luis
Obispo IRWM Plan Region. Many of the projects covered in this section have been presented
in their respective WPA or watershed above. Provided herein is a short description of the larger
regional water-related infrastructure, their purpose, and capacity.
This includes raw surface water transmission lines and reservoirs. Map 3-13 shows the major
conveyance and storage facilities. Map 3-14 shows the local reservoir locations with a photo of
each.
3.9.1 Nacimiento Water Project
The Monterey County Flood Control and Water Conservation District (now known as the
Monterey County Water Resources Agency (MCWRA)) constructed the Nacimiento Dam in 1956.
The dam and reservoir continue to be operated by MCWRA. The lake has a capacity of 377,900
acre-feet (AF) and a surface area of 5,727 acres. Water is collected from a 365 square mile
watershed that is comprised of grazing lands and rugged wilderness.
In 1959, the District secured the rights to 17,500 AFY from Lake Nacimiento, with 1,750 AFY
reserved for lakeside users and the Heritage Ranch Community Services District (Heritage
Ranch CSD). The Nacimiento Water Project (NWP) was initiated in 2004 with the District’s Board
of Supervisors adopting the Final Environmental Impact Report. The NWP is the single largest
project that the District has ever undertaken. The total project cost, including administration,
design, construction, construction management, environmental permitting, and right-of-way,
was approximately $174 million (project budget was $176 million). Water deliveries began in
2011. The project delivers raw lake water from Lake Nacimiento to communities within San Luis
Obispo County. The current participating entities and their contracted water amounts are listed
below in Table 3-5. The District does not have storage rights at Nacimiento Reservoir, so the
unused portion of annual water supply cannot be carried over for use in the next water year.
Table 3-5: Nacimiento Water Project Entitlement Contract Values, 2018-2019 Water Year
Participating Agency Contracted
AFY
City of Paso Robles 6,488
Templeton CSD 406
Atascadero MWC 3,244
SMR MWC 80
City of San Luis Obispo 5,482
CSA 10A 40
Bella Vista MHP 10
TOTAL 15,750
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3.9.2 Whale Rock Reservoir
Whale Rock Reservoir is located on Old Creek Road approximately one-half mile east of the
community of Cayucos. The State Department of Water Resources supervised the project’s
planning, design, and construction. Construction took place between October 1958 and April
1961. The reservoir is jointly owned by the City of San Luis Obispo, the California Men's Colony,
and Cal Poly. These three agencies, with the addition of a representative from the Department
of Water Resources, form the Whale Rock Commission, which is responsible for operational
policy and administration of the reservoir and related facilities. Day-to-day operation is
provided by the City of San Luis Obispo.
Whale Rock reservoir is formed by an earthen dam and was able to store an estimated 40,662
acre-feet of water at the time of construction. The calculation of the yield available is
coordinated with Salinas Reservoir using a safe annual yield computer model. The model also
evaluates the effect of siltation. The Whale Rock Commission has budgeted for a siltation study
to be undertaken in the near future.
The tables below summarize the current capacity rights for the joint right-holders (downstream
water rights are accounted for separately) for both the reservoir and downstream. Each rights-
holder manages reservoir withdrawals individually from their available water storage allocation.
The Whale Rock Commission tracks withdrawals and reports available volume on a monthly
basis.
Table 3-6: Whale Rock Reservoir Allocations
Participating Agency Contracted AFY
City of San Luis Obispo 21,451
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo 13,136
California Men's Colony 4,380
TOTAL 38.967
Table 3-7: Whale Rock Downstream Entitlements
Participating Agency Contracted AFY
Cayucos Area Water Organization
(CAWO)1 582
TOTAL 582
Notes:
1. The referenced agreement establishes the amount of 582 AFY to
CAWO. The allocations to CAWO members are part of an internal
agreement amongst the members.
2. The agencies generally receive their entitlements via pipeline
from the reservoir, while the land owners' entitlement is released
from the reservoir.
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 3-23
3.9.3 Lopez Lake/Reservoir
The District completed the Lopez Dam in 1968 to provide a reliable water supply for agricultural
and municipal needs. Although flood protection was not one of the reasons for the
construction of the dam, it has proven its value to that consideration. Lopez Reservoir has a
capacity of 49,388 AF. The lake covers 950 acres and has 22 miles of oak covered shoreline.
Allocations for Lopez Lake water are based on a percentage of the safe yield of the reservoir,
which is 8,730 AFY. Of that amount, 4,530 AFY are for pipeline deliveries and 4,200 AFY are
reserved for downstream releases. The dam, terminal reservoir, treatment and conveyance
facilities are a part of Flood Control Zone 3 (Zone 3).
The agencies that contract for Lopez water in Zone 3 include the communities of Oceano,
Grover Beach, Pismo Beach, Arroyo Grande, and County Service Area (CSA) 12 (including the
Avila Beach area). Their allocations are shown in the table below.
The District, in coordination with the Zone 3 Advisory Committee, continues to develop a
Habitat Conservation Plan for the system and evaluate opportunities to operate more
effectively and/or modify the system for water supply, water quality, ecosystem and flood
management purposes.
Table 3-8: Lopez Lake Allocations
Participating Agency Contracted AFY
City of Pismo Beach 896
Oceano CSD 303
City of Grover Beach 800
City of Arroyo Grande 2,290
CSA 12 241
TOTAL 4,530
3.9.4 Santa Margarita Lake/Salinas Reservoir
The Salinas Dam was built in 1941 by the War Department to supply water to Camp San Luis
Obispo and, secondarily, to meet the water needs of the City of San Luis Obispo. The Salinas
Reservoir (Santa Margarita Lake) captures water from a 112 square mile watershed and can
currently store up to 23,843 acre-feet (AF). In 1947, the Salinas Dam and delivery system was
transferred from the regular Army to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Shortly thereafter, the
District began operating this water supply for the City under a lease from the U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers. Water from the reservoir is pumped through the Cuesta Tunnel (a one-mile long
tunnel through the mountains of the Cuesta Ridge) and then flows by gravity to the City’s Water
Treatment Plant on Stenner Creek Road.
The District, in coordination with the City of San Luis Obispo and downstream interests
continues to evaluate opportunities to operate the dam more effectively and/or modify the
system for water supply, water quality, ecosystem and flood management purposes.
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 3-24
3.9.5 Chorro Reservoir
The Chorro Reservoir is less than one-mile northeast of the California Men’s Colony in the
upper Chorro watershed. The Chorro Reservoir is part of the Chorro Valley Water System
operated by CMC. The system provides storage, treatment and distribution to four major users:
The California Men’s Colony
Camp San Luis Obispo (California National Guard)
County Operations Center/Office of Education
Cuesta Community College (Cuesta College)
The reservoir and treatment plant were constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to
provide water to Camp San Luis Obispo at the beginning of World War II. The net storage
capacity of the Chorro Reservoir has decreased since it was constructed due to siltation, and
was estimated to be 105 AF, based on a study prepared by DWR in 1989. More recent studies
indicate that the capacity is currently closer to 90 acre-feet. Safe annual yield is considered to
be 140 AFY, as the watershed provides more than can be stored in the reservoir, even in
drought years. It is worth noting that water demand at Camp San Luis Obispo, both during the
war and subsequently, has been met almost exclusively through surface flows to the reservoir
from the Chorro watershed and from groundwater wells on the Camp property. Although the
Salinas Reservoir waterline was extended from the Cuesta Water Tunnel to the Chorro
Reservoir as part of the original improvements in World War II, the pipeline has only been used
to convey water from the Salinas Reservoir to the Camp twice since construction.
Camp San Luis Obispo has priority rights to water from Chorro Reservoir, with 140 AFY of
entitlement. CMC has right to any excess. The Mainini Ranch has an agreement with the Camp
for a delivery of up to 25 AFY but has only used an average of 5 to 7 AFY over the past decade.
For further discussion on agreements related to the Chorro Reservoir, see the description of
the Chorro Valley Water System in the Water Planning Area Number 4 discussion below.
3.9.6 State Water Project Facilities
The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) owns and operates the State Water
Project (SWP). In 1963 the District contracted with DWR for 25,000 AFY of State Water. The SWP
began delivering water to the Central Coast in 1997 upon completion of the Coastal Branch
conveyance and treatment facilities, serving Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties.
The treatment facility for State Water delivered through the Coastal Branch, known as the
Polonio Pass Water Treatment Plant (PPWTP), is owned, operated and maintained by the
Central Coast Water Authority (CCWA) for users in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties.
DWR owns the Coastal Branch transmission system, and they operate and maintain the raw
water portion of the system. CCWA operates and maintains the treated water portion of the
Coastal Branch. Agreements between CCWA, Santa Barbara County Flood Control and Water
Conservation District and DWR are in place to establish these roles and relationships.
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 3-25
Table 3-9 summarizes the sub-contractor Water Service Amounts and Drought Buffer for the
various turnouts along the Coastal Branch in San Luis Obispo County. See Map 3-13 for a
location of these facilities.
Table 3-9: Sub-contractor Water Service Amounts and Drought Buffer, by turnout, in San Luis Obispo County
Turnout
Location Subcontractor
Water
Service
Amount
(AFY)
Drought Buffer (AFY) Total
(AFY)
SHANDON
CSA 16 (Shandon) 100 0 100
Subtotal 100 0 100
CHORRO VALLEY
City of Morro Bay 1,313 2,290 3,603
CMC 400 400 800
County Ops
Center 425 425 850
Cuesta College 200 200 400
Subtotal 2,338 3,315 5,653
LOPEZ
City of Pismo
Beach 1,240 1,240 2,480
Oceano CSD 750 750 1,500
San Miguelito
MWC 275 275 550
Avila Beach CSD 100 100 200
Avila Valley MWC 20 20 40
San Luis Coastal
USD 7 7 14
Subtotal 2,392 2,392 4,784
Total
Subcontracted* 4,830 5,707 10,537
*Contracted Delivery Capacity in
Coastal Branch (AFY) 4,830
District's "Table A" Allocation
(AFY) 25,000
Total "Table A" Subcontracted
(AFY) 10,537
"Unsubscribed" Allocation (AFY) 14,463
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 3-26
3.9.7 Reducing Reliance on the Delta
The RWMG MOU (Appendix B) includes the need to update the Plan to comply with new State
guidelines. Since the new State guidelines include eligibility standards for including addressing
reduction in dependence on Delta water in the Plan, future updates to the Region’s Plan retain
applicable goals and objectives.
Additionally, San Luis Obispo County’s Conservation and Open Space Element (COSE) of the
General Plan includes Water Resources Policy 1.3, which says use of reclaimed water,
interagency cooperative projects, desalination of contaminated groundwater supplies, and
groundwater recharge projects should be considered prior to using imported sources of water
or seawater desalination, or dams and on-stream reservoirs. See Appendix E – Supply and
Demand for more information on the Region’s use of the State Water Project, and past
deficiencies in their water contract in drought years with an allocation of 5% beginning in 2014.
With the desire to not only reduce reliance on the Delta, but reduce water costs, many
communities have engaged in aggressive water conservation measures. These include the Paso
Robles Groundwater Basin Area, City of San Luis Obispo, the Community of Los Osos and
others. Los Osos for example, set a goal of 50 gal/person/day and in the calendar year of 2017
saw the actual use as 41.8 gal/person/day. This is documented in post-performance report #2
for the Los Osos Community Wastewater Project, project 2 of IRWM grant Agreement No.
4600009717.
3.9.8 Desalination Projects
Pacific Gas & Electric maintains a desalination facility as part of the Diablo Canyon Power Plant
(DCPP) site. This unit provides potable water for all staff and visitors to the site, as well as
cooling water for the power generation processes. With the scheduled decommissioning of the
DCPP, the future use, owner and operator of the desalination facility is to be determined.
The City of Arroyo Grande, the City of Grover Beach, and the Oceano Community Services
District participated in the evaluation of a desalination project to supplement their existing
potable water sources. Currently, all three agencies receive water from various sources,
including the California State Water Project, Lopez Lake Reservoir, and groundwater from the
Arroyo Grande Plain Hydrologic Subarea that is part of the Santa Maria Valley Groundwater
Basin. Recent projections of water supply shortfalls in the region motivated the agencies to
conduct a more detailed study of desalination as a supplemental water supply. The study
focused on utilizing the existing South San Luis Obispo County Sanitation District’s (SSLOCSD)
wastewater treatment plant to take advantage of utilizing the existing ocean outfall, while
having the plant located near the ocean seawater source. The feasibility study, completed in
2008, was based on a 2,300 AFY seawater desalination facility. Some of the major points of
interest and concern of this study include:
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 3-27
Some 20 or more beach wells may be needed to provide enough seawater to produce
the 2,300 AFY potable water.
Permitting and environmental issues could be complex, and implementation could take
8 years or longer.
Initial capital cost could be in the range of $35 million, and customer rates could be impacted
by 18 percent to over 100 percent to fund the project and would cost in the neighborhood of
$2,300 per AF or more, on a 20-year life cycle basis.
3.10 WATERSHEDS
The following section provides information on the 25 defined watersheds within the San Luis
Obispo IRWM Planning Region. This information was gathered from an extensive effort by the
Upper Salinas – Las Tablas and Coastal San Luis Resource Conservation Districts completed in
2013 resulting in the January 2014 final report titled, San Luis Obispo County Watershed
Management Planning Project. This report is included as Appendix H of the IRWM Plan.
The watershed names and locations attached identify with the USGS Hydrologic Unit 8 and 12.
Locally, “San Luis Obispo County Watershed” name is the District’s own grouping of HU-12
watersheds, within the context of HU-8 boundaries.
The detailed descriptions, called “Watershed Snapshots”, provide information relating to area
geology, surface and groundwater quality, land use, areas and species of biological significance,
areas of cultural significance, water resources management issues, and available hydrologic
(i.e., rainfall, streamflow, groundwater, temperature, etc.) information. The Watershed
Snapshot information provided below provides the area and description of the watersheds.
Important detailed information is listed in Appendix H.
The watersheds are aligned with the Subregions and WPAs as shown in Table 3-10 and Map 3-
12.
The information provided below each of the watershed summaries are tabularized data (i.e.,
data relevant to meeting the State Guidelines) collected for each watershed as part of the
Watershed Snapshots. This information comes from the SLO Watershed Database (See
Section 9 – Data Management), populated by the Watershed Snapshots and to be maintained
over time, and includes the following informational topics:
Hydrology
Water Supply
Water Uses
Flora and Fauna
Land Use
Demographics
Unique Characteristics
Climate Change Considerations
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May 2020 3-28
Critical Issues
Other information contained within the Watershed Report includes:
Geology
Beneficial Uses
Flood Management
Table 3-10: Watershed Area Names, Numbers by WPA
WPA (2018) Watershed
No.
San Luis Obispo County
Localized Watershed Group Name
1 - San Simeon / Cambria
1 San Carpoforo Creek
2 San Simeon Area
3 Santa Rosa Creek Area
2 - Cayucos / Morro Bay /
Los Osos
4 Cayucos Creek - Whale Rock Area
5 Morro Bay
6 Coastal Irish Hills
3 - San Luis Obispo /
South County
7 San Luis Obispo Creek
8 Pismo Creek
9 Arroyo Grande Creek
10 Oso Flaco - Black Lake Area
11 Nipomo Creek - Santa Maria River Area
4 - Cuyama River
12 Alamo Creek
13 Huasna River
14 Cuyama River
5 - North County
15 Upper San Juan Creek
16 Lower San Juan Creek
17 Cholame Creek
18 Estrella River
19 Upper Salinas River - Santa Margarita Area
20 Mid Salinas River - Atascadero Area
21 Huer Huero Creek
22 Lower Salinas River - Paso Robles Area
23 Nacimiento Area
6 - Carrizo Plain 24 Soda Lake
25 Black Sulphur Spring
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May 2020 3-29
3.10.1 Watersheds in WPA 1 – San Simeon / Cambria
The USGS HU-12 Watersheds for WPA-1 are listed in Table 3-11.
Table 3-11: USGS Hydraulic Unit 12 (HU-12) Watershed Designations for WPA 1 – San Simeon/Cambria
WPA
San Luis Obispo
County Localized
Watershed Group
Name
USGS HU-12 Name USGS HU-12
Number
1 - San Simeon
/ Cambria
San Carpoforo
Creek
San Carpoforo Creek 180600060306
Salmon Creek - Frontal Pacific Ocean 180600060307
San Simeon Area
Burnett Creek 180600060401
Arroyo De La Laguna 180600060402
Pico Creek 180600060403
San Simeon Creek 180600060404
Little Pico Creek - Frontal Pacific Ocean 180600060407*
Santa Rosa Creek
Area
Perry Creek 180600060405
Santa Rosa Creek 180600060406
Frontal Pacific Ocean 180600060407*
Villa Creek 180600060408
* denotes where multiple watershed groups contain "Frontal Pacific Ocean" areas from same HU-12 designation
3.10.1.1 San Carpoforo Creek
The San Carpoforo Creek Area Watershed
straddles San Luis Obispo County and
Monterey County with 13,046 acres out of
264,552 total acres within SLO County. The
watershed lies along the Pacific Ocean with
the southernmost outfall at Ragged Point,
north of San Simeon. The most notable
waterway within the San Luis Obispo portion
of the watershed is San Carpoforo Creek,
which has its headwaters in the Los Padres
National Forest at the Santa Lucia Range in
southern Monterey and Northern San Luis
Obispo County. Pacific Ocean outfall of San Carpoforo Creek is designated as State Marine
Conservation Area and State Marine Reserve within the Monterey Bay National Marine
Sanctuary. Mt. Mars Creek also independently drains into the Pacific Ocean just north of the
San Carpoforo Creek drainage. Peak elevation for the watershed is approximately 2610 feet
high with the low being roughly 16 feet above sea level in Monterey County. A portion of the
San Carpoforo Creek drainage is located within the boundaries of the Hearst Ranch property
and is currently under the provisions of a conservation easement. The dominant land use is Los
Padres National Forest and rangeland agriculture, with a majority of rangeland concentrated in
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 3-30
the area of Hearst Ranch. A rugged shoreline and mountainous eastern ridge characterize the
northern portion of the watershed. The creek was the route of the historic Portola Expedition
and was identified as an area of high ecological significance by the Forest Service.
3.10.1.2 San Simeon Area
The San Simeon-Arroyo de la Cruz area
watershed grouping is located within the
North Coast region of the county. The
watershed drains approximately 51,500
acres and originates on the western slopes
of the Santa Lucia Mountains, flowing to
the Pacific Ocean at San Simeon State
Beach. The watershed contains two major
drainages – Arroyo de la Cruz and San
Simeon Creek. Recharge of the aquifer
comes from percolation of stream flow,
deep percolation of precipitation and irrigation return flows. San Simeon Creek headwaters
occur in the Coast Ranges to the northeast of Cambria. Elevations in the watershed range from
3,559 feet above sea level in the Santa Lucia Range at the eastern most watershed boundary to
sea level along the coast. The dominant land use throughout the watershed is agriculture,
specifically rangeland. The watershed includes the disadvantaged community of San Simeon,
the northern portion of Cambria and the Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument. San
Simeon Estuary is located within San Simeon State Beach and is the home to several biotic
communities including salt and freshwater marshes, grasslands, Monterey pine forest, as well
as estuarine habitats. The watershed also contains multiple creeks that support critical
Steelhead Trout habitat.
3.10.1.3 Santa Rosa Creek Area
Santa Rosa Creek Watershed lies within the
southern portion of the California Coast
Ranges. The watershed is bounded to the
east by the Santa Lucia Mountain Range and
to the west by the Pacific Ocean. The
watershed contains two major sub-
watersheds: Villa Creek and Santa Rosa
Creek, which contains Santa Rosa Creek and
Green Valley (Perry Creek). Santa Rosa Creek
and its tributaries flow mostly unobstructed
down steep hill-slopes, mantled with shallow
soils and sparse shrub vegetation, through
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 3-31
agricultural areas and the small town of Cambria before reaching the Pacific Ocean. Villa Creek
begins in the Santa Lucia range flowing to the Pacific Ocean, encompassing a majority of the
coastal area within the total watershed. The town of Cambria is near the mouth of Santa Rosa
Creek, downstream of the confluence with Perry Creek – the largest tributary in the Santa Rosa
Creek sub-watershed. Topography includes steep upland areas and low gradient valley bottoms
bordering the reaches of Santa Rosa, Green Valley, Perry, and Villa Creeks. Cypress Mountain,
the highest peak, lies in the Upper Santa Rosa creek watershed and reaches an elevation of
approximately 3,411 feet. At its lowest elevation (sea level), Santa Rosa Creek flows through a
lagoon contained by an annually formed sandbar at Moonstone Beach. The dominant land use
is agriculture.
3.10.2 Watersheds in WPA 2 – Cayucos / Morro Bay / Los Osos
A list of the USGS HU-12 watershed names and numbers for WPA - 2 are found in Table 3-12.
Table 3-12: USGS Hydraulic Unit 12 (HU-12) Watershed Designations for WPA 2 – Cayucos/Morro Bay/Los Osos
WPA
San Luis Obispo
County Localized
Watershed Group
Name
USGS HU-12 Name USGS HU-12
Number
2 - Cayucos /
Morro Bay / Los
Osos
Cayucos Creek -
Whale Rock Area
Old Creek 180600060409
Cayucos Creek - Frontal Pacific Ocean 180600060410
Toro Creek 180600060411
Morro Creek 180600060412
Willow Creek - Frontal Pacific Ocean 180600060413
Morro Bay
Los Osos Creek 180600060501
Chorro Creek 180600060502
Morro Bay 180600060503
Coastal Irish Hills Islay Creek - Frontal Pacific Ocean 180600060504
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May 2020 3-32
3.10.2.1 Cayucos Creek - Whale Rock Area Watershed
The Cayucos Creek – Whale Rock Area
Watershed lies within the southern
portion of the California Coast Range.
The watershed is bounded to the west
by Pacific Ocean and the east by the
Santa Lucia Mountain Range. The
watershed area contains five major
drainages that independently reach
the Pacific Ocean: Cayucos Creek, Old
Creek, Toro Creek, Willow Creek and
Morro Creek, the latter of which
borders and shares some attributes
with the Morro Bay watershed. The headwaters of the watershed are in Santa Lucia Range,
reaching a maximum elevation of approximately 2,345 feet with the lowest elevation at around
at sea level, draining in to the Pacific Ocean. Whale Rock reservoir is located in the watershed
approximately ½ mile east of the community of Cayucos. The dominant land use in the
watershed is Agriculture with the sea side town of Cayucos providing an urban core area with
tourist-oriented opportunities.
3.10.2.2 Morro Bay Watershed
The Morro Bay Watershed is located in
the central area of coastal San Luis
Obispo County. It is composed of two
major sub-watersheds that drain into
Chorro and Los Osos Creeks. The
Chorro Creek sub-watershed accounts
for about 60 percent of the total land
area draining into the estuary.
Much of the watershed remains in open
space that is used primarily for
agriculture and a range of public uses,
including parks, golf courses, nature
preserves, a military base, and
university-owned rangeland. The developed portions of the watershed include the community
of Los Osos/ Baywood Park, parts of the City of Morro Bay, Cuesta College, Camp San Luis
Obispo, the California Men’s Colony, and various facilities of the County of San Luis Obispo.
Due to the uniqueness of Morro Bay, the watershed has been studied since the late 1980’s with
watershed plans from that era being completed.
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 3-33
3.10.2.3 Irish Hills Coastal Watersheds
The Irish Hills Coastal Watersheds are
remote coastal basins located in
southern San Luis Obispo County. The
drainage rises to a maximum elevation
of 1,819 feet above sea level at Saddle
Peak. Creeks flow to the Pacific Oceano
and has 4 major tributary basins with
their headwaters in the Coastal Range
Mountains: Hazard Canyon, Islay
Creek, Coon Creek, Diablo Creek, Irish
Creek, Rattlesnake Creek, Hanford
Creek and Wild Cherry Canyon.
The watersheds are dominated by grazing lands some in conservation or agricultural
easements and public lands. Other land uses include a regional nuclear power plant, passive
recreation, natural resource preservation and limited oil drilling.
3.10.3 Watersheds in WPA 3 – San Luis Obispo / South County
The names and numbers for the USGS HU-12 watersheds in WPA 3 are listed in Table 3-13.
Table 3-13: USGS Hydraulic Unit 12 (HU-12) Watershed Designations for WPA 3 – San Luis Obispo/South County
WPA
San Luis Obispo
County Localized
Watershed Group
Name
USGS HU-12 Name USGS HU-12
Number
3 - San Luis
Obispo / South
County
San Luis Obispo
Creek
Upper San Luis Obispo Creek 180600060701
Lower San Luis Obispo Creek 180600060702
Pismo Creek Pismo Creek 180600060703
Arroyo Grande
Creek
Lopez Canyon 180600060601
Upper Arroyo Grande Creek 180600060602
Tar Spring Creek 180600060603
Los Berros Creek 180600060604
Lower Arroyo Grande Creek 180600060605
Meadow Creek - Frontal Pacific Ocean 180600060705
Oso Flaco - Black
Lake Area Oso Flaco Creek 180600060704
Nipomo Creek -
Santa Maria River
Area
Nipomo Creek 180600080601
Upper Santa Maria River 180600080602
Lower Santa Maria River 180600080603
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 3-34
3.10.3.1 San Luis Obispo Creek
Watershed
The San Luis Obispo Creek
Watershed is a coastal basin
located in southern San Luis
Obispo County. The drainage rises
to a maximum elevation of
approximately 2,500 feet above sea
level in the Santa Lucia Range. San
Luis Obispo Creek flows to the
Pacific Ocean and has six major
tributary basins: Stenner Creek, Prefumo Creek, Laguna Lake, East Branch San Luis Obispo
Creek, Davenport Creek, and See Canyon.
The watershed is dominated by agricultural land uses including ranches and open space. The
urban core of the City of San Luis Obispo is at the confluences of several tributaries with the
mainstem starting in the upper watershed and bisecting the City. The unincorporated
community of Avila Beach is adjacent to the mouth of San Luis Obispo Creek at the Pacific
Ocean. Other land uses include the California Polytechnic State University, rural residential, a
regional airport and two wastewater treatment plants.
3.10.3.2 Pismo Creek Watershed
The Pismo Creek Watershed is a
coastal basin located in southern
San Luis Obispo County. The
drainage rises to a maximum
elevation of almost 2,865 feet above
mean sea level. Pismo Creek flows
to the Pacific Ocean and has three
major tributary basins with their
headwaters in the Santa Lucia
Mountains: West Corral de Piedra,
East Corral de Piedra, and Cañada
Verde. A fourth significant tributary,
Cuevitas Creek, enters Pismo Creek
from the west in lower Price Canyon.
The mouth of Pismo Creek is in the dune region known locally as Pismo Beach.
The watershed is dominated by agricultural land uses in its upper reaches including vineyards,
ranches and row crops. The urban core of the City of Pismo Beach is adjacent to the Pismo
Creek Estuary. Other land uses include a regional landfill, oil exploration and a wastewater
treatment plant.
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 3-35
3.10.3.3 Arroyo Grande Creek Watershed
The Arroyo Grande Creek Watershed is a
coastal basin located in southern San Luis
Obispo County. The drainage rises to a
maximum elevation of approximately 3,100
feet above sea level. The watershed includes
the tributaries of Tally Ho (Corbett), Tar
Springs and Los Berros Creeks. Meadow
Creek is a remnant marsh drainage system
that enters Arroyo Grande Creek, just
upstream of the confluence with the ocean.
Arroyo Grande Creek empties into an
estuary adjacent to the Oceano lagoon.
The watershed is dominated by agricultural land uses including vineyards, ranches and row
crops. The urban core of the City of Arroyo Grande is at the confluence of Tally Ho Creek with
Arroyo Grande Creek. Other land uses include Lake Lopez Reservoir and a regional airport in
Oceano.
3.10.3.4 Santa Maria River Watershed
The Santa Maria River Watershed is
located in southern San Luis Obispo
County and northern Santa Barbara
County. The watershed includes the
major tributaries of the Cuyama and
Sisquoc Rivers as well as a number of
smaller tributaries. The Santa Maria
River (downstream of the confluence
with Cuyama and Sisquoc Rivers) rises to
a maximum elevation of approximately
390 feet and flows to the Pacific Ocean.
Drainage in the watershed is linked to
the soils and geology with a dune lake
complex, Black Lake Canyon slough, Oso Flaco Creek and portions of the Santa Maria River
within the County of San Luis Obispo.
The watershed is dominated by residential and agricultural land uses including ranches, row
crops, greenhouses and orchards. Other land uses include recreation and oil refinery.
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 3-36
3.10.3.5 Nipomo – Suey Creeks Watershed
The Nipomo - Suey Creeks Watershed are
basins located in southern San Luis Obispo
County and northern Santa Barbara County.
The watershed rises to a maximum elevation
of approximately 1,800 feet above mean sea
level. The area includes two tributary basins
to the Santa Maria River with their
headwaters in the foothills of the Coast
Range: Nipomo Creek and Suey Creek.
The watershed is dominated by agricultural
land uses including ranches, row crops,
greenhouses and orchards. Other land uses
include residential.
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 3-37
3.10.4 Watersheds in WPA 4 – Cuyama River
The USGS HU-12 names and numbers for the watersheds in WPA 4 are listed in Table 3-14.
Table 3-14: USGS Hydraulic Unit 12 (HU-12) Watershed Designations for WPA 4 – Cuyama River
WPA
San Luis Obispo
County Localized
Watershed Group
Name
USGS HU-12 Name USGS HU-12
Number
4 - Cuyama
River
Alamo Creek Upper Alamo Creek 180600070401
Lower Alamo Creek 180600070402
Huasna River
Arroyo Seco 180600070501
Upper Huasna River 180600070502
Carrie Creek 180600070503
Huasna Creek 180600070504
Lower Huasna River 180600070505
Cuyama River
Tennison Canyon - Cuyama River 180600070203
The Wash 180600070204
New River - Cuyama River 180600070208
Bitter Creek - Cuyama River 180600070209
Schoolhouse Canyon - Cuyama River 180600070302
Red Rock Canyon 180600070303
Powell Canyon 180600070304
Cottonwood Canyon - Cuyama River 180600070305
Mustang Canyon - Cuyama River 180600070306
Carrizo Canyon 180600070601
Sycamore Creek - Cuyama River 180600070602
Aliso Creek-Cuyama River 180600070604
Twitchell Reservoir - Cuyama River 180600070605
Canada de Los Coches - Cuyama River 180600070606
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 3-38
3.10.4.1 Alamo Creek Watershed
The Alamo Creek Watershed is an inland
basin located in southern San Luis Obispo
County. The drainage rises to a maximum
elevation of approximately 3,800 feet above
sea level. Alamo Creek flows to the Cuyama
River at Twitchell Reservoir. Twitchell dam is
downstream in the Cuyama Watershed, but
its presence affects habitats, hydrology, and
land use in Alamo Creek Watershed. Major
tributary basins with their headwaters in the
La Panza Mountain Range: Little Jollo, Sheep,
Kennel, Los Machos, and Branch Creeks.
The watershed is dominated by the Los Padres National Forest which permits recreation
including camping, hunting, and off-highway vehicle uses. The watershed also has agricultural
land uses.
3.10.4.2 Huasna River Watershed
The Huasna River Watershed is an inland basin
located in southern San Luis Obispo County. The
drainage rises to a maximum elevation of
approximately 3,000 feet above sea level. Huasna
River flows to the Cuyama River at the downstream
end of the Huasna River watershed above Twitchell
Dam, which is in the Cuyama River Watershed
downstream. Huasna River watershed has a
number of tributary basins with their headwaters in the Santa Lucia and La Panza Mountain
Ranges: Huasna Creek, Carrie Creek, Haystack Creek and Arroyo Seco Creek.
Agriculture is the principal land use in the area, ranging from small irrigated farms to large
cattle ranches. A substantial portion of the area consists of hilly and mountainous land with
chaparral and oak woodlands, suitable only for limited grazing. Other land uses includes oil
exploration and recreation on. the Los Padres National Forest.
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 3-39
3.10.4.3 Cuyama River Watershed
The Cuyama River Watershed starts in
Ventura County. The river generally flows
northward, and then in a westerly direction to
a point of confluence with the Sisquoc River
near the town of Garey where it joins the
Santa Maria River. The San Luis Obispo
County line approximately follows the Cuyama
River. A portion of the northern tributaries
and part of the Cuyama River are within the
southwestern part of San Luis Obispo County.
These northern tributaries rise to a maximum
elevation of almost 4,950 feet above sea level
at Caliente Mountain with their headwaters in the La Panza and Caliente Mountain Ranges.
Twitchell Reservoir is near the downstream end of the Cuyama River Watershed, formed
behind Twitchell Dam.
The watershed is dominated by rural and agricultural land uses including ranches, orchards,
vineyards and row crops. Other land uses include oil and gas production, Los Padres National
Forest and Bureau of Land Management lands.
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 3-40
3.10.5 Watersheds in WPA 5 – North County
Table 3-15 lists the USGS HU-12 watersheds located in WPA 5.
Table 3-15: USGS Hydraulic Unit 12 (HU-12) Watershed Designations for WPA 5 – North County.
WPA
San Luis Obispo
County Localized
Watershed Group
Name
USGS HU-12 Name USGS HU-12
Number
5 - North
County
Upper San Juan
Creek
Big Spring 180600040101
Barrett Creek - San Juan Creek 180600040102
Rogers Creek - San Juan Creek 180600040103
Placer Creek -San Juan Creek 180600040104
Navajo Creek 180600040105
Sandy Canyon 180600040106
Carnaza Creek - San Juan Creek 180600040107
Lower San Juan
Creek
Long Canyon - San Juan Creek 180600040301
Shell Creek 180600040302
Gillis Canyon -San Juan Creek 180600040303
McDonald Canyon - San Juan Creek 180600040304
Cholame Creek
(unnamed) 180600040205
Middle Cholame Creek 180600040206
Lower Cholame Creek 180600040207
Estrella River
Indian Creek 180600040401
McMillan Canyon - Estrella River 180600040402
Shimmin Canyon 180600040403
Mason Canyon 180600040404
Pine Creek - Estrella River 180600040405
Hog Canyon 180600040406
Keyes Canyon - Estrella River 180600040407
Ranchito Canyon 180600040408
San Jacinto Creek 180600040409
Town of Estrella - Estrella River 180600040410
Upper Salinas
River - Santa
Margarita Area
Pozo Creek 180600050101
Big Spring - Salinas River 180600050102
Toro Creek - Salinas River 180600050103
San Margarita Lake - Salinas River 180600050104
Mid Salinas River -
Atascadero Area
Rinconada Creek 180600050201
Santa Margarita Creek 180600050202
Pilitas Creek - Salinas River 180600050203
Atascadero Creek 180600050204
Paloma Creek - Salinas River 180600050205
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May 2020 3-41
WPA
San Luis Obispo
County Localized
Watershed Group
Name
USGS HU-12 Name USGS HU-12
Number
Huer Huero Creek
East Branch Huer Huero Creek 180600050301
Middle Branch Huer Huero Creek 180600050302
(unnamed) 180600050303
Upper Huer Huero Creek 180600050304
(unnamed) 180600050305
Dry Creek 180600050306
Lower Huer Huero Creek 180600050307
Lower Salinas
River - Paso Robles
Area
Santa Rita Creek 180600050401
Paso Robles Creek 180600050402
Graves Creek - Salinas River 180600050403
Town of Templeton - Salinas River 180600050404
Mustard Creek - Salinas River 180600050405
San Marcos Creek 180600050406
Bridge Canyon - Salinas River 180600050407
Vineyard Canyon 180600050801
Portuguese Canyon - Salinas River 180600050802
Nacimiento Area
Little Burnett Creek 180600050605
Salmon Creek - Nacimiento River 180600050606
Town Spring 180600050607
Las Tablas Creek 180600050608
Kavanaugh Creek - Nacimiento River 180600050609
Nacimiento Reservoir - Nacimiento River 180600050610
Nacimiento River 180600050611
Harris Creek 180600050709
San Antonio Reservoir- San Antonio River 180600050710
Kemp Canyon - San Antonio River 180600050711
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 3-42
3.10.5.1 Upper San Juan Creek Watershed
The Upper San Juan Creek Watershed is located
in the eastern portion of the County directly
adjacent to the Carrizo Plain. The headwaters
are located in the La Panza range with the
highest point at approximately 3900-feet. The
confluence of San Juan Creek with the Estrella
River occurs north of Creston. San Juan Creek, a
permanent stream, affords recreational
possibilities. The mountain slopes are excellent
for hiking and riding. Wildlife is abundant, and
geology and natural vegetation are of special
interest. A spectacular view of the Carrizo Plain is provided from these mountains. The San Juan
Creek Valley is generally used most intensively because of better soils and water availability.
Irrigated production has increased during the last 10 years, particularly in vineyards and alfalfa.
Dry farming and grazing operations encompass the rest of the agricultural uses.
3.10.5.2 Lower San Juan Creek Watershed
The Lower San Juan Creek watershed is
located in the eastern portion of the county
to the north-west of the Carrizo Plains. The
headwaters are located in the La Panza
range with the highest point at
approximately 3600-feet. The confluence of
San Juan Creek with the Estrella River
occurs north of Creston. The dominant land
use is agriculture. The San Juan Creek
Valley is generally used most intensively for agriculture because of better soils and water
availability. Irrigated production has increased during the last 10 years, particularly in vineyards
and alfalfa. Dry farming and grazing operations encompass the rest of the agricultural uses. The
riparian forest and a portion of the adjacent upland areas associated with the Estrella River and
San Juan Creek in the vicinity of Shandon are important wildlife habitat for the San Joaquin kit
fox, Western burrowing owl and other wildlife species, and serve as important corridors for
wildlife movement. Another important wildlife movement corridor is located near the base of
the hillside near the eastern edge of Shandon.
3.10.5.3 Cholame Creek Watershed
The Cholame Watershed is located in the North easterly portion of San Luis Obispo County and
crosses the county line entering Monterey County to the North. 47,300 acres of the total
151,701 acres are located in SLO County. The watershed is drained by Cholame Creek and its
tributaries southeastward and westward into the Estrella River (a tributary to the Salinas River)
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 3-43
with the confluence of the Estrella River
and Cholame Creek occurring at the town
of Shandon. The Cholame Creek
watershed is a lightly-populated rural
setting and drains into an alluvial valley
and surrounding mountains within an
ecosystem characterized of grassland,
chaparral, oak woodland, and sagebrush
and minor amounts of cropland, primarily
consisting of grain or hay crops. The
dominant land use is agriculture. The area
around Shandon Valley is generally used most intensively for agriculture because of better soils
and water availability. Irrigated production has increased during the last 10 years, particularly in
vineyards and alfalfa. Dry farming and grazing operations encompass the rest of the
agricultural uses. The highest watershed elevation within the County limits is at approximately
2,476-feet with the lowest elevation occurring at approximately 1,017-feet. The watersheds
headwaters are in Diablo Range in Monterey County.
3.10.5.4 Estrella River Watershed
The Estrella River watershed is located in the
Northern part of the County east of the Salinas
River. A portion of the watershed is located in
Monterey County with a majority of the acreage
located within SLO County. The Estrella River is
a perennial underground flowing river that is a
tributary of the Salinas River. The Estrella River
forms from the confluence of San Juan Creek
and Cholame Creek near Shandon, in the
foothills of the Coast Ranges. The confluence of
the Salinas and Estrella Rivers occurs in
Northern San Luis Obispo County, within the town of San Miguel. The highest elevation in the
watershed is approximately 2,854 feet, and the lowest elevation is around 607 feet. Vineyards
slightly predominate over oak woodlands and grassland communities. Tree species such as
blue oak, and valley oak dominate the oak woodland, while western sycamore, Fremont’s
cottonwood, and willows are found in the riparian woodlands along the Estrella River.
Agriculture is the dominant use. The Estrella River Valley is generally used most intensively for
agriculture because of better soils and water availability. Irrigated production has increased
during the last 10 years, particularly in vineyards and alfalfa. Dry farming and grazing
operations encompass the rest of the agricultural uses.
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 3-44
3.10.5.5 Upper Salinas River - Santa Margarita Area Watershed
The Upper Salinas River – Santa Margarita
Area Watershed is located in northern San
Luis Obispo County and includes a portion of
the Salinas River and adjacent tributaries.
The drainage rises to a maximum elevation
of approximately 2,800 feet above mean sea
level with steep topography categorizing
much of the western portion of the
watershed. The watershed contains two
major drainages; Atascadero Creek and
Parole Canyon. The watershed contains a
mix of urban and rural residential land uses as well as agricultural land uses. A portion of the
Los Padres National Forest is also contained within the watershed along the western boundary.
The City of Atascadero is located at the northern end of the watershed boundary and the
community of Santa Margarita is located within the central and southern portions of the
watershed. Other land uses include two quarries, Atascadero Lake, and a wastewater
treatment plant. Water supply for the watershed area is dominated by wells, including those
used by the Atascadero Mutual Water Company to supply urban residents and commercial
uses.
3.10.5.6 Mid Salinas - Atascadero Creek Area Watersheds
The Atascadero Creek - Mid Salinas
Watershed is located in northern San Luis
Obispo County and includes a portion of the
Salinas River and adjacent tributaries. The
drainage rises to a maximum elevation of
approximately 2,800 feet above mean sea
level with steep topography categorizing
much of the western portion of the
watershed. The watershed contains two major
drainages; Atascadero Lake and Parole
Canyon. The watershed contains a mix of
urban and rural residential land uses as well
as agricultural land uses. A portion of the Los Padres National Forest is also contained within
the watershed along the western boundary. The City of Atascadero is located at the northern
end of the watershed boundary and the community of Santa Margarita is located within the
central and southern portions of the watershed. Other land uses include two quarries,
Atascadero Lake, and a wastewater treatment plant. Water supply for the watershed area is
dominated by wells, including those used by the Atascadero Mutual Water Company to supply
urban residents and commercial uses.
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 3-45
3.10.5.7 Huer Huero Creek Watershed
The Huer Huero watershed is located in the
eastern portion of San Luis Obispo’s North
County region. The Huer Huero creek is an
ephemeral underground stream which flows to
directly to the Salinas River. The headwaters
occur in the Coast Ranges, south of Creston and
reach elevations of approximately 3312 feet.
The confluence of the Huer Huero with the
Salinas River occurs in Paso Robles. The
dominant land use in the watershed is
agriculture, with vineyards comprising a large
percentage. The watershed is divided into two main drainages, the Upper Huer Huero and the
Lower Huer Huero. Highway 41 East bisects the watershed. A portion of the Los Padres
National Forest is located in the southeast portion of the watershed and contains the highest
elevations in the watershed.
3.10.5.8 Lower Salinas-Paso Robles Creek Area Watershed
The portion of the Salinas River Watershed
classified here is located centrally within San
Luis Obispo’s North County region and
encompasses Paso Robles Creek. A majority of
the City of Paso Robles, approximately one-
half of the City of Atascadero (northern
portion), the town of San Miguel, and the
community of Templeton are all located within
this watershed. It is within this watershed that
most development has occurred along the
Salinas River, both urban and rural
agricultural. The western portion of the
watershed is characterized by higher elevations with more dense oak woodlands whereas east
of the Salinas River is characterized by more rolling hills and terraces. The peak elevation within
the watershed occurs at the westernmost boundary reaching approximately 2,460 feet. The
sub-watersheds drain toward the Salinas River. The northern portion of the watershed contains
the point at which the Salinas River leaves San Luis Obispo County and flows into Monterey
County. The headwaters are in the Coast Ranges, east of city of Paso Robles. The dominant land
use is agriculture with a strong urban component located adjacent to the Salinas River. As
urban uses are located next to the Salinas, multiple river crossings occur in this watershed and
the 101 freeway parallels the Salinas River in many locations.
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 3-46
3.10.5.9 Nacimiento River Watershed
The Nacimiento River Watershed is located at
the northern boundary of San Luis Obispo
County with a few sub-watersheds located in
Monterey County. For the purposes of this
snapshot, only those sub-watersheds within
SLO County are included in this data
compilation. This watershed also contains
6,578 acres of land from the San Antonio
Watershed, however, the area within the
County is relatively small and best categorized
with its neighboring Nacimiento Watershed
for the purposes of this project. The
Nacimiento Watershed contains Lake Nacimiento, the largest reservoir in San Luis Obispo
County totaling 2.26 square miles. The highest elevation in the watershed occurs in the Santa
Lucia Range, within the Los Padres National Forest, reaching approximately 3,560 feet above
sea level. Lake Nacimiento supplies water to the Salinas Valley and, as of 2010, supplies
supplemental water to some communities in San Luis Obispo County. The dominant land use is
agriculture with a majority of land used for rural grazing activities.
3.10.6 Watersheds in WPA 6 – Carrizo Plain
A list of each of the USGS HU-12 watersheds found in the Carrizo Plain WPA 6 is found in Error!
Reference source not found..
Table 3-16: USGS Hydraulic Unit 12 (HU-12) Watershed Designations for WPA 6 – Carrizo Plain
WPA
San Luis Obispo
County Localized
Watershed Group
Name
USGS HU-12 Name USGS HU-12
Number
6 - Carrizo Plain
Soda Lake
Carrizo Plain - Soda Lake 180600030203
Thompson Spring - Carrizo Plain 180600030202
Mustang Springs - Carrizo Plain 180600030201
Black Sulphur
Spring
Black Sulphur Spring - Carrizo Plain 180600030102
Padrones Spring - Carrizo Plain 180600030101
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 3-47
3.10.6.1 Black Sulphur Spring Watershed
The Black Sulphur Spring Watershed lies in
the eastern portion of San Luis Obispo‘s
North County region and includes the
southern portion of the Carrizo National
Monument. The total watershed area is
approximately 143,160 acres with a majority
of the acreage located within San Luis Obispo
County (137,489 acres). The remaining
acreage is located within Kern County to the
East. The watershed is bounded by Temblor
Range to the east, Caliente Range and San
Juan Hills to the west and drains entirely into
Soda Lake. The Black Sulphur Watershed
contains two major drainages: the Caliente Range and Elkhorn Plain. The highest elevation in
the watershed is about 3,411 feet and the lowest elevation is approximately 1,919 feet. The
watershed, like the adjacent Soda Lake watershed is an alkali endorheic (closed) basin with no
outflow beyond Soda Lake. While the lake once contained higher levels of water and supported
recreation and fishing uses, recently the lake has not had enough water flow to support such
uses. The watershed is transected by San Andreas Fault. The groundwater basin underlying the
watershed is the Carrizo Plain basin which is recharged from percolation of stream flow and
infiltration of precipitation. Users of the basin include a small public water system serving local
school, agricultural and residential purposes, and solar farms. The dominant land use is
rangeland.
3.10.6.2 Soda Lake Watershed
The Soda Lake Watershed lies in the
eastern portion of San Luis Obispo‘s North
County region and includes the northern
portion of the Carrizo National
Monument. The total watershed area is
141,876 acres with a majority of the
acreage located within San Luis Obispo
County (136,015 acres). The remaining
acreage is located within Kern County to
the east. The watershed is bounded by
Temblor Range to the east, Caliente Range
and San Juan Hills to the west and drains
entirely into Soda Lake. The majority of
Soda Lake is contained within the watershed, with the other portion contained within the Black
Sulphur Springs watershed. The Watershed contains two major drainages: Panorama Hills and
West of Soda Lake. The highest elevation in the watershed is approximately 4,100 feet and the
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 3-48
lowest elevation is about 1,920 feet. The watershed, combined with the adjacent Black Sulphur
Spring watershed, is an alkali endorheic (closed) basin with no outflow beyond Soda Lake. While
the lake once contained higher levels of water and supported recreation and fishing uses,
recently the lake has not had enough water flow to support such uses. The watershed is
transected by San Andreas Fault. The major groundwater basin underlying the watershed is the
Carrizo Plain basin which is recharged from percolation of stream flow and infiltration of
precipitation. The dominant land use is agriculture.
3.11 REGIONAL WATER QUALITY
This section of the Plan discusses regional water quality conditions and identifies needs and
requirements for water quality protection and improvement. Assembly Bill 1249, an
amendment to the California Water Code (Salas, Chapter 717, Statutes of 2014), provides the
following guidance for Integrated Regional Water Management Plans:
If an area within the boundaries of the plan has nitrate, arsenic, perchlorate, or
hexavalent chromium contamination, the plan shall include a description of each of
the following:
(A) The location and extent of that contamination in the region.
(B) The impacts caused by the contamination to communities within the region.
(C) Existing efforts being undertaken in the region to address the impacts.
(D) Any additional efforts needed to address the impacts.
3.11.1 SWRCB Water Quality Evaluation
Assembly Bill 2222 (Caballero, Chapter 670, Statutes of 2008) required the State Water
Resources Control Board (SWRCB) to submit a report to the State Legislature identifying
communities that rely on contaminated groundwater as a primary source of drinking water and
outlining potential solutions for treatment or acquisition of alternative water supplies. In
collaboration with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and Department of Water
Resources (DWR), the SWCRB evaluated principal contaminants detected in the groundwater
supply of California community water systems (CSWs).
The SWRCB’s 2013 Report, titled “Communities That Rely on a Contaminated Groundwater
Source for Drinking Water” expands on any CWS that (1) receives, at minimum, a portion of its
drinking water from a groundwater source and (2) has had a principal contaminant or chemical
detected in its groundwater source above a primary maximum contaminant level (MCL) on two
or more occasions between 2002 and 2010. Developed by the SWRCB, MCLs are health-based
standards for the maximum allowable concentrations of contaminants in drinking water. For
the Report to the Legislature, the SWRCB used data from the CDPH Division of Drinking Water
and Environmental Management water quality monitoring database for a compliance cycle of
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 3-49
2002 to 2010. The methodology used to evaluate regional water quality for this IRWM Plan
Update was based on the procedures used by the SWRCB in their 2013 Report.
3.11.2 IRWM Water Quality Analysis
The 2018 IRWM Plan Update investigates regional nitrate, arsenic, perchlorate, and hexavalent
chromium contamination of active, groundwater-reliant CWSs from 2007 to 2017. Data used for
identification of SLO County CWSs was obtained from the Drinking Water Watch’s Safe Drinking
Water Information System (SDWIS).
The SDWIS database was queried for all active CWSs in SLO County and provided the name,
water system number, and water source information for each of the CWSs. Following
definitions outlined in the SWCRB Report, if a CWS draws groundwater from a single well as
part of its supply, the water system is understood as groundwater-reliant. If a CWS draws solely
from groundwater wells, the water system is considered completely, or 100%, groundwater-
reliant.
The water quality data used for this evaluation was obtained from the SWRCB’s GeoTracker
GAMA information system. The nitrate, arsenic, perchlorate, and hexavalent chromium levels
from 2007 to 2017 were examined for SLO County Public Water System Wells. The Public Water
System Wells dataset includes well identification number, approximate longitude and latitude,
chemical concentration, and sampling dates; this information is available to the public and can
be downloaded from the GeoTracker GAMA online map. For this analysis, a contaminated water
system contains at least one active drinking-water well where a contaminant (nitrate, arsenic,
perchlorate, or hexavalent chromium) was detected with a concentration above an MCL one or
more times between 2007 and 2017.
Between the four contaminants, a total of 239 active CWS wells within the SLO Region were
sampled and evaluated between 2007 and 2017. A summary of the active CWS wells sampled is
provided in Table 3-17. Sixty-one active CWS wells were detected with contaminant
concentrations above an MCL for one of the four contaminants at least one time during the
period of review.
Table 3-17: Summary of Active Community Water System Wells Sampled for Nitrate, Arsenic, Perchlorate and
Hexavalent Chromium between 2007 and 2017
Contaminant Number of Wells
Sampled
Number of
Contaminated Wells
Nitrate 233 39
Arsenic 218 19
Perchlorate 221 1
Hexavalent Chromium 193 3
Total 239 61
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 3-50
The well sampling data was compared with the information on active CWSs to identify
groundwater-reliant CWSs with contaminated groundwater sources. A summary of these
results is shown in Table 3-18. From 2007 to 2017, testing for each contaminant was conducted
for over 50 CWSs at one or more of their supply wells.
Table 3-18: Summary of Contaminated, Groundwater-Reliant Community Water Systems from 2007 to 2017
Contaminant
Number of
Groundwater-Reliant
CWS Evaluated
Number of CWS Reliant
on Contaminated
Groundwater Source
Number of CWS 100%
Reliant on a Contaminated
Groundwater Source
Nitrate 58 14 9
Arsenic 60 12 9
Perchlorate 60 1 1
Hexavalent Chromium 54 3 2
3.11.3 Nitrate
Nitrate has a current MCL of 10 mg/L (milligrams per liter). Fourteen groundwater-reliant CWSs
had wells with one or more nitrate detections above the MCL between 2007 and 2017. Of those
CWSs, nine were identified as completely reliant on a contaminated groundwater source. The
active CWSs that have been impacted by nitrate contamination are summarized in
Table 3-19. The sampling dates shown in the table note the most recent (as of December 31,
2017) detection of a concentration above the MCL for an active well operated by the CWS. The
Los Osos Groundwater Basin has been under a comprehensive Basin Plan since January 2015,
after a stipulated judgement was rendered by the Superior Court of California. The key
components of this basin plan and the annual monitoring reports are to track and combat the
effects of seawater intrusion and elevated nitrate concentrations.
Table 3-19: Active Community Water Systems Impacted by Nitrate (NO3-)
Community Water System PWS
Number
Population
Served
No. of Wells
with [NO3-]
>MCL
Last Sampling
Date with [NO3-]
>MCL
City of Arroyo Grande 4010001 17,064 1 9/4/2010
City of Morro Bay 4010011 10,327 10 12/5/2017
Golden State Water Company - Cypress Ridge 4010040 2,582 7 12/28/2017
Golden State Water Company - Los Osos 4010017 8,844 2 10/28/2015
Golden State Water Company - Nipomo 4010018 4,904 3 12/27/2017
Grover Beach Water Department 4010004 13,156 3 10/6/2015
Halcyon Water System 4000501 105 1 10/12/2017
Higuera Apartments 4000563 30 1 6/29/2017
Los Osos Basin Plan Area* n/a 14,159 5 10/12/2017
Nipomo CSD 4010026 12,512 1 1/25/2017
Rancho Colina Mobile Home Park 4000653 250 3 12/1/2017
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May 2020 3-51
S & T Mutual Water Company 4000523 575 2 11/13/2017
San Miguel CSD 4010010 2,300 1 2/3/2009
Templeton CSD 4010019 6,800 1 9/5/2017
Woodland Park Mutual Water Company 4000506 500 2 10/6/2017
*Note: The Los Osos Basin Plan uses 5 wells to establish a “Nitrate Metric”. See the Basin Plan and Annual Reports for
more information.
3.11.3.1 Impacts and Solutions
If consumed, nitrate poses the biggest risk to infants; adults are rarely exposed to levels that
could cause unwanted health effects. According to the CDC Public Health Statement for Nitrate
and Nitrite, when infants less than six months old consume water contaminated by nitrates,
methemoglobinemia is common. Methemoglobinemia disrupts the ability of the hemoglobin to
delivery oxygen to tissues.
Arroyo Grande and Grover Beach both use treatment methods to remove nitrates from water
before it is delivered for potable uses.
Nipomo CSD has been investigating alternative effluent disposal methods that could be used to
mitigate the nitrate levels of its groundwater supply.
Templeton CSD has experienced nitrate, arsenic, and perchlorate concentrations exceeding the
respective MCLs between 2007 and 2017. To combat these contaminants, Templeton
developed a plan for a conjunctive use project, which received Prop 84 Implementation Grant
funding in 2015. The project involves the upgrade of the Meadowbrook Wastewater Treatment
Plant to increase its capacity and allow for tertiary treatment of water. Treated effluent can then
be released to infiltration ponds increasing the Salinas River underflows and improving
groundwater quality.
3.11.4 Arsenic
Arsenic has a current MCL of 10 μg/L (micrograms per liter). Twelve CWSs were identified as
reliant on a groundwater source contaminated by arsenic, and nine of those are completely
reliant of groundwater. These CWSs are summarized in Table 3-20.
Table 3-20: Active Community Water Systems Impacted by Arsenic (As)
Community Water System PWS
Number
Population
Served
No. of Wells
with [As]
>MCL
Last Sampling
Date with [As]
> MCL
Almira Water Association 4000631 40 1 10/23/2017
Avila Valley Mutual Water Company 4000716 65 1 5/11/2011
Bella Vista Mobile Lodge 4000512 200 2 8/12/2014
City of Paso Robles 4010007 30,522 3 6/7/2016
Country Hills Estates 4000637 60 1 12/21/2017
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 3-52
CSA 23 - Santa Margarita 4010024 1,259 1 2/6/2017
Edna Ranch Mutual Water Company - East 4000202 60 1 9/14/2011
H2O, Inc. 4000741 60 1 2/28/2011
Nipomo CSD 4010026 12,512 1 4/22/2015
Rim Rock Water Company 4000750 55 1 11/17/2017
San Miguel CSD 4010010 2,300 1 8/29/2017
Templeton CSD 4010019 6,800 5 12/12/2017
3.11.4.1 Impacts and Solutions
Arsenic is a naturally occurring substance and is commonly found in groundwater at low
concentrations. As reported in the CDC’s Public Health Statement on Arsenic, inorganic arsenic
is a known toxic to humans and can be fatal if consumed in large doses. If consumed in lower
doses, it can cause stomach and intestine irritation. Inorganic arsenic is also a recognized
human carcinogen by the EPA.
Due in part to the poor quality of the groundwater, Avila Valley Mutual Water Company relies
heavily upon its surface water supplies and only uses groundwater as an emergency supply.
In the past 10 years, arsenic levels above the MCL have been measured in three of the City of
Paso Robles’s wells; the most recent of these measurements was in 2016. The City has
increased the use of microfiltration well heads to remove water contaminants from its
groundwater. Paso Robles has also increased its use of water from Nacimiento Reservoir to
help improve groundwater quality.
3.11.5 Perchlorate
Perchlorate has a current MCL of 6 μg/L. Templeton Community Services District (CSD) operates
one well with a perchlorate concentration measured at 20 μg/L in 2008. Templeton CSD serves
a population of 6,800 and is completely reliant on a contaminated groundwater source. In
response to water quality issues, Templeton is implementing a conjunctive use program
described in Section 3.11.3.1 above.
It should be noted that the results for two other wells were reported with a limit of detection
exceeding the MCL of 6 μg/L. For this analysis, if the reported perchlorate concentration was
less than the limit of detection, it was assumed the groundwater source did not exceed the
drinking water standard.
According to the CDC Public Health Statement for Perchlorates, perchlorate consumption
disrupts the ability of the thyroid to uptake iodine. This can block the thyroid’s production of
hormones disrupting body functions regulated by those hormones.
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3.11.6 Hexavalent Chromium
In a media release on August 1st, 2017, the SWRCB reported adoption of a resolution to remove
the MCL for hexavalent chromium (10 μg/L) found in drinking water. This action follows an
order by the Superior Court of Sacramento County, which found the hexavalent chromium MCL
invalid due to a failure of the SWRCB to consider if the MCL was economically feasible. The
SWRCB is working to address these concerns and plans to develop a new MCL by 2019.
This evaluation was based on the hexavalent chromium MCL of 10 μg/L, which was in place
when the 2016 IRWM Plan Guidelines were released. Three active CWS wells were identified
with one or more hexavalent chromium concentration detections above the MCL. Of the three
groundwater-reliant CWSs affected by hexavalent chromium contamination, two were
identified as completely reliant on a contaminated groundwater source. The active CWSs
impacted by hexavalent chromium are summarized in Table 3-21.
Table 3-21: Active Community Water Systems Impacted by Hexavalent Chromium (Cr+6)
Community Water System PWS
Number
Population
Served
No. of Wells
with [Cr+6]
>MCL
Last Sampling
Date with [Cr+6]
>MCL
City of San Luis Obispo 4010009 45,802 1 11/13/2014
Hidden Hills Mobilodge 4000632 55 1 9/6/2017
Los Osos CSD 4010016 7,086 1 12/7/2015
3.11.6.1 Impacts and Solutions
Based on the Public Health Statement for Chromium, the primary concern associated with
chromium (VI) is its carcinogenic properties. Consumption and inhalation of chromium (VI) has
been shown to cause lung cancer along with various other forms of cancer. Consumption of
chromium (VI) can also cause irritation and ulcers in the stomach and small intestine.
Additionally, male animals exposed to chromium (VI) experience damage to their reproductive
systems.
Hexavalent chromium concentrations have forced the City of SLO to stop using its Pacific Beach
Well and Fire Station #4 Well. While the City of SLO continues to use groundwater as needed,
groundwater contamination has led the City to eliminate groundwater from its long-term water
supply calculations.
3.11.7 Salt and Nutrient Management Planning Efforts
Four efforts have taken place to better understand local basins and how to prioritize limited
capacities to the highest priority areas. These efforts included:
1. Identification and Prioritization of Basins in the Region Requiring SNMPs
2. The Paso Robles Groundwater Basin SNMP
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May 2020 3-54
3. Santa Maria Groundwater Basin Characterization – Phase I for the development of an
SNMP
4. Los Osos Basin SNMP – Final draft complete and submitted to the State Water Board for
Review in January 2018. Review is pending.
The first three documents were funded by a Proposition 84 2012 Planning Grant. The San Luis
Obispo Flood Control and Water Conservation District was the lead agency for developing each
of these reports.
3.12 ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES
The various environmental resources identified throughout the region are described in Table
3-22.
Table 3-22: Environmental Resources Throughout the IRWM Region
Environmental
Resource Description Image
San Luis Obispo
Coastal Zone
spanning 118 miles of
coastline with
numerous wide sandy
beaches, sheltered
bays, and vista pints
offering scenic views
of the Pacific Ocean.
The coastal zone of San Luis Obispo County is
known throughout the state for its beauty and
diversity. The north coast is characterized by the
rugged headlands to Big Sur. The rocky shoreline
along the Hearst Ranch is highly valued for
offshore views of marine mammals as well as
scenic cliffs and rocky points. The beach, sandspit,
and extensive wetlands of Morro Bay form a
unique setting for wetland habitat study. The
sheltered coves and beaches of Avila Beach and
Pismo Beach state parks provide a contrast to the
marine terrace and offshore rocks of the north
coast shoreline.
80 miles of beaches
and more than 50
public coastal access
areas
William Randolph Hearst Memorial State Beach
San Simeon State Beach
Moonstone Beach
Cayucos Beach
Cayucos State Beach
Morro Strand State Beach
Atascadero Beach
Montano de Oro State Park
Port San Luis Pier and Beach
Avila State Beach
Pismo State Beach
Harmony Headlands State Park
Oceano Dunes State Vehicles Recreation Area
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Environmental
Resource Description Image
Critical Coastal Areas
(CCAs)
California’s Critical Coastal Area (CCA) Program
focuses efforts on coastal zone watershed areas
in critical need of protection from polluted runoff.
Morro Bay, Chorro Creek, Los Osos Creek, and
San Luis Obispo Creek have been designated as
CCAs in the region. The state has selected the
Salinas River and San Luis Obispo Creek to be
priority CCAs for the Central Coast Region.
Mouth of San Luis Obispo Creek
Morro Rock Ecological
Preserve, Bird
Sanctuary, and Heron
Rookery
Morro Bay is one of the most significant
migratory stops on the Pacific Flyway. The City of
Morro Bay is a designated bird sanctuary. Morro
Rock is one of the few known nesting sites for
Peregrine Falcons on the coast north of the
Channel Islands. The Heron Rookery is a dense
stand of tall eucalyptus trees overlooking Morro
Bay and is the biggest great blue heron rookery
along the Central Coast.
Morro Bay National
Estuary
The most important wetland on the California
central coast. The Morro Bay estuary supports
several biotic communities including coastal salt
marsh, tidal mudflats, and coastal scrub.
From the Morro Bay National
Estuary Program
Monterey Bay
National Marine
Sanctuary
The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
(MBNMS) is a Federally protected marine area off
the shore of California's central coast. Stretching
from Marin to Cambria, the MBNMS supports one
of the world’s most diverse marine ecosystems
and is home to numerous mammals, seabirds,
fishes, invertebrates and plants in a remarkably
productive coastal environment.
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Environmental
Resource Description Image
Hearst Ranch
Conservation Project
With 82,000 acres reaching from the ocean, over
the Santa Lucia Mountain Range and to Lake
Nacimiento, the Ranch contains extraordinary
natural resources. Its 18 miles of coastline
includes the spectacular San Simeon Point, beach
habitat for elephant seals, the renowned
"Windsurfers" beach, surfing beaches and the
Piedras Blancas Light Station. The Ranch is
bordered in the north by Los Padres National
Forest and Fort Hunter Liggett. The Ranch interior
encompasses rolling grasslands, oak and pine
forests, and numerous riparian areas including
the Arroyo San Carpoforo, Arroyo de La Cruz and
its 42 square mile watershed, Pico Creek and
Little Pico Creek.
From the American Land
Conservancy
Montano de Oro State
Park
This state park includes a seven-mile long
shoreline made up of sandy beaches along the
sand spit to the north and rugged cliffs and
headlands to the south. The central and southern
part of the park features a number of small coves
with sandy beaches. The park includes more than
8,000 acres, is largely undeveloped, and features
a wide range of wildlife including rabbits,
squirrels, skunks, raccoons, badgers, deer, fox,
bobcats, coyote, and even an occasional
mountain lion. There are also many kinds of
birds, and in the spring and early summer a
brilliant display of wildflowers.
Sweet Springs
Ecological Preserve
A saltwater marsh which is an unusual
combination of a tidal salt marsh and a
freshwater spring which is adjacent to and flows
into Morro Bay. The Preserve is used as a feeding
and resting area by many species of shorebirds
and water fowl.
Estero Bluffs State
Park
The Estero Bluffs State Park is a rich, diverse, and
particularly scenic area of the Pacific Ocean coast,
with sea stacks and intertidal areas, a substantial
area of wetlands, low bluffs and coastal terraces
punctuated by a number of perennial and
intermittent streams and containing a pocket
cove and beach at Villa Creek. The property's rich
diversity of habitat types includes marine,
intertidal, estuarine, riverine, coastal salt marsh,
freshwater marsh, coastal foredune, coastal and
riparian scrub and grassland, collectively
providing habitat for a number of endangered
species, including the snowy plover.
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Environmental
Resource Description Image
Upper Salinas River The Salinas River has the reputation of being the
largest submerged stream in the United States.
Santa Maria River
The Santa Maria River lies in both Santa Barbara
and San Luis Obispo County. Though only high
tides inundate the estuary, 35 acres of salt marsh
are present.
Mouth of Santa Maria River
Guadalupe-Nipomo
Dunes wetland
complex
The largest Coastal dune ecosystem in the
Western US, the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes
preserve comprises 18 miles of the largest, most
biodiverse, coastal dune-lagoon ecosystem on
earth. With 1,400 known species of birds, plants
and animals and with the highest sand dune on
the west coast, it is a place of rare beauty and
significance.
Oso Flaco Lake
Natural Reserve,
Nipomo Dunes and
the Dune Lakes
Oso Flaco Lake is a sensitive coastal dune habitat
and wetland area that provides important wildlife
habitat including habitat for the rare and
endangered Least Tern. The Dune Lakes are a
series of ten freshwater lakes located in the
hollows of the Nipomo Dunes. These lakes are
important to birds in the Pacific flyway and
provide important nesting areas for water fowl
and other marsh associated species. The area is
in agricultural preserve to protect farmland and
wildlife habitat.
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Environmental
Resource Description Image
Groundwater basins
Paso Robles Groundwater Basin*
Morro and Chorro Valley Groundwater Basins*
Santa Maria Groundwater Basin*
Los Oso Valley Groundwater Basin*
Santa Rosa Creek Groundwater Basin*
San Simeon Creek Groundwater Basin*
San Luis Obispo Creek Groundwater Basin*
Cuyama Valley Groundwater Basin*
Four major drinking
water reservoirs
Whale Rock Reservoir*, Salinas Reservoir*,
Nacimiento Reservoir*, and Lopez Lake*
Whale Rock Reservoir
Whale Rock Reservoir is a 40,662-acre foot
reservoir created by the construction an earthen
dam on Old Creek near the town of Cayucos. The
dam was designed and constructed by the State
Department of Water Resources in 1961 to
provide water to the City of San Luis Obispo, Cal
Poly State University and California Men’s Colony.
The Whale Rock Dam captures water from a 20.6
square mile watershed and water is delivered to
the three agencies through 17.6 miles of 30-inch
pipeline and two pumping stations.
Lake Nacimiento
Lake Nacimiento is a water conservation and
flood control project and has recreational
resource of with inter-regional significance. Bald
eagles are often sited here. The Nacimiento Dam
was constructed in 1957 by Monterey County
Flood Control and Water Conservation District
(now known as the Monterey County Water
Resources Agency (MCWRA)). The dam and
reservoir continue to be operated by MCWRA.
The lake has a capacity of 377,900-acre feet and a
surface area of 5,727 acres. Water is collected
from a watershed that is comprised of grazing
lands and rugged wilderness.
Lopez Lake
The San Luis Obispo County Flood Control and
Water Conservation District completed the Lopez
Dam in 1968 to provide a reliable water supply
for agricultural and municipal needs. Lopez Lake
covers 950 surface acres of water and has 22
miles of oak covered shoreline. Bald eagles are
sited here.
Santa Margarita Lake
(Salinas Reservoir)
The Salinas Dam was built in 1941 by the War
Department to supply water to Camp San Luis
Obispo and, secondarily, to meet the water needs
of the San Luis Obispo. The Salinas Reservoir
(Santa Margarita Lake) captures water from a 112
square mile watershed and can currently store up
to 23,843 acre-feet. Bald eagles are often sited
here.
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 3-59
Environmental
Resource Description Image
Los Padres National
Forest
Los Padres National Forest encompasses nearly
two million acres in the coastal mountains of
central California. Endangered California condors
are found in Los Padres National Forest.
Carrizo Plains
National Monument
and Ecological
Reserve and Soda
Lake
The 180,000-acre Carrizo Plain National
Monument is California’s largest nature preserve
with more endangered vertebrates than any
other place in California. In the spring, an
amazing display of native wildflower blooms can
be seen. Soda Lake is an ephemeral alkaline
wetland that is all that remains of a prehistoric
sea. One of the largest undisturbed alkali
wetlands in the state, the 3,000-acre lake provides
important habitat for migratory birds, including
shorebirds, waterfowl, and a quarter of the state's
wintering sandhill crane population.
Santa Lucia
Wilderness
20,412 acres of wilderness located inland from
Arroyo Grande and San Luis Obispo include
chaparral-covered peaks, stream fed valleys, and
the vista of Morro Rock and seven of the nine
volcanic morros that mark the region.
Machesna Mountain
Wilderness
Pine crowned peaks, majestic rocky crags and
views of the snowcapped Sierras characterize the
Machesna Wilderness. The 20,000-acre
wilderness became part of the National
Wilderness System in 1984. Chaparral oak
woodlands and conifer forests blanket its rugged
terrain. The Wilderness also contains a 1,500-acre
Research Natural Area dedicated to the study of a
unique strain of Coulter pine. Prairie falcon, deer,
mountain lions, black bear, and tule elk make
their home in the undisturbed landscape. Part of
the wilderness is designated critical habitat for
the California condor.
Caliente Wildlife Area
Caliente Mountain, the highest peak in the county
at more than 5,100 feet, is within the range of the
endangered California Condor, the blunt nosed
leopard lizard, and the rare San Joaquin kit fox. View of Caliente Mountain
proposed wilderness from the
Carrizo Plain
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Environmental
Resource Description Image
Greenbelts and Open
Spaces
San Luis Obispo Greenbelt Program
Los Osos Greenbelt
Irish Hills Natural
Reserve
The Irish Hills Natural Reserve contains a coastal
terrace, Bishop pine and oak forests, and scenic
canyons with waterfalls. The coastal terrace both
north and south of Diablo Canyon supports a
variety of coastal species that differ from other
coastal areas. One of the largest conifer forests
and some of the largest oaks in the county are
located here. Ruda Ranch is located in the Irish
Hills and includes a unique plant community.
Nine Sisters of San
Luis Obispo
Nine volcanic morros spanning from San Luis
Obispo to Morro Bay including Morro Rock, Black
Hill, Cabrillo Peak, Hollister Peak, Cerro
Romauldo, Chumash Peak, Bishop Peak, San Luis
Mountain, and Islay Hill. The Morros provide a
unique habitat for many animal and plant
species. Several plant communities exist along
the chain, which, due to its orientation, has micro
climates ranging from sea-spray saturated rocks,
through moss draped oak forests to parched
chaparral slopes.
Photo courtesy of Gary Felsman
and the Santa Lucia Chapter of
the Sierra Club
San Andreas Fault
Zone of Eastern San
Luis Obispo County
The sag ponds along the fault have special
ecological significance due to the extraordinary
preservation of the fault trace in the arid climate
and the presence of special status plants.
More than 50 hiking
trails
Some examples include the California Coastal
Trail (in progress), the East-West Ranch, the Pecho
Valley Trail, and Reservoir Canyon Trail.
Elfin Forest
The Elfin Forest Natural Area on the southeastern
shore of Morro Bay is a diverse and complex
assemblage of natural plant communities that
includes coastal brackish marsh, riparian
woodland fringe, pygmy oak woodland,
grassland, coastal dune scrub and oak manzanita
association. It supports a documented 25 species
of mammals, over 110 kinds of birds, and 11
species of reptiles and amphibians.
Los Osos Oaks State
Reserve
85-acre area located near the town of Los Osos
that contains a grove of coast live oaks including
some mature oaks that are no more than six to
eight feet in height. These dwarfed oaks grow in
the mineral depleted soil of ancient sand dunes.
A wide range of plants and animal diversity can
be seen here including three kinds of lichens not
found elsewhere. Photo courtesy of Gary Felsman
and the Santa Lucia Chapter of
the Sierra Club
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 3-61
Environmental
Resource Description Image
Cambria Monterey
Pine Forest
Cambria's Monterey pine forest, one of only three
native stands left in the state, five in the world
Photo courtesy of Greenspace
the Cambria Land Trust
Knobcone Pine Forest
The Knobcone pine (Pinus attenuate) is restricted
to an area at the Cuesta summit. Coulter pine
(Pinus coulteri) is also in this area.
Upper Salinas Oak
Woodlands
Seven distinct native plant communities provide
wildlife habitat. These communities include valley
oak woodland, blue oak woodland, Central Coast
live oak riparian forest, Central Coast
cottonwood-sycamore riparian forest, Central
Coast riparian scrub, freshwater seeps, and
Claypan vernal pools.
Agricultural preserves
The county's rich agricultural resources are
protected through a variety of activities in the
Agricultural Resources Program. Nearly 1.3
million acres (over 61%) of the land area of the
county is designated for agricultural land use.
Class I Steelhead
Streams
Arroyo Grande Creek
Pismo Creek
East Corral de Piedra
West Corral de Piedra
San Carpoforo Creek
Santa Rosa Creek
Black Lake Canyon
One of the few remaining freshwater marshes in
this area used by migratory waterfowl. This
unique canyon bisects the Nipomo Mesa and was
once part of a stream system that flowed directly
into the ocean. Over geologic time, however, the
Canyon became isolated from its historic basin.
Today, the bottom of the Canyon is still home to
unique wetland habitats fed by groundwater and
rain. The isolation of the canyon habitats has also
encouraged the development of a unique set of
plant species. Black Lake Canyon is one of the
only known habitat areas that supports the
endangered marsh sandwort and the Gambel's
watercress.
Photo courtesy of the Land
Conservancy of San Luis Obispo
County
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 3-62
Environmental
Resource Description Image
Rocky Butte Botanical
Area
This high ridge between Rocky Butte and
Monterey County has outstanding botanical value
and serves as a valuable scenic backdrop.
Tierra Redonda
Mountain Natural
Area
Tierra Redonda Mountain, situated in
northwestern San Luis Obispo County between
Lake Nacimiento and Lake San Antonio was
designated as open space to retain areas with
fragile plant or animal communities in a natural
or undisturbed state. The dominant plant
community is blue-oak woodland. Grassland,
chaparral, and unique sand dunes also occur
here. One of the largest concentrations of
Chorizanthe species in the world is found here.
Sensitive plant species include one-awned
spineflower, Salinas Valley goldfields, San Luis
Obispo County lupine, and ribbonwood. Prairie
falcons are also known from this area.
Cuesta Ridge
Botanical Area
Scenic ridge northwest of the Cuesta grade that
contains a Sargent cypress grove with a rare local
endemic plant, Cuesta Pass checkerbloom
(Sidalcea hickmannii ssp. Anomala).
Rinconada Mine
Botanical Area
An outstanding representative foothill woodland
community with a wide diversity of species
including the rare and endangered Monardella
palmeri.
Fisheries
Morro Bay and Port San Luis are major fishing
harbors. Sportfishing is very popular in Lake
Nacimiento, Santa Margarita Lake, and Lopez
Lake.
3.13 CLIMATE CHANGE
An in-depth description of the anticipated climate change effects in San Luis Obispo County and
the methods used to determine these effects are contained in Section P. Some significant
climate change effects for the Region include:
Increased air and water temperatures
Decreased annual precipitation
Increased drought frequency
Increased storm severity
Rising sea levels
Increased risk of wildfires
Increased evapotranspiration
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While most of these effects will pertain to the entire County, the resources, assets, and systems
impacted by climate change will vary. For that reason, descriptions of the anticipated climate
change impacts are separated by subregion.
3.13.1 North Coast Sub Region
Climate change could make it increasingly difficult to meet water demand in the North Coast
Subregion. As temperatures increase and droughts become more frequent prominent
industries such as hotels, wineries, and agriculture can expect increased, and potentially unmet,
water demands. The vital tourism industry in this subregion causes an increased seasonal
water demand during summer months for several communities including San Simeon,
Cambria, and Los Osos. These seasonal water demands correspond to periods of lower
groundwater levels and water supplies leaving them vulnerable to the effects of climate change.
Three of the most widespread crops in the subregion – grapes, berries, and avocados – are also
sensitive to climate change and could experience decreased yields and increased water
demands as temperatures and evapotranspiration rates rise.
Important water supplies in the North Coast Subregion include coastal aquifers, Whale Rock
Reservoir, and the SWP. Sea level rise and increased drought conditions will put Pico Creek
Valley, San Simeon Valley, Chorro Valley, Morro Valley, and Los Osos Valley Basins at a
heightened threat of seawater intrusion. Additionally, droughts in the past have caused water
delivered through the SWP to have unsuitable salt levels restricting water supplies for the
Chorro Valley Water System.
Growing levels of sedimentation, increased runoff, and rising temperatures will all contribute to
increased water contamination risks. The Morro Bay Estuary, Chorro Creek, Los Osos Creek,
and Warden Creek Watersheds have histories of bacteria impairment and will be especially
vulnerable to increased contamination risks. Not only does this have harmful effects on
ecosystems, but it also limits important beneficial uses of these water bodies including
recreation and oyster harvesting. Additionally, San Simeon and Whale Rock Reservoir have
experienced water contamination due to heavy rain events; the risk of contamination from
stormwater will only increase as storm severity worsens.
As sea level rises along the North Coast, coastal erosion will become an increasing concern for
areas like San Simeon, which already require coastline armoring. Flooding of low-lying areas in
San Simeon, Morro Bay, and Los Osos will also become a growing issue as many of these areas
already experience flooding during king tides and storm surges. Lastly, sea water intrusion and
flooding can disrupt coastal and low-lying habitats including Morro Bay Estuary that are critical
for the ecosystems and economies they support.
Along with increased flooding due to sea level rise, increased storm severity will cause a greater
risk of flooding for areas throughout the subregion. Cambria, Cayucos, Los Osos, and San
Simeon have insufficient flood control facilities for current storm patterns putting them at great
risk of worsening flooding in the future.
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Ecosystems throughout the North Coast Subregion will be threatened by a variety of climate
change effects. One such effect is increased sedimentation and erosion, which has already
been observed in the Morro Bay Estuary. Increased sedimentation has contributed to a
significant reduction in eelgrass extent, which is vital for fish habitats and overall estuary water
quality and is expected to worsen in the future. Threats to water quality described above could
similarly disrupt aquatic habitats and restrict economic and recreational uses of these habitats.
Activities like tourism, oyster farming, the Morro Bay Winter Bird Festival, and fishing are vital to
the communities of this subregion and are threatened by climate change.
3.13.2 North County Sub Region
The wine industry places a defining role in the North County Subregion. Both wineries and
vineyards have significant water demands, which are expected to increase as temperatures and
evapotranspiration rates increase. This could have serious implications for water supply
sources in the subregion, especially groundwater basins. The Paso Robles Basin is a primary
water source for multiple communities in the subregion and has been designated as subject to
critical conditions of overdraft by DWR1. Therefore, increased drought frequency and decreased
annual precipitation compounded with growing domestic, industrial, and agricultural water
demands creates will make meeting water demand increasingly challenging in this area.
The other major water supply sources for the North County Subregion are the Nacimiento and
Salinas Reservoirs. Not only are these reservoirs at risk of increased droughts and declining
precipitation trends, but they are also limited in their storage capabilities during periods of
surplus supplies. The Nacimiento Reservoir is overseen by Monterey County and San Luis
Obispo water contractors have no storage rights. Storage in the Salinas Reservoir is only
permitted when there is a live flow in the Salinas River. These conditions will put the subregion
at great risk as water supplies become increasingly unreliable.
In addition to threats to water supply, a myriad of climate change effects is anticipated to cause
concerns over water quality for the subregion. Both Nacimiento and Salinas Reservoir are
located within areas designated as very high fire hazard zones, and as the risk of wildfires
increases, the possibility of wildfire-related contamination also increases. Increased
temperatures and drought frequency could increase eutrophication in the subregion’s water
bodies. This concern is magnified by the observation of increased algae growth, elevated
nutrient levels, or low dissolved oxygen conditions for Nacimiento and Salinas Reservoirs and
across Middle Salinas-Atascadero and Cholame Creek Watersheds during drought conditions.
Lastly, increased storm severity could result in increased storm-related contamination for the
area’s reservoirs and water bodies.
1 Per DWR’s Bulletin 118, Interim Update 2016, page 12.
https://water.ca.gov/LegacyFiles/groundwater/bulletin118/docs/Bulletin_118_Interim_Update_2016.
pdf
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Increased storm severity is also expected to result in an elevated flooding risk for the North
County Subregion. This would be particularly concerning for San Miguel, Templeton, and other
communities with insufficient flood control facilities. Growing wildfire threats exacerbate the
potential risk of harmful flooding events in this subregion.
The North County Subregion is home to ecosystems rich in biodiversity. However, anticipated
climate change effects could disrupt critical habitats and other ecosystem services.
Sedimentation has already impacted the health of the Salinas River and is expected to increase.
Decreased precipitation and increased drought frequency will contribute to declining instream
flows and the fragmentation of the Salinas and Estrella Rivers – critical movement corridors for
riparian species. Disruption of aquatic habitats and the species they support could also restrict
recreational activities and tourism in the area.
3.13.3 South County Sub Region
Some of the key industries in the South County Subregion rely heavily on water for their
operations. Rising temperatures, increased evapotranspiration rates, and decreased
precipitation could lead to unmet water demand for prominent industries such as oil
production, tourism, and agriculture. Specifically, some of the biggest crops for the subregion –
strawberries, avocados, and grapes – are climate-sensitive and could have increased irrigation
needs as a result of declining soil moisture or increased soil salinity. This issue is magnified by
dependence on drought-sensitive groundwater basins, such as the Cuyama Valley and Santa
Maria Valley Basins. Past water curtailment efforts in Nipomo, while successful at decreasing
water use, have not resulted in a corresponding increase in groundwater levels indicating the
vulnerability of this subregion to increased drought frequency.
Groundwater basins in the South County Subregion are not only at risk of accelerating drought
frequency, but those along the coast could also experience an increased risk of saltwater
intrusion due to sea level rise. The Avila Valley Sub-basin and Santa Maria Valley Basin are two
coastal aquifers that serve as water supply sources for the subregion. Another concern for the
area is the lack of storage capacity for surplus water supplies. Lopez Reservoir is the primary
storage option, but storage is restricted according to the Low Reservoir Response Plan.
Several climate changes effects will create concerns for water quality in the subregion.
Increased wildfire risks could cause contamination concerns for water bodies in the area,
especially Lopez Reservoir. Increased temperatures and drought frequency are expected to
drive greater eutrophication for critical water bodies throughout the subregion. Some of the
water bodies that already struggle with eutrophication issues and will be especially vulnerable
include Lopez Reservoir, San Luis Obispo Creek, Pismo Creek, and Santa Maria River. Increased
storm severity could also become a growing concern for Lopez Reservoir water quality, which is
already impacted by storm runoff.
A NOAA tidal gauge at Port San Luis has been monitoring rising sea levels along the County’s
coastline. As a result of sea level rise, coastal erosion is anticipated to worsen. This will threaten
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coastal communities, especially Avila Beach and Pismo Beach, which have already been forced
to take measures to fight coastal erosion. Sea level rise is also anticipated to cause worsening
storms and coastal flooding putting low-lying areas at risk. Pismo Beach and Oceano currently
experience flooding during kind tides and storm surges indicating their vulnerability to this
threat. The South SLO County Wastewater Treatment Plant along with other critical
infrastructure and coastal habitats will all be at risk of hazardous flooding.
Intensifying storm severity will also contribute to a growing flood risk for the entire South
County Subregion. This illuminates the threat posed to communities like Oceano and Arroyo
Grande that rely on aging flood protection infrastructure, such as the Arroyo Grande Creek
Channel and creek channels in downtown San Luis Obispo. Additionally, there are several
communities with insufficient flood control facilities within the subregion. For example,
insufficient drainage facilities in Nipomo and Oceano will leave them especially vulnerable to
worsening flooding.
Aquatic habitats and ecosystems in the South County Subregion provide essential ecological
and economic benefits to the area. Increased sedimentation and erosion is anticipated putting
Critical Habitats for endangered and threatened species, such as the snowy plover, at risk.
Tourism is a critical industry for the subregion and is largely tied to the beaches and aquatic
systems in the region, such as Avila Beach, Pismo Beach, and Oceano Dunes.
3.14 IRWM PLAN REGIONAL ISSUES AND CONFLICTS
As discussed in Section 4 – IRWM Goals and Objectives, stakeholders were asked to provide
input on their Sub-Region’s three most critical water resources issues (i.e. major water related
objectives and conflicts). Section 4 also describes how these major water related objectives and
conflicts relate to the development of the objectives, implementation strategies, and
implementation projects intended to provide resolution. These major water related objectives
and conflicts are discussed in more detail herein in the form of a case-study for each Sub
Region.
3.14.1 North Coast Sub Region
Figure 4-2 indicates water supply as the issue of greatest concern for the North Coast Sub-
Region due to the small coastal communities not having sufficient groundwater supplies or sea
water intrusion (the third most important issue) limiting groundwater basins’ safe yield.
For example, the coastal communities of Cambria and San Simeon are 100 percent dependent
on their respective local watersheds to capture rainfall for groundwater basin recharge and to
sustain continuous flows in creeks to feed municipal underflow wells near their outlet to the
Pacific Ocean. During dry months and extended drought conditions, Cambria and San Simeon
lack sufficient water to meet peak water demands, leaving the community without water for
outdoor irrigation and adequate fire flow protection. These communities are isolated from
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regional water supplies, making local recycled water, storage and desalination projects the
most feasible projects from a supplemental water supply perspective. From a practical
perspective, high cost-to-customer ratios, regulatory permitting challenges, and heated public
debate about the appropriate approach to water resources management has historically
prevented or slowed project development.
Nevertheless, these two communities (as with all North Coast Sub-region communities) have
made conservation and drought response a way of life and have developed comprehensive
water management plans that include the strategic use of recycled water. San Simeon currently
produces recycled water that is trucked for use in the coastal communities. San Simeon’s
efforts to develop a recycled water distribution system and Cambria’s effort to develop a
drought response project that involves treating brackish groundwater are examples of
objectives for these communities to address the issue.
3.14.2 North County Sub Region
Figure 4-3 indicates the most significant issues for the North County Sub-Region, with
groundwater management as the clear priority. While the SGMA planning process is on-going
and has been managed by a cooperative committee of the various stakeholder agencies (see
Section 12.4.4). However, regarding SGMA implementation, the questions of who will make
decisions, who will use less, what projects to implement, and who will pay are the subjects of
current debate. The multiple (namely agricultural, ecosystem, municipal and rural) water users
of this finite resource, the multiple legal ways the resource can be used, and the multiple
associated regulations and laws related to use of the resource creates multiple sets of
conflicting answers, which are as diverse as the perspectives of the groundwater basin users.
Consequently, multiple approaches to finding the answers are underway for the Paso Basin,
and generally fall into three categories of effort – SGMA response, land-use based, and court-
based - each with their own set of objectives to address the issue.
SGMA: In response the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (2014), the Paso Basin
Cooperative Committee (PBCC) was formed to guide the basin’s compliance with SGMA. The
PBCC includes the County of San Luis Obispo, the City of Paso Robles, the Shandon-San Juan
Water District and San Miguel CSD. The Paso Basin GSP is scheduled for a December 2019
adoption. The most up-to-date information is available at the Paso Robles Basin website:
http://www.slocounty.ca.gov/Departments/Public-Works/Committees-Programs/Sustainable-
Groundwater-Management-Act-(SGMA)/Paso-Robles-Groundwater-Basin.aspx
Land Use-Based Objectives: In response to declining levels, the County approved an urgency
ordinance to establish a moratorium on new or expanded irrigated crop production, conversion
of dry farm or grazing land to new or expanded irrigated crop production, and new
development dependent upon a well in the Paso Robles Groundwater Basin (Basin) unless such
uses offset their total projected water use by a ratio of 1:1. The ordinance also requires the
installation of meters on new wells associated with the above uses. The ordinance specifies
uses that are not subject to the ordinance and contains exemptions including replacement
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May 2020 3-68
wells for any of the prohibited uses. The ordinance applies to all properties located within the
unincorporated areas of San Luis Obispo County that overlie the Paso Robles Groundwater
Basin except those properties that overlie the Atascadero Sub-Basin, and properties served by
County Service Area 16 (Shandon) and the San Miguel Community Services District. The
ordinance has since been extended multiple times and it is currently set to expire once the
Paso Basin GSP is adopted. However, at the June 18th, 2019 Board of Supervisors meeting, the
Board directed staff to produce an extension that would primarily extend the ordinance during
the startup phase of SGMA implementation in the basin area.
Court-Based Objectives: A quiet title claim lawsuit has been filed by certain stakeholders that
asks the court to affirm the rights of overlying property owners to access basin groundwater.
The quiet title claim may be the first step towards an adjudication, in which the court decides
who has rights to groundwater in the basin and in what quantity since water purveyors
currently depend on water from the basin to serve their customers. These stakeholder groups
advocate that court-supervised groundwater management is the most fair and beneficial option
for landowners who wish to retain their full water rights under California law. While the process
is still on-going, the jury "found that the public water suppliers have established a “prescriptive
right” such that they can continue to share in the groundwater supply consistent with historical
practice, even during times of shortage.” 2 Quantification of this right has not yet been
determined.
3.14.3 South County Sub Regions
Figure 4-3 indicates groundwater management as the issue of greatest concern for the South
County Sub-Region due to the challenges of managing the adjudicated Santa Maria
Groundwater Basin and water shortage problems, though additional issues of concern relate to
flood control (second issue of concern).
The outcome of the adjudication has established certain requirements of the management
groups formed, however basin users are still faced with the challenge of increasing competition
for a limited resource. Opportunities for integrating water resource management strategies
within the Santa Maria Groundwater Basin to address needs exist and are reflected in the
various implementation strategies and projects identified in the IRWM Plan for the South
County Sub-Region, however funding and affordability remains the major challenge for
implementation.
2 http://www.slocounty.ca.gov/Departments/Administrative-Office/News/Jury-Affirms-Groundwater-
Rights-of-Public-Water-Su.aspx
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3.15 DISADVANTAGED COMMUNITIES
The San Luis Obispo Region is home to many Disadvantaged Communities (DACs), as depicted
on Map 3-15. Table 3-23 summarizes the places within the region that qualify as Disadvantaged
or are suspected Disadvantaged or Economically Distressed.
The District is in process of complete a Needs Assessment per the Prop. 1 Disadvantaged
Communities Involvement Program, which is includes a comprehensive analysis of DAC and
suspected DAC communities, including the Census “Block Group” level. This report will detail
various water-related conditions and include next steps for the various communities. When
complete, this report will be added as Appendix K.
Five communities participated in the Prop 1 DAC-Involvement Program. See Section 10.3.2.2
for more information about the DAC-I program in the San Luis Obispo Region.
Table 3-23: Disadvantaged Communities and Suspected Disadvantaged Communities / Economically Distressed Areas.
Community Geography County IRWM
region
Median
Household
Income (MHI)
& Population
IRWM / RWMG
Involvement
1 San
Miguel
Block Group
60790100162
San Luis
Obispo
San Luis
Obispo
County
MHI $49,464
Pop. 2,696
The San Miguel CSD
is a member of the
RWMG.
2 Shandon Shandon CSA
- CSA 16
San Luis
Obispo
San Luis
Obispo
County
Income survey
in progress
Pop. 1,295
The community is
represented by the
County of San Luis
Obispo in the
RWMG.
3 Santa
Margarita
Santa
Margarita
CDP
San Luis
Obispo
San Luis
Obispo
County
MHI $50,083
Pop. 1,346
The community is
represented by the
County of San Luis
Obispo in the
RWMG.
4 Morro
Bay
City of Morro
Bay
San Luis
Obispo
San Luis
Obispo
County
MHI $53,348
Pop. 10,519
The City of Morro
Bay is a member of
the RWMG.
5 Grover
Beach
City of
Grover Beach
San Luis
Obispo
San Luis
Obispo
County
MHI $58,895
Pop. 13,156
The City of Grover
Beach is a member
of the RWMG.
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Community Geography County IRWM
region
Median
Household
Income (MHI)
& Population
IRWM / RWMG
Involvement
6 San
Simeon
San Simeon
CDP
San Luis
Obispo
San Luis
Obispo
County
MHI $48,875*
Pop. 462
San Simeon CSD is a
member of the
RWMG.
7 San Luis
Obispo
City of San
Luis Obispo
San Luis
Obispo
San Luis
Obispo
County
MHI $47,777
Pop. 46,716
The City of San Luis
Obispo is a member
of the RWMG.
8 Oceano Oceano CSD San Luis
Obispo
San Luis
Obispo
County
MHI $39,000
Pop. 7530
Oceano CSD is a
member of the
RWMG.
9 California
Valley
Block Group
60790127021
San Luis
Obispo
San Luis
Obispo
County
MHI $48,636
Pop. 843
Indirectly, via County
of San Luis Obispo
and the SLO Flood
Control and Water
Conservation
District.
*denotes 2014 value.
3.16 TRIBAL HISTORY
For centuries (see Table 3-24), San Luis Obispo County was the heart of Chumash and Salinan
Native American country. The Chumash and Salinan Tribes had a rich culture and were
excellent craftspeople and artists. Exploration of the land by Europeans began in 1769 at the
command of Gaspar de Portola of Spain. With Portola came the Franciscan friars to begin
founding the California missions. Following the independence of Mexico and the secularization
of the missions, the Central Coast entered the period of the rancheros. Many names of towns
and places derive from these Spanish rancheros. San Luis Obispo was claimed for the United
States in 1846. In 1850, California was admitted to the United States, and San Luis Obispo
became one of the original counties.
A severe drought gripped the state in 1862 to 1864 resulting in the devastation of much of the
region’s cattle industry. Several wet seasons followed which prompted immigration to the
County and the emergence of the dairy industry. By the 1870’s, San Luis Obispo County began
to transform from a poor, remote, and sometimes violent outpost of rural California to a locale
prized for its diverse and spectacular topography, breathtaking scenery, and rich farms and
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mines. The 1880s and 1890s brought the railroad that connected San Luis Obispo with San
Francisco and Los Angeles.
Throughout the 1900’s San Luis Obispo County remained largely an agricultural county. The
World Wars and the Korean War brought economic growth to San Luis Obispo County as local
suppliers supported the war effort. The second half of the century was punctuated with
infrastructure projects needed to support post-war population increases.
Presently, over 260,000 residents enjoy San Luis Obispo County’s central coast location. With
the ocean and mountains, the Spanish and historical flavor, and the mild climate, San Luis
Obispo County provides an enviable quality of life for residents and tourists.
Table 3-24: San Luis Obispo County Historical Timeline and Images from the Past
Key Events in History
10,000
years ago
The area was inhabited by Chumash and Salinan
Native Americans.
1542 The Spanish explorer Juan Rodriquez Cabrillo
discovered Morro Rock during his exploration of
the California Coast.
1587-1602 Portuguese explorers Pedro de Unamuno and
Sebastian Rodriquez Cermeno and Basque
explorer Sebastian Vizcaino came to the county.
1769 Spanish explorer Gaspar de Portola arrived by
land.
1772 Father Junipero Serra established Mission San
Luis Obispo de Tolosa.
1797 Father Fermin Francisco de Lasuen founded
Mission San Miguel Arcangel at San Miquel.=
1822 Mexico gained possession of all California from
Spain beginning the great land grant period that
divided the land into huge ranchos.
1837 Mexican land grants were granted from
secularized mission lands and the great adobes
were built.
1846 General John Fremont took the city of San Luis
Obispo from the Mexican government and
governed briefly with his Bear Flag government.
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1849 During the Gold Rush many people traveled
through the county on their way north to the
goldfields.
1850 California was admitted to the United States as
the 31st state in the Union. San Luis Obispo
became one of the original 27 counties. The
population of the county was 336 persons
almost all of whom were Spanish speaking and
lived on the great ranchos.
1862-1864 The Great Drought brought mass cattle
starvation and ended the cattle industry as it had
existed during the Mexican ranchos era.
1870s The cinnabar mining rush begins in the Cambria
area and dairy farms predominate in Edna Valley
and along the coast. The region begins to
transform from a poor, remote and sometimes
violent outpost of rural California to a locale
prized for its diverse and spectacular
topography, breathtaking scenery, and rich
farms and mines. Dairy and mining commerce
generated the need for improved modes of
transportation.
1880s and
1890
The Southern Pacific Railroad was built between
San Francisco and Los Angeles. In 1894 San Luis
Obispo could be reached by rail.
1901 California State Polytechnic College was
established.
1914-1918 During World War I, many County farmers
turned to the production of navy beans, since
these were subsidized by the War Relief
Administration. In those days before reliable
refrigeration, beans could be shipped to the
troops in Europe without spoiling, and the
County’s economy boomed.
1919-1947 The Hearst Castle was built.
1923 Highway 1 was completed connecting coastal
areas to San Luis Obispo
1925 The Motel Inn in San Luis Obispo, the first motel
in the world.
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1930s The County’s agricultural diversity shielded it
from the worst of the Great Depression of the
1930s. There were difficult times, however, for
many of those who came from other areas
looking for work. It was near a migrant camp in
Nipomo that photographer Dorothea Lange,
working for the Farm Security Administration,
took her famous photograph entitled “Migrant
Mother.”
The County benefited from such Depression-era
federal programs as the Works Progress
Administration (WPA) and the Civilian
Conservation Corps (CCC). Through the
involvement of these agencies, the County
received a new Courthouse, flood-control
projects, and highway improvements.
1941-1942 With the onset of World War II, the County’s
transportation links and open land areas were
deemed useful by the U.S. War Department,
which located training camps in the area: Camp
Roberts and Camp San Luis Obispo, as well as a
naval training base at Morro Bay and a Coast
Guard station near Cambria. These camps
brought nearly 100,000 military personnel.
1942 Santa Margarita Dam was built by the Army
Corps of Engineers to supply water for Camp
San Luis Obispo. The water from the lake was
never used for that purpose however.
1955 Pacific Gas and Electric Power Plant was
completed in Morro Bay.
1960 Whale Rock Dam was completed, the first major
dam designed and constructed by DWR.
1968 San Luis Obispo County Flood Control and
Water Conservation District completed the
Lopez Dam to provide a reliable water supply
for agriculture and municipalities south county.
1985 Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s Diablo
Canyon Nuclear Power Plant begins operations.
1994 -
1995
Morro Bay was designated as the first State
Estuary and was accepted into the National
Estuary Program.
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1997 The 100-mile-long Coastal Branch of the State
Water Project was completed to transport State
Water Project water to Santa Barbara and San
Luis Obispo Counties.
2004 The Environmental Impact Report was certified
for the Nacimiento Project to bring water from
Lake Nacimiento to Paso Robles, Templeton,
Atascadero, and San Luis Obispo.
Taken from: The Library Associates, A Vast Pastoral Domain: San Luis Obispo County in the 1870s, Santa
Barbara Chumash Museum, Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa,
<http://www.historyinslocounty.com/Links.htm>, San Luis Obispo County Historical Society
3.16.1 Salinan Tribe of Monterey and San Luis Obispo
The Salinan Tribe currently has 371 certified ancestors listed with 400 more seeking federal
recognition. They have a Tribal Business Council that meets twice a month and a general
meeting every second Sunday of the month. As a legal Tribe Government, they qualify under
Senate Bill 18; requiring cities and counties to conduct consultations with California Native
American tribes.
3.16.2 Northern Chumash Tribe of San Luis Obispo
The Northern Chumash Tribal Council (NCTC) is organized as a non-profit corporation under
the guidelines of the state of California Senate Bill 18. The NCTC provides a foundation for the
Chumash people of San Luis Obispo County to sustain the culture and heritage of the Tribe.
The NCTC states that they have “over 20,000 years of habitation in San Luis Obispo County.”
Today the NCTC is involved in consultation with County and Local Governments to improve
cultural resources, to bring awareness in the need for quality of archaeology in siting and
constructing new projects, and to be a part of the decision-making process for land use issues
in San Luis Obispo County. This offers a more complete project analysis for the protection of
“Cultural Places and Sacred Sites”. NCTC also works with the development community to assist
in the planning process so that we better understand each-others’ concerns.
The NCTC is also looking at self-sustainability through working within the community. NCTC
has leased land to start organic farming practices and strives to be self-reliant through
agriculture and businesses in the community (vs. casino). They are of the belief that property
should be preserved in its natural state to tell the story of the Chumash people.
The NCTC provided responses to the 2018 Tribal questionnaire and it is included in Appendix D
– Native American Tribal Outreach.
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3.17 REFERENCES
Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry. (2007). Public Health Statement for Arsenic.
Retrieved from https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/phs/phs.asp?id=18&tid=3#bookmark05
Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry. (2012). Public Health Statement for Chromium.
Retrieved from https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/phs/phs.asp?id=60&tid=17#bookmark05
Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry. (2015). Public Health Statement for Nitrate and
Nitrite. Retrieved from https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/phs/phs.asp?id=1448&tid=258
Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry. (2008). Public Health Statement for Perchlorates.
Retrieved from https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/phs/phs.asp?id=892&tid=181#bookmark05
Assembly Bill 1249, Chapter 717. (2014). Retrieved from http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/
faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=201320140AB1249
Assembly Bill 2222, Chapter 670. (2008). Retrieved from http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/07-
08/bill/asm/ab_2201-2250/ab_2222_bill_20080930_chaptered.html
Assembly Bill 1249, Chapter 717. (2014). Retrieved from http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/
faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=201320140AB1249
Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, 2019 Basin Prioritization. (2019). California
Department of Water Resources. Retrieved from
https://water.ca.gov/Programs/Groundwater-Management/Basin-Prioritization
Los Osos Groundwater Basin Plan (2015). Retreived from
https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/Departments/Public-Works/Forms-
Documents/Committees-Programs/Los-Osos-Basin-Management-Committee-(BMC)/2015-
01-Los-Osos-Groundwater-Basin-Plan.aspx
Los Osos Basin Plan, Groundwater Monitoring Program, 2017 Annual Monitoring Report (2018).
Retrieved from https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/Departments/Public-Works/Forms-
Documents/Committees-Programs/Los-Osos-Basin-Management-Committee-
(BMC)/Annual-Reports.aspx
State Water Resources Control Board. (2013). Communities that Rely on a Contaminated
Groundwater Source for Drinking Water. Retrieved from https://www.waterboards.
ca.gov/gama/ab2222/docs/ab2222.pdf
State Water Resources Control Board. (2018). GeoTracker GAMA [database]. Retrieved from
https://data.ca.gov/dataset/geotracker-gama
State Water Resources Control Board. (2018). State Drinking Water Information System. Retrieved
from https://sdwis.waterboards.ca.gov/PDWW/
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State Water Resources Control Board. (2017). State Water Board Approves Removal of Drinking
Water Standard for Hexavalent Chromium. Retrieved from https://www.waterboards.ca.
gov/press_room/press_releases/2017/pr080117_mcl_removal.pdf
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4 TABLE OF CONTENTS
4 IRWM Goals and Objectives ........................................................................................................ 4-1
4.1 IRWM Plan Vision ................................................................................................................. 4-1
4.2 Overview of 2014 Update of Goals and Objectives .......................................................... 4-2
4.2.1 Stakeholder Engagement ................................................................................................ 4-2
4.2.2 Relationship to Guidance Documents ........................................................................... 4-3
4.2.3 Adoption of the 2014 IRWM Goals and Objectives ....................................................... 4-4
4.3 2018 Update of Goals and Objectives ............................................................................... 4-4
4.3.1 2017 Stakeholder Survey................................................................................................. 4-4
4.3.2 Decision to Not Prioritize ................................................................................................ 4-6
4.3.3 Consideration of SGMA ................................................................................................... 4-6
4.3.4 Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment .................................................................... 4-6
4.4 IRWM Goals and Objectives ................................................................................................ 4-7
4.4.1 Water Supply Goal ........................................................................................................... 4-9
4.4.2 Ecosystem and Watershed Goal ..................................................................................... 4-9
4.4.3 Groundwater Monitoring and Management (Groundwater) Goal ........................... 4-10
4.4.4 Flood Management Goal ............................................................................................... 4-11
4.4.5 Water Resources Management and Communications (Water Management) Goal 4-11
4.5 IRWM Goals and Objectives Integration .......................................................................... 4-12
4.6 Goals and Objectives Metrics ........................................................................................... 4-17
4.7 References .......................................................................................................................... 4-28
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 4-1: Relationships and Synergies between IRWM Plan Goals ............................................ 4-2
Figure 4-2: Countywide Survey Results on Top Three Regional Water Issues ............................. 4-5
Figure 4-3: Comparison of Sub-Regional Survey Responses on Top Three Regional Water Issues
............................................................................................................................................................... 4-5
Figure 4-4: Summary of IRWM Goals, Objectives, and Sub-Region Priorities .............................. 4-8
Figure 4-5: Integration of IRWM Objectives with State Objectives .............................................. 4-13
LIST OF TABLES
Table 4-1: Specific California Water Code Requirements and Consistency with IRWM Plan ...... 4-3
Table 4-2: Relationship between Plan Goals and Plan Objectives ............................................... 4-14
Table 4-3: Water Supply Goal .......................................................................................................... 4-18
Table 4-4: Ecosystem and Watershed (Ecosystem) Goal, Continued .......................................... 4-21
Table 4-5: Groundwater Monitoring and Management (Groundwater) Goal ............................ 4-22
Table 4-6: Flood Management Goal ................................................................................................ 4-24
Table 4-7: Water Management and Communications (Water Management) Goal ................... 4-26
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
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4 IRWM GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
This section identifies San Luis Obispo County (SLO) IRWM Region (Region) Plan Goals and
Objectives. The Goals and Objectives provide a basis for decision making and are used to
evaluate project benefits in terms of implementing the Region’s IRWM Plan. The Goals and
Objectives respond to input on what the Regional Water Management Group (RWMG) and
Interested Stakeholders perceive to be the Region’s major water resources issues. The Goals
and Objectives:
Focus the IRWM Plan
Provide a basis for determining the most appropriate resource management strategies
for the Region
Are used to evaluate project benefits
Guide IRWM project prioritization, development, and implementation
4.1 IRWM PLAN VISION
The Goals and Objectives are intended to guide regional efforts toward solving the water
resources issues of greatest concern. The Vision statement portrays the Region’s overarching
aim for the IRWM Plan, and the Mission statement describes how the IRWM Plan will achieve
that goal.
Goals are comprehensive statements of what the RWMG and other IRWM Program Participants
wish to accomplish under the broader IRWM Plan Vision and Mission statements. Objectives are
more specific, tangible, and measurable activities that will help carry out the goals. The goals of
this IRWM Plan encompass five categories of water resources management that define the
focus of this Region’s IRWM Planning effort. These categories are illustrated in Figure 4-1 as a
collection of goals that will bring synergy to address important issues related to Water Quality,
Disadvantaged Communities (DACs), and Climate Change. These goals are listed as follows:
1. Water Supply
2. Ecosystem and Watersheds
3. Groundwater Monitoring and Management (Groundwater)
IRWM Plan Vision:
Create a united framework among SLO County Stakeholders for sustainable water
resource management
IRWM Plan Mission:
Facilitate regional Plans, programs, and projects to further sustainable water
resource management
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 4-2
4. Flood Management
5. Water Resources Management and Communications (Water Management)
Figure 4-1: Relationships and Synergies between IRWM Plan Goals
4.2 OVERVIEW OF 2014 UPDATE OF GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
4.2.1 Stakeholder Engagement
Development of the Goals and Objectives for the 2014 IRWM Plan Update was guided by both
stakeholder input and California state guidance documents. As a first step to revising the Goals
and Objectives, stakeholder participation was solicited to identify the critical water resources
issues of the region. This was facilitated through six Stakeholder/Community Outreach
meetings held throughout the County and three Sub-Region workshops (all held in March
2013). Stakeholders in attendance include the following groups:
Cities/Municipalities/Community Services Districts (CSDs) representatives
Mutual Water Companies (MWCs)/Private Water Purveyors representatives
Agricultural representatives
Environmental representatives
Rural and urban residents
Various advisory committee representatives
Local media representatives
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4.2.2 Relationship to Guidance Documents
The primary reference document used in the update was the 2007 IRWM Plan, which included
Goals and Objectives in the following five areas of water resources management: Water Quality,
Water Supply, Ecosystem Preservation and Restoration, Groundwater Monitoring and
Management, and Flood Management. The 2012 DWR IRWM Guidelines specifically required
that all IRWM Plans considered the overarching goals of the Water Quality Control Plan for the
Central Coast Basin, 20x2020 Water Conservation Plan, and California Water Code. The RWMG
took great strides to ensure the IRWM Goals were aligned with the goals outlined in each of
these state-led documents. To illustrate this effort, Table 4-1 summarizes the relationship
between the requirements from the California Water Code and the IRWM Plan Goals.
Table 4-1: Specific California Water Code Requirements and Consistency with IRWM Plan
California Water Code Requirements How the IRWM Addresses Requirement
1. Protection and improvement of water supply
reliability, including identification of feasible
agricultural and urban water use efficiency
strategies.
The Water Supply goal seeks to maintain or
improve water supply quantity for all water use
sectors, as well as specifically promotes
communities and water users from creating
and adopting water management plans which
would identify such efficiency strategies.
2. Identification and consideration of the
drinking water quality of communities within
the area of the IRWM Plan.
The Water Supply, Groundwater, and Flood
Management goals all include objectives aimed
at improving water quality for communities
within the area of the IRWM Plan.
3. Protection and improvement of water quality
within the area of the IRWM Plan consistent
with relevant basin Plan.
Central Coast Basin Plan considered in planning
process. The Groundwater goal seeks to
identifying issues and implementing strategies
addressed in local basin Plans.
4. Identification of any significant threats to
groundwater resources from overdraft.
The Groundwater goal seeks collaborative and
cooperative local groundwater management to
identify issues (such as overdraft) in
groundwater basins.
5. Protection, restoration, and improvement of
stewardship of aquatic, riparian, and
watershed resources within the Region.
The Ecosystem goal encapsulates this
requirement in its overarching title and is
reflected in the objectives.
6. Protection of groundwater resources from
contamination.
The Groundwater and Ecosystem goals include
objectives for the protection of groundwater
quality from natural or manmade
contaminants.
7. Identification and consideration of water-
related needs of disadvantaged communities
in the area within the boundaries of the
IRWM Plan.
All goals include special consideration to
identifying DACs and issues specific to all five
goals within each of the three Sub-Regions.
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4.2.3 Adoption of the 2014 IRWM Goals and Objectives
The process for adopting the updated 2014 IRWM Plan Goals and Objectives was deliberate in
ensuring consistency requirements were met and in providing IRWM Program Participants the
opportunity to review, comment, and edit the Goals and Objectives prior to being finalized. The
steps taken were as follows:
1. List stakeholder-identified water resources issues by Sub-Region.
2. Look to issues identified in 2012 County Master Water Report.
3. Compare the 2007 IRWM Plan Goals and Objectives to various requirements listed
above and recognize deficiencies based on identified issues.
4. Bridge deficiencies by updating the IRWM Plan Goals and Objectives. Develop approach
for measurement of and reporting on meeting goals.
5. Confirmation of no objective prioritization and introduce, in its place, Sub-Region
Priorities to address specific watershed issues.
6. Submit draft IRWM Goals and Objectives to IRWM Program Participants for comment.
7. Revise draft IRWM Goals and Objectives after consideration of comments received.
8. Submit final draft IRWM Goals and Objectives to RWMG for review and approval.
At the June 5, 2013 RWMG meeting, the RWMG members reviewed the above list of water
resources issues and the updated IRWM Plan Goals and Objectives and approved them for
inclusion in the 2014 IRWM Plan Update. A Sub-Region Priorities list was also developed to
speak specifically to Sub-Regional issues and the Sub-Regional objectives to which stakeholders
will be committed. This list was considered and finalized by each Sub-Region. The Water
Resources Advisory Committee (WRAC) supported the IRWM Plan Goals and Objectives at the
June 5, 2013 WRAC meeting.
4.3 2018 UPDATE OF GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
4.3.1 2017 Stakeholder Survey
In the summer of 2017 an online survey was conducted to obtain input from the IRWM Region
Stakeholders on the region’s critical water issues. The survey was completed by over 200
community members from all three Sub-regions and representing a variety of communities and
organizations. The results of the survey were presented to the RWMG and reviewed to ensure
the IRWM Goals and Objectives maintain relevance to the current challenges faced by the
region. As shown in Figure 4-2, water supply reliability and groundwater management remain
the two leading concerns for water management in SLO County. Another graph, Figure 4-3,
compares the percentage of respondents by sub-region that selected each of the water issues
as one of the region’s top three challenges. This breakdown illustrates some of the
discrepancies between sub-regional priorities and hints at the RWMG’s decision to not prioritize
the Plan Objectives (as discussed in the next sub-section).
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Figure 4-2: Countywide Survey Results on Top Three Regional Water Issues
Figure 4-3: Comparison of Sub-Regional Survey Responses on Top Three Regional Water Issues
7%
13%
15%
17%
23%
26%
30%
43%
49%
68%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%
Flood Control / Stormwater
Institutional Capacity
Climate Change
Water Conservation
Regulatory Constraints
Environmental Services
Water Quality
Aging Infrastructure
Groundwater Management
Water Supply
Percentage of Total Respondents
Countywide Survey Results
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%
Flood Control / Stormwater
Institutional Capacity
Climate Change
Water Conservation
Regulatory Constraints
Environmental Services
Water Quality
Aging Infrastructure
Groundwater Management
Water Supply
Percentage of Respondents from Each Sub-Region
Sub-Regional Comparison of Survey Results
South County North County North Coast
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4.3.2 Decision to Not Prioritize
At the April 5th, 2017 regular RWMG meeting, an RWMG Working Group was formed to make
recommendations to the larger group for updating the 2014 IRWM Plan to the 2016 DWR
standards. The Group included:
Cambria Community Services District
City of Morro Bay
City of San Luis Obispo
Central Coast Salmon Enhancement
Morro Bay National Estuary Program
Nipomo Community Services District
Templeton Community Services District
This RWMG Working Group met on July 24th, 2017 and subsequently recommended to continue
the 2014 IRWM Plan un-prioritized approach to the goals and objectives. This recommendation
was accepted by the RWMG at-large at the October 4th, 2017 regular meeting.
4.3.3 Consideration of SGMA
To ensure the Groundwater Management Objectives align with the region’s efforts to comply
with the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), County of SLO staff members were
consulted to suggest appropriate revisions. County staff proposed a few minor edits to the
wording of the 2014 Plan Objectives to maintain consistency between the region’s efforts under
IRWM and SGMA. These changes were approved by the RWMG at the meeting on April 4, 2018.
4.3.4 Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
During the 2018 IRWM Plan Update, the Plan Objectives were integrated with the region’s
climate change vulnerability assessment and prioritization, which is summarized in Section 14 –
Climate Change. Comparison matrices were developed to evaluate if the Plan Objectives
address the region’s water-related climate change vulnerabilities and to ensure the Objectives
promote necessary climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies. Table 14-9
demonstrates how there are numerous objectives that relate to each of the six “very high”
priority climate change vulnerabilities identified for the region. Table 14-10 illustrates how five
climate change adaptation and mitigation requirements from the 2016 IRWM Guidelines are
also sufficiently integrated into the objectives. For a more detailed discussion of the
relationship between the Plan Objectives and climate change, see Section 14.11 – Adaptation
and Mitigation Strategies.
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4.4 IRWM GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Based on the list of stakeholder issues and the standards from DWR’s IRWM Guidelines, five
Goals and associated Objectives were formed. The Goals and abbreviated Objectives are
illustrated below in Figure 4-4; the content of Figure 4-4 is described in the following sections.
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Figure 4-4: Summary of IRWM Goals, Objectives, and Sub-Region Priorities
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4.4.1 Water Supply Goal
The intent of the Water Supply Goal is to maintain or improve water supply quantity and quality
for potable water, fire protection, ecosystem health, and agricultural production needs; as well
as to cooperatively address limitations, vulnerabilities, conjunctive-use, and water-use
efficiency.
Objectives:
1. Maximize the accessibility to existing and supplemental water supplies in the Region
through the utilization of existing infrastructure and development of new infrastructure
and agreements.
2. Provide adequate and sustainable water supplies and infrastructure to address water
deficiencies in all communities, including disadvantaged communities and designated low-
income census blocks.
3. Support sustainable potable water supply programs for rural residents.
4. Support sustainable water quality and supply programs for agriculture.
5. Support projects aimed to improve existing public water systems to meet state and federal
Drinking Water Quality Standards.
6. Develop and implement water management plans in communities of all sizes and water
uses consistent with CWC requirements and accounting for environmental water needs.
7. Develop and implement conservation programs, measures, and practices to increase water
use efficiency in all water use sectors in order to maximize water supplies.
8. Plan for potential regional impacts of greenhouse gas emissions, climate change, and
droughts on water quantity and quality.
9. Diversify water supply sources, including the use of recycled and desalinized water.
10. Support watershed enhancement projects and programs to increase available water
supplies to the Region.
4.4.2 Ecosystem and Watershed Goal
Maintain or improve the health of the Region’s watersheds, ecosystems, and natural resources
through collaborative and cooperative actions; with a focus on assessment, protection, and
restoration/enhancement of ecosystem and resource needs and vulnerabilities.
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Objectives:
1. Develop watershed plans or other methods to determine the existing conditions and
critical issues of each watershed or water planning area.
2. Preserve, enhance, restore, and conserve riparian corridors and natural creak and river
systems through wetland restoration, natural floodplains, riparian buffers, conservation
easements, and other mechanisms.
3. Increase watershed management activities (e.g., education, BMPs, monitoring, etc.) to
reduce or prevent point and non-point source discharges of contaminants to surface water
and groundwater resources to reduce the potential for developing additional Total
Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs).
4. Develop public involvement and stewardship programs for public lands and ecosystems.
5. Protect and recover threatened, endangered, and sensitive species through habitat
restoration, stream flow management, and fish passage restoration.
6. Reduce impacts of invasive species by removal and/or other management/control methods
to promote healthy ecosystems.
7. Increase monitoring and promote research programs to obtain a greater understanding of
the long-term effects of climate change and greenhouse gas emissions on the Region’s
watersheds and ecosystems.
4.4.3 Groundwater Monitoring and Management (Groundwater) Goal
Achieve sustainable use of the Region’s water supply within groundwater basins through
collaborative and cooperative actions.
Objectives:
1. Develop groundwater management plans, including Groundwater Sustainability Plans, Salt
and Nutrient Plans, or other methods, to help understand groundwater issues and
conditions
2. Improve groundwater management with direct support of locally driven processes,
including potential formation of groundwater management structures/organizations for
the purpose of implementing water supply and conservation plans, programs, and
projects.
3. Develop and implement projects and programs to further basin management objectives of
local groundwater management plans or other objectives established under other
methods used to define groundwater issues and conditions.
4. Work with local groundwater governance bodies in an effort to increase monitoring for
groundwater basins in the region, where plausible, such as is required under Sustainable
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Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) and/or California Statewide Groundwater Elevation
Monitoring (CASGEM).
5. Evaluate and implement groundwater recharge and/or banking programs or efforts to
increase the conjunctive-use opportunities within the Region, where technically feasible
and cost-effective.
6. Protect and improve groundwater quality from point and non-point source pollution,
including geothermal contamination and seawater intrusion.
4.4.4 Flood Management Goal
Foster an integrated, watershed approach to flood management and improved storm water
quality through collaborative community supported processes in order to ensure community
health, safety, and to enhance quality of life.
Objectives:
1. Understand flood management needs per watershed or water planning area.
2. Promote the implementation of Low Impact Development projects and practices to reduce
storm runoff to protect infrastructure and property from flood damage.
3. Integrate storm water controls, drainage, and flood control structures into development
projects and/or floodplain restoration to enhance natural groundwater recharge.
4. Improve flood control infrastructure and operations and flood management strategies to
reduce frequency of downstream flooding; improve water quality, and reduce upstream
erosion and downstream sediment accumulation.
5. Develop and implement flood management and water storage projects that provide
multiple benefits such as public safety, water supply, habitat protection, recreation,
agriculture, and economic development.
6. Develop and implement flood control projects that ensure health and safety and
simultaneously protect, restore, and enhance the functions of rivers, creeks, streams, and
their floodplains.
7. Support the adequate protection of DACs from flooding without unfairly burdening
communities, neighborhoods, or individuals.
4.4.5 Water Resources Management and Communications (Water Management) Goal
Promote open communications and regional cooperation in the protection and management of
water resources, including education and outreach related to water resources conditions,
conservation/water use efficiency, water rights, water allocations, and other regional water
resource management efforts.
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Objectives:
1. Provide consistent, consolidated, and informative public outreach on the coordination of
IRWM implementation projects and water resources programs.
2. Seek funding for IRWM implementation without unfairly burdening communities,
neighborhoods, or individuals.
3. Actively support and promote local control in addressing water resource issues through
establishing stakeholder groups, working with local groundwater governance bodies, and
partnering with governance bodies, and with cities, community service districts, and other
water purveyors when possible.
4. Consider property owner rights, existing water supplies, and cultural values in the planning
and implementation of IRWM projects and programs.
5. Support efforts by the state, local agencies, water purveyors, and local groundwater
governance bodies to align efforts to protect and manage water resources.
6. Seek opportunities for water management collaboration between urban, rural, and
agricultural interests.
7. Provide support and promote education for the participation of DACs in the development,
implementation, monitoring, and long-term maintenance of water resource management
projects.
8. Promote public education programs for water resources management (e.g., groundwater
management, watershed protection, conservation, flood management, and water quality).
4.5 IRWM GOALS AND OBJECTIVES INTEGRATION
After the initial step of committing to any single IRWM Objective, the Objective’s relevance to
addressing the issues that were raised in Sub-Region workshops and in state and local resource
documents was evaluated to ensure compliance. The role of each Objective is to shape and
support projects and programs with measurable (quantitative and/or qualitative) physical
benefits and can demonstrate synergies with other stated IRWM Plan Objectives. Synergies
occurring across goals are considered “integration of objectives.” Much like building blocks that
form the structure, in this case, the Objectives form and support the projects that address the
issues.
This concept is explained further in Section 5 – Resource Management Strategies and
Section 6 – Project Review Process. The “integration of objectives” concept weaves itself into
each step of the IRWM Plan’s implementation and is measured for integration at the Project
Element and Water Management Strategy level, both of which strive to meet the state of
California’s Objectives and Resource Management Strategies. Figure 4-5 illustrates how the
IRWM Objectives are used to begin the first steps towards meeting the state’s Objectives. The
double arrow implies integration in both directions as IRWM Projects are formulated and
measured based on how well they meet both IRWM Objectives and state Objectives.
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Figure 4-5: Integration of IRWM Objectives with State Objectives
Table 4-2 lists the initial validation of the integration of objectives by listing the Objectives from
each Goal along the left side, and the distinct elements of each Goal along the top. The bullets
to the right of each Objective and below the distinct Goal elements emphasize where the
Objectives span across all multiple Goals, and therefore the other Goals’ Objectives intent. For
example, actions taken to satisfy the Water Supply Goal of providing an adequate water supply
in all communities, can involve aspects of ensuring sustainable use of groundwater supplies
(Groundwater Goal), open communication with stakeholders, and the protection and
management of existing water supplies (Water Resources Management Goal). Several of the
Water Resources Management Objectives span all Goals. For instance, DAC support and
education is embedded in every action of the IRWM Plan’s implementation to ensure the
highest level of support to DACs over time.
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan May 2020 4-14 Table 4-2: Relationship between Plan Goals and Plan Objectives Goals1 Objectives2 Water Supply Ecosystem and Watersheds Ground-water Flood Management Water Resources Management Maintain or improve water supply quantity and quality Address limitations and vulnerabilities Conjunctive use Water use efficiency Maintain or improve health of watersheds, ecosystems, and resources Assess, protect, and restore ecosystem and resource needs and vulnerabilities Achieve sustainable use of water supply in basins Integrate watershed approach to flood management Improve storm water quality Ensure health and safety and enhance quality of life for community Promote open communication and resource cooperation Protect and manage water resources Education and outreach Water Supply Maximize accessibility of water Adequate water supply Sustainable potable water for rural Sustainable water for agriculture Water system WQ improvements Implement water management Plans Conservation/water use efficiency Plan for vulnerabilities of water supply Diverse supply (recycled, desalination) Support Watershed Enhancement Ecosystem and Watersheds Understand watershed needs Conserve balance of ecosystem Reduce contaminants Public involvement and stewardship Protect endangered species Reduce impacts of invasive species Climate change in ecosystems
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan May 2020 4-15 Goals1 Objectives2 Water Supply Ecosystem and Watersheds Ground-water Flood Management Water Resources Management Maintain or improve water supply quantity and quality Address limitations and vulnerabilities Conjunctive use Water use efficiency Maintain or improve health of watersheds, ecosystems, and resources Assess, protect, and restore ecosystem and resource needs and vulnerabilities Achieve sustainable use of water supply in basins Integrate watershed approach to flood management Improve storm water quality Ensure health and safety and enhance quality of life for community Promote open communication and resource cooperation Protect and manage water resources Education and outreach Groundwater Understand GW issues and conditions Support local GW management Further local basin management objectives CASGEM Program Groundwater recharge/banking Protect and improve GW quality Flood Management Understand flood management needs Promote low impact development Enhance natural recharge Improve infrastructure and operations Implement multiple-benefit projects Restore streams, rivers and floodplains Support DAC flood protection Water Resources Public outreach on IRWM implementation Funding for IRWM implementation Support local control
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan May 2020 4-16 Goals1 Objectives2 Water Supply Ecosystem and Watersheds Ground-water Flood Management Water Resources Management Maintain or improve water supply quantity and quality Address limitations and vulnerabilities Conjunctive use Water use efficiency Maintain or improve health of watersheds, ecosystems, and resources Assess, protect, and restore ecosystem and resource needs and vulnerabilities Achieve sustainable use of water supply in basins Integrate watershed approach to flood management Improve storm water quality Ensure health and safety and enhance quality of life for community Promote open communication and resource cooperation Protect and manage water resources Education and outreach Consider property owner rights Agency alignment on water resource efforts Collaboration between urban, rural, and ag DAC support and education Promote public education programs
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4.6 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES METRICS
The Objectives Standard in the 2016 DWR IRWM Guidelines requires that objectives be
measurable with the most appropriate metric. Each IRWM Plan objective must include some
metric(s) that the RWMG will use to determine if IRWM Plan implementation is meeting the
IRWM Plan goals over time. The objectives’ metrics apply to the projects and programs and
resource management strategies as the IRWM Plan is implemented through these strategies,
projects, and programs.
As one step in the objectives development process, a short analysis is performed to develop
measurements of physical benefits. The measure for an objective is qualitative, quantitative, or
both, depending on the Region’s available resources, existing monitoring processes in place,
and the nature of the objective.
Throughout IRWM Plan implementation, projects and programs will be implemented and data
generated. A Plan Performance Matrix will be developed that lists the projects and programs
and shows how (and the extent to which) each project carries out IRWM Plan objectives, using
the quantitative and/or qualitative measures listed in the following the tables below (Table 4-3
through Table 4-7, by overarching Goal). Please see Section 8 – Plan Performance and
Monitoring, for a more detailed description of this process.
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan May 2020 4-18 Table 4-3: Water Supply Goal OBJECTIVES QUALITATIVE MEASUREMENT QUANTITATIVE MEASUREMENT 1. Maximize the accessibility to existing and supplemental water supplies in the Region through the utilization of existing infrastructure and development of new infrastructure and agreements. Increasing amounts of total available surface water supply stored for subsequent years or provided to customers as an offset to groundwater pumping, creating in-lieu recharge. 2. Provide adequate and sustainable water supplies and infrastructure to address water deficiencies in all communities, including disadvantaged communities and designated low income census blocks. Decreasing number of communities with deficiencies (objective = 0 communities). 3. Support sustainable potable water supply programs for rural residents. Decreasing number of comments or complaints from the rural community regarding loss, or potential loss, of quality or quantity of their water supplies. 4. Support sustainable water quality and supply programs for agriculture. Decreasing number of comments or complaints from the agricultural community regarding loss, or potential loss, of quality or quantity of their water supplies. 5. Support projects aimed to improve existing public water systems to meet State and Federal Drinking Water Quality Standards. Decreasing number of community water systems that do not currently meet state or federal drinking water quality standards (objective = 0 community water systems).
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan May 2020 4-19 Table 4-3: Water Supply Goal, Continued OBJECTIVES QUALITATIVE MEASUREMENT QUANTITATIVE MEASUREMENT 6. Develop and implement water management Plans in communities of all sizes and water uses consistent with CWC requirements and accounting for environmental water needs. Number of communities without water management Plans (objective = 0). 7. Develop and implement conservation programs, measures and practices to increase water use efficiency in all water use sectors in order to maximize water supplies. Every five years, review extent to which all water use sectors have developed and implemented conservation programs. Increasing number of acre-feet per year of urban, agriculture, and rural water saved through formal water use efficiency projects and programs. 8. Plan for potential regional impacts of greenhouse gas emissions, climate change and droughts on water quantity and quality. Existence of County-wide planning studies that identify greenhouse gas emission sources, regional vulnerabilities, and forecast the needed changes in water supplies and water supply infrastructure as a result of climate change. 9. Diversify water supply sources, including the use of recycled and desalinized water. Decreasing number of communities without a secondary water supply source (objective = 0 communities). 10. Support watershed enhancement projects and programs to increase available water supplies to the Region. Decreasing number of comments or complaints from the agricultural community regarding loss, or potential loss, of quality or quantity of their water supplies.
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan May 2020 4-20 Table 4-4: Ecosystem and Watershed (Ecosystem) Goal OBJECTIVES QUALITATIVE MEASUREMENT QUANTITATIVE MEASUREMENT 1. Develop watershed Plans or other methods to determine the existing conditions and critical issues of each watershed or water Planning area. Decreasing number of watersheds without plans or similar methods developed to understand the needs in watershed or water planning area (objective = 0 watersheds). 2. Preserve, enhance, restore and conserve riparian corridors and natural creek and river systems through wetland restoration, natural floodplains, riparian buffers, conservation easements, and other mechanisms to protect water supplies. Increasing number of acres preserved for ecosystem restoration and/or preservation. Increasing number of acres of healthy or improved natural recharge areas associated with riparian corridors. 3. Increase watershed management activities (e.g., education, BMPs, monitoring, etc.) to reduce or prevent point and non-point source discharges of contaminants to surface water and groundwater resources to reduce the potential for developing additional TMDLs. Increasing number of programs with the intent to protect surface water and groundwater recharge areas and improve surface water and/or groundwater quality. Increasing number of creeks that have a water quality measuring program in place. 4. Develop public involvement and stewardship programs for public lands and ecosystems. Increasing public involvement and stewardship programs that cover all public lands and ecosystems.
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan May 2020 4-21 Table 4-4: Ecosystem and Watershed (Ecosystem) Goal, Continued OBJECTIVES QUALITATIVE MEASUREMENT QUANTITATIVE MEASUREMENT 5. Protect and recover threatened, endangered and sensitive species through habitat restoration, stream flow management, and fish passage restoration. Increasing number of management programs and projects with the primary benefit to improve threatened, endangered, and sensitive species corridors. 6. Reduce impacts of invasive species by removal and/or other management/control methods to promote healthy ecosystems. Increasing number of studies and management and/or prevention programs and projects established to reduce invasive species or re-establish native species populations. Decreasing number of invasive species problems (objective = 0 invasive species). 7. Increase monitoring and promote research programs to obtain a greater understanding of the long-term effects of climate change and greenhouse gas emissions on the region’s watersheds and ecosystems. Existence of monitoring and research programs that identify the long-term effects of climate change and greenhouse gas emissions on the Region’s watersheds and ecosystems.
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan May 2020 4-22 Table 4-5: Groundwater Monitoring and Management (Groundwater) Goal OBJECTIVES QUALITATIVE MEASUREMENT QUANTITATIVE MEASUREMENT 1. Develop groundwater management Plans, including Groundwater Sustainability Plans, Salt and Nutrient Management Plans, or other methods to help understand groundwater issues and conditions. Increasing percentage of the Region’s groundwater basins that have adopted Groundwater Management Plans and governance structures (only in basins where required). 2. Improve groundwater management with direct support of locally driven processes, including potential formation of groundwater management structures/ organizations for the purpose of implementing water supply and conservation Plans, programs, and projects. Increasing percentage of the Region’s groundwater basins that have groundwater management structures for the purpose of implementing plans, programs, and projects. 3. Develop and implement projects and programs to further basin management objectives of local groundwater management plans or other objectives established under other methods used to define groundwater issues and conditions. Increase in the overall level of management and governance through adopted Groundwater Management Plans. Increasing number of projects consistent with adopted Groundwater Management Plan Basin Management Objectives (BMOs) for the improvement of the health of a groundwater basin. 4. Work with local groundwater governance bodies in an effort to increase monitoring for groundwater basins in the region, where plausible, such as is required under Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) and/or California Statewide Groundwater Elevation Monitoring (CASGEM). Increasing number of basins meeting CASGEM standards (objective = all basins).
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan May 2020 4-23 Table 4-5: Groundwater Monitoring and Management (Groundwater) Goal, Continued OBJECTIVES QUALITATIVE MEASUREMENT QUANTITATIVE MEASUREMENT 5. Evaluate and implement groundwater recharge and/or banking programs or efforts to increase the conjunctive use opportunities within the region, where technically feasible and cost-effective. Increasing percentage of acreage or groundwater basins within the Region that have been studied or looked at for viability of groundwater banking. Increasing number of groundwater banking projects implemented where technically feasible and cost-effective. 6. Protect and improve groundwater quality from point and non-point source pollution, including geothermal contamination and seawater intrusion. Increasing number of projects/programs implemented for the improvement and protection of groundwater basin water quality.
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan May 2020 4-24 Table 4-6: Flood Management Goal OBJECTIVES QUALITATIVE MEASUREMENT QUANTITATIVE MEASUREMENT 1. Understand flood management needs per watershed or water Planning area. Increasing number of development projects where specific development conditions have been applied for the incorporation of storm water runoff reduction elements. 2. Promote the implementation of Low Impact Development projects and practices to reduce storm runoff to protect infrastructure and property from flood damage. Increasing number of development projects where specific development conditions have been applied for the incorporation of storm water runoff reduction elements. 3. Integrate storm water controls, drainage and flood control structures into development projects and/or floodplain restoration to enhance natural groundwater recharge. Increasing number of projects where specific development conditions apply directly to actions benefitting groundwater recharge. 4. Improve flood control infrastructure and operations and flood management strategies to reduce frequency of downstream flooding, improve water quality, and reduce upstream erosion and downstream sediment accumulation. Increasing number of improvements to flood control infrastructure and operations and flood management strategies for the purposes of reducing frequency of downstream flooding, improving water quality, and reducing upstream erosion and downstream sediment accumulation in watersheds where those issues are identified.
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan May 2020 4-25 Table 4-6: Flood Management Goal, Continued OBJECTIVES QUALITATIVE MEASUREMENT QUANTITATIVE MEASUREMENT 5. Develop and implement flood management and water storage projects that provide multiple benefits such as public safety, water supply, habitat protection, recreation, agriculture, and economic development. Increasing number of flood management projects where multiple human and habitat-related benefits can be described. 6. Develop and implement flood control projects that ensure health and safely and simultaneously protect, restore, and enhance the functions of rivers, creeks, streams, and their floodplains. Increasing number of miles of waterways where deliberate measures have taken place to improve riparian floodplains. Increasing number of acres of floodplain acquired. 7. Support the adequate protection of disadvantaged communities from flooding without unfairly burdening communities, neighborhoods, or individuals. Demonstrated efforts to work with flood agencies to bring the flood management needs of DACs to the forefront for consideration of flood management actions.
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan May 2020 4-26 Table 4-7: Water Management and Communications (Water Management) Goal OBJECTIVES QUALITATIVE MEASUREMENT QUANTITATIVE MEASUREMENT 1. Provide consistent, consolidated and informative public outreach on the coordination of IRWM implementation projects and water resources programs. Implementation of the reporting plan contained within the IRWM Plan. 2. Seek funding for IRWM implementation without unfairly burdening communities, neighborhoods or individuals. Continuous effort to pursue grants and loans without unfairly burdening communities, neighborhoods or individuals. 3. Actively support and promote local control in addressing water resource issues through establishing stakeholder groups, working with local groundwater governance bodies, and partnering with governance bodies, and partnering with cities, community services districts and other water purveyors when possible. Development of a communication network for the purpose of reaching out in the most cost effective and timely manner. Total number of communication events making use of documented structured network and the estimated total number of people informed. 4. Consider property owner rights, existing water supplies and cultural values in the Planning and implementation of IRWM projects and programs. Demonstrated efforts to work with planning and water agencies to protect existing water rights and private lands of those possible affected by their actions. 5. Support efforts by the State, local agencies, water purveyors and local groundwater governance bodies to align efforts to protect and manage water resources. Demonstrated water resource management and protection efforts that integrate the state’s, local governments’, and water purveyors’ policies.
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan May 2020 4-27 Table 4-7: Water Management and Communications (Water Management) Goal, Continued OBJECTIVES QUALITATIVE MEASUREMENT QUANTITATIVE MEASUREMENT 6. Seek opportunities for water management collaboration between urban, rural, and agricultural interests. Demonstrated efforts to work with urban, rural and agricultural interest groups to bring them together on water issues. Number of meetings convened specifically to resolve issues and conflicts regarding urban, rural and agricultural differences in water supply. 7. Provide support and promote education for the participation of disadvantaged communities in the development, implementation, monitoring, and long-term maintenance of water resource management projects. Demonstrated efforts to reach out to DACs and provide assistance and services through local and State funded programs for purposes of improving their water resource management projects. Number of grant/loan applications submitted and projects constructed as a result of this effort. 8. Promote public education programs for groundwater management, watershed protection, conservation, flood management, and water quality. Existence of public education programs for groundwater management, watershed protection, conservation, flood management, and water quality and efforts to promote them.
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4.7 REFERENCES
California Department of Water Resources. (2010). 20x2020 Water Conservation Plan. Retrieved
from https://www.water.ca.gov/LegacyFiles/wateruseefficiency/sb7/docs/20x2020
plan.pdf
California Water Code, Section 10540. (2008). Retrieved from http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=WAT&division=6.&title=&part=2.2.&chapter=4.
&article=
Regional Water Quality Control Board, Central Coast Region. (2011). Water Quality Control Plan
for the Central Coastal Basin. Retrieved from https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/
centralcoast/publications_forms/publications/basin_plan/previous_editions/2011_basin_
plan_r3_complete.pdf
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
5 Resource Management Strategies ............................................................................................. 5-1
5.1 Resource Management Strategy Standards ..................................................................... 5-1
5.2 RMS Review Process ............................................................................................................ 5-1
5.2.1 2018 Plan Update RMS Selection ................................................................................... 5-1
5.2.2 Climate Change Review ................................................................................................... 5-5
5.3 RWMG Findings and Recommended Project Elements ................................................... 5-5
5.3.1 Conjunctive Management and Groundwater Storage ................................................. 5-5
5.3.2 Desalination ...................................................................................................................... 5-6
5.3.3 Municipal Recycled Water ............................................................................................... 5-7
5.3.4 Precipitation Enhancement ............................................................................................. 5-8
5.3.5 Surface Storage – Regional, Local, and CALFED ............................................................ 5-8
5.3.6 Drinking Water Treatment and Distribution ................................................................. 5-9
5.3.7 Groundwater/Aquifer Remediation ............................................................................... 5-9
5.3.8 Matching Water Quality to Use ..................................................................................... 5-10
5.3.9 Pollution Prevention ...................................................................................................... 5-11
5.3.10 Salt and Salinity Management .................................................................................. 5-11
5.3.11 Urban Stormwater Runoff Management ................................................................. 5-12
5.3.12 Ecosystem Restoration .............................................................................................. 5-13
5.3.13 Land Use Planning and Management ...................................................................... 5-14
5.3.14 Recharge Area Protection ......................................................................................... 5-14
5.3.15 Sediment Management ............................................................................................. 5-15
5.3.16 Watershed Management ........................................................................................... 5-15
5.3.17 Improve Flood Management .................................................................................... 5-16
5.3.18 Agricultural Water Use Efficiency ............................................................................. 5-17
5.3.19 Urban Water Use Efficiency....................................................................................... 5-18
5.3.20 Conveyance – Regional/Local .................................................................................... 5-18
5.3.21 System Reoperation ................................................................................................... 5-19
5.3.22 Water Transfers .......................................................................................................... 5-20
5.3.23 Outreach and Engagement ....................................................................................... 5-20
5.3.24 Water and Culture ...................................................................................................... 5-21
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5.4 References .............................................................................................................................. 21
LIST OF TABLES
Table 5-1: San Luis Obispo IRWM Plan Resource Management Strategies .................................. 5-2
Table 5-2: Resource Management Strategies as Applied and Grouped for San Luis Obispo
Region ................................................................................................................................................... 5-3
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5 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES
5.1 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY STANDARDS
A resource management strategy (RMS) is defined by the
California Department of Water Resources (DWR) as a project,
program, or policy that local agencies can implement to
manage water and related resources to meet integrated plan
objectives. DWR’s standard for RMS review is to encourage
diversification of water management approaches, to plan for
uncertain future circumstances, and to comply with state law
(i.e. the California Public Resources Code and California Water
Code). Local groups like the Regional Water Management
Group (RWMG) must consider the RMS in the 2013 California
Water Plan (CWP) Update when developing their IRWM Plan.
The RWMG is also required to consider how RMS can
contribute to climate change adaptation and incorporate
strategies that address the region’s vulnerabilities.
This section provides a summary of the methodology and results of the RWMG’s review and
evaluation of the DWR RMS.
5.2 RMS REVIEW PROCESS
The RWMG considered the DWR RMSs to build and to diversify the San Luis Obispo Region
water management portfolio. RMS review was part of the IRWM Plan scoping process to tailor
the RMSs to the Region.
5.2.1 2018 Plan Update RMS Selection
At the April 5, 2017 meeting, the RWMG approved the formation the RWMG Working Group to
provide recommendations on updating the IRWM plan. The RWMG Working Group consists of
representatives from the following RWMG member agencies and organizations:
Cambria Community Services District
City of Morro Bay
City of San Luis Obispo
Central Coast Salmon Enhancement
Morro Bay National Estuary Program
Nipomo Community Services District
Templeton Community Services District
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This RWMG Working Group met on July 24th, 2017 and subsequently recommended to the
RWMG to adopt an un-prioritized set of RMS, listed in Table 5-1. This recommendation was
accepted by the RWMG at-large at the October 4th, 2017 regular meeting. The strategies shown
in green represent additions to the 2019 RMS that were no included in the 2014 RMS.
Table 5-1 provides the list of RMS adopted by the San Luis Obispo RWMG in 2018. Each of the
RMS address one or more Plan Objectives.
Table 5-1: San Luis Obispo IRWM Plan Resource Management Strategies
San Luis Obispo IRWM Plan Resource Management Strategies (RMS)
Agricultural water use efficiency
Conjunctive management and groundwater storage
Conveyance – Regional/Local
Desalination
Drinking water treatment and distribution
Ecosystem restoration
Flood risk management
Groundwater remediation/aquifer remediation
Land use planning and management
Matching quality to use
Outreach and engagement
Pollution prevention
Precipitation enhancement
Recharge area protection
Recycle municipal water
Salt and salinity management
Sediment management
Surface storage – CALFED/State
Surface storage – Regional/Local
System reoperation
Urban stormwater runoff management
Urban water use efficiency
Water and culture
Water transfers
Watershed management
Table 5-2 lists the DWR management objectives, the applicable RMS, and the corresponding
SLO Region IRWM Objectives.
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan May 2020 5-3 Table 5-2: Resource Management Strategies as Applied and Grouped for San Luis Obispo Region IRWM Plan Objectives Conjunctive Management and Groundwater Storage Desalination Municipal Recycled Water Surface Storage *Precipitation Enhancement Drinking Water Treatment and Distribution *Groundwater Remediation Matching Water Quality to Use Pollution Prevention Salt and Salinity Management *Urban Stormwater Runoff Management Ecosystem Restoration Land Use Planning and Management Watershed Management *Recharge Area Protection **Sediment Management Flood Management Agricultural Water Use Efficiency Urban Water Use Efficiency Conveyance System Reoperation Water Transfers **Outreach and Engagement **Water and Culture Water Supply Maximize accessibility of water Adequate water supply Sustainable potable water for rural Sustainable water for agriculture Water system WQ improvements Implement water management Plans Conservation/water use efficiency Plan for vulnerabilities of water supply Diverse supply (recycled, desalination) Support Watershed Enhancement Ecosystems and Watersheds Understand watershed needs Conserve balance of ecosystem Reduce contaminants Public involvement and stewardship Protect endangered species Reduce impacts of invasive species Climate change in ecosystems Ground-water Understand GW issues and conditions Support local GW management Further local basin management objectives CASGEM Program
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan May 2020 5-4 IRWM Plan Objectives Conjunctive Management and Groundwater Storage Desalination Municipal Recycled Water Surface Storage *Precipitation Enhancement Drinking Water Treatment and Distribution *Groundwater Remediation Matching Water Quality to Use Pollution Prevention Salt and Salinity Management *Urban Stormwater Runoff Management Ecosystem Restoration Land Use Planning and Management Watershed Management *Recharge Area Protection **Sediment Management Flood Management Agricultural Water Use Efficiency Urban Water Use Efficiency Conveyance System Reoperation Water Transfers **Outreach and Engagement **Water and Culture Groundwater recharge/banking Protect and improve GW quality Flood Management Understand flood management needs Promote low impact development Enhance natural recharge Improve infrastructure and operations Implement multiple-benefit projects Restore streams, rivers and floodplains Support DAC flood protection Management and Outreach Public outreach on IRWM implementation Funding for IRWM implementation Support local control Consider property owner rights Agency alignment on water resource efforts Collaboration between urban, rural, and ag DAC support and education Promote public education programs
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5.2.2 Climate Change Review
During the 2018 Plan Update, the RMS were reviewed to ensure they address the region’s
anticipated climate change impacts. Section 14.11 – Adaptation and Mitigation Strategies
includes two tables (Table 14-11 and Table 14-12) demonstrating the relationship between the
Plan’s RMS and climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies, respectively. To ensure
regional relevance of the adaptation strategies, the RMS are compared to the types of climate
change vulnerabilities identified for through the region’s vulnerability assessment.
5.3 RWMG FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDED PROJECT ELEMENTS
Findings and Recommended Project Elements, along with the list of RMS, were presented,
reviewed, and adopted by the RWMG. Subsequent sections of the IRWM Plan detail and
incorporate recommended project elements based on the adopted RMS.
What follows is a short description of the RMS adopted by the RWMG. The Recommended
Project Elements are provided to illustrate how each RMS can be implemented through IRWM
planning and projects. The Recommended Project Elements are meant to be actions endorsed
by the RWMG to be included in the implementation of IRWM projects, when and where
possible, to achieve the highest success in meeting the Plan Objectives.
5.3.1 Conjunctive Management and Groundwater Storage
The evaluation and development of groundwater storage and banking/recharge
projects/programs aligns directly with Objectives of the Groundwater Management Goal, and
crosses over to multiple Objectives in other Goals. The primary goal is to enhance recharge to
groundwater basins, especially where demand meets or exceeds the existing perennial yield. If
banking is an operational strategy needed to address the financial feasibility of implementing a
recharge project, then it may also be considered. Supplementing groundwater in storage would
help to meet the goal to diversify the regional water supply portfolio and to ensure a long-term,
verifiable, reliable and sustainable supply to meet current and future agricultural, urban, rural,
and environmental demands. Any projects would need to be implemented in a way that would
not harm overlying users in the basin. Groundwater banking/recharge and storage would help
meet multiple Objectives by:
Helping to avoid impacts to existing users
Providing a firm, verifiable, and sustainable supply
Supporting protection of surface water rights by making full use of entitlements for
groundwater banking/recharge purposes
Recommended Project Elements
The following Recommended Project Elements were provided:
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Develop groundwater storage and banking/recharge facilities to enhance recharge to
basins and/or capture and protect surface water rights
Develop groundwater management plan elements to support groundwater storage and
banking/recharge projects and to meet requirements for state grant funding
Conduct needed feasibility studies and/or pilot and demonstration projects to obtain
needed data
Select a preferred groundwater banking/recharge alternative and develop final project
designs and funding requirements
Seek state and federal grant funding to conduct the needed evaluations and pilot
projects
5.3.2 Desalination
Desalination of sea water or brackish groundwater has and can continue to be used to diversify
the regional water supply portfolio and to ensure a long-term, verifiable, reliable, and
sustainable supply to meet current and future agricultural, urban, and environmental demands.
Desalination would help meet objectives by providing a new water source to avoid impacts to
existing users by not increasing water rates and severe rationing. Desalination of saline water
would help meet Objectives by:
Diversifying supply sources to improve redundancy, water quality, rate stability, and
reliability of water supplies
Helping to avoid impacts to existing water customers by providing a new supply
Supporting to meet state-mandated 20 percent conservation goals in the region by 2020
Recommended Project Elements
The following Recommended Project Elements were provided:
Desalination of ocean water or brackish groundwater is a near- to mid-term proposition
and could be sustainable when integrated with groundwater recharge project elements
Phased projects should be undertaken to pilot and take advantage of current
technologies
Monitoring and reporting elements should be undertaken to determine the feasibility of
large-scale water supply and groundwater recharge projects
Federal or state funding opportunities for development of pilot projects should be
pursued if local funding match can be developed
Local government and water purveyors should coordinate and adopt appropriate
policies to allow for and promote development of desalination projects
Consider and further evaluate economic and political feasibility for including desalinated
water as a source of direct groundwater recharge
Cooperative public/private partnerships should be investigated for purposes of creating
a new water supply for non-agricultural water users using desalination technologies
Economic incentives and pricing would need to be worked out to finalize a business
model, and additional economic evaluations are recommended
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5.3.3 Municipal Recycled Water
Recycled municipal wastewater, similar to desalinization, meets the goal to diversify the
regional water supply portfolio and to ensure a long-term, verifiable, reliable, and sustainable
supply to meet current and future agricultural, urban, and environmental demands. Recycled
wastewater would help meet objectives by:
Diversifying supply sources to improve redundancy, water quality, rate stability, and
reliability of water supplies
Helping to avoid impacts to existing users by providing a new supply
Supporting disadvantaged and other communities in meeting wastewater disposal and
permit requirements
Matching water quality to appropriate uses and supplying treated wastewater to extend
use of constrained existing water supplies
Improving wastewater effluent water quality for discharge to fresh water rivers and
ocean
Supporting to meet 20 percent conservation goals in the region
Recommended Project Elements
The following Recommended Project Elements were provided:
Assess the total potential for recycled wastewater in the region
Support current wastewater facility plant upgrades that propose recycling municipal
water for use as part of meeting sustainable water supplies for new growth in urban
and agriculture uses
Create partnerships and meet multiple IRWM Plan goals by using recycled
wastewater where cost-effective and timely
Consider regional municipal water recycling projects to: 1) increase cost-
effectiveness (economies of scale) of project development and operation; 2) provide
benefits to multiple parties; and 3) improve opportunities and increase the demand
for use of reclaimed water
Provide policy and financial incentives for public/private partnerships to construct
municipal recycling facilities and to allow for exchange of treated drinking water with
produced water credit for sponsoring entities
Continue to evaluate the cost-effectiveness and political viability of regional
municipal wastewater treatment facilities that include recycling wastewater effluent
as part of the mid- and long-term water management strategy
Continue to monitor the state’s draft regulations for recycled water use for direct
groundwater recharge through recharge basins and injection
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5.3.4 Precipitation Enhancement
Cloud seeding is a method to increase precipitation by injecting substances into the
atmosphere that artificially cause cloud formation. This practice has been used in California
since the 1950s often to increase rainfall during drought conditions. According to the 2012
Master Water Report, during the 1990s the County of San Luis Obispo and City of San Luis
Obispo partnered for a three-year cloud seeding project, which increased rainfall between
approximately 11 and 17 percent each year. This increased water supplies in Lopez and Salinas
Reservoirs. The County plans to begin new cloud seeding projects in the future to enhance
regional water supplies. Cloud seeding will be a key adaptation strategy to address the
anticipated increase in drought frequency and severity for the region.
Recommended Project Elements
The following Recommended Project Elements were provided:
Consider and evaluate the potential usefulness and environmental impacts of cloud
seeding
Implement precipitation enhancement projects to enhance surface water supplies and
combat drought conditions
5.3.5 Surface Storage – Regional, Local, and CALFED
Surface storage aligns with many of the Goals and Objectives because of the water supply,
flood management, groundwater recharge, and environmental and recreational values.
Surface storage is a preferred alternative for creating new water, providing flood management,
adapting to climate change, securing additional supplies for drought protection, and accounting
for unexpected failures in other supplies. Incidental benefits are recreation, groundwater
recharge, and controlled river flows. However, surface storage projects come at a high
monetary and a high environmental cost.
The IRWM Plan region currently makes use of four reservoirs: Salinas Reservoir (Santa
Margarita Lake), Whale Rock Reservoir, Lopez Lake, and Nacimiento Reservoir. All four benefit
the management of water resources by improving water storage operations and flood control,
water supply conveyance operations, necessary instream flows and correct temperatures for
aquatic life and ecosystems and play an important role in groundwater recharge.
Recommended Project Elements
The following Recommended Project Elements were provided:
Conduct a study of the North Coast and South County Sub-Regions for feasibility of
utilizing surface water storage in local watersheds for adapting to climate change
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Evaluate the impacts on the SLO Region of forecasted curtailments in State Water
Project (SWP) surface water and the state’s proposed future plans to build new storage
reservoirs north of the Delta
Consider opportunities for off-stream reservoirs in the North County Sub-Region
5.3.6 Drinking Water Treatment and Distribution
The SLO IRWM region has approximately 180 state-defined public water systems ranging from
very small, serving a single complex or industry, to large, serving cities and communities. Each
requires continuous monitoring for both available quantity and quality. Many of the Objectives
of the Water Supply Goal are aligned with this RMS in some manner, as follows:
Addresses water system treatment and conveyance deficiencies in all communities
Improves utilization and operations of existing conveyance systems
Provides sustainable drinking water supplies to communities, including DACs
Supports improvements to existing public drinking water systems to meet state and
federal drinking water quality standards
Implements elements of a community’s water management plan
Integrates with system-wide conservation programs
Recommended Project Elements
The following Recommended Project Elements were provided:
Identify and prioritize critical needs for all communities with drinking water system
deficiencies, including the ability to meet fire flows and peak summer demands
Develop water management plan elements to support water system improvements, to
promote regionalization of both treatment and conveyance systems, and to meet
requirements for state grant funding
Conduct needed feasibility and environmental studies to develop final project designs
and funding requirements
Seek state and federal grant funding to support critical system improvements
5.3.7 Groundwater/Aquifer Remediation
Groundwater remediation constitutes the removal of water contaminants that restrict
beneficial use of the water. Remediation can be passive or active and designed to fit the
conditions and setting of the aquifer. Passive remediation allows contaminants to naturally
over time, and active remediation involves treatment of water in situ or outside of the aquifer.
For communities that rely heavily upon groundwater as a supply source, aquifer remediation
can be a critical method of increasing the available water supplies when water quality is
degraded.
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Recommended Project Elements
The following Recommended Project Elements were provided:
Implementation of passive or active remediation in contaminated water basins
Develop education resources on groundwater pollution and aquifer remediation
Improve monitoring efforts to identify groundwater contaminants as quickly as possible
5.3.8 Matching Water Quality to Use
As a resource strategy, full implementation of a “Matching Water Quality to Use” program
would require significant investment in regionalization of groundwater, surface water, recycled
water, and desalinized water treatment and conveyance facilities. This strategy also includes
no-cost seasonal exchanges between urban and agricultural water users.
For instance, surface water supplies could be transferred to agriculture using urban surface
water rights during the peak agricultural water demand period. During these periods,
agricultural users would use groundwater and possibly face pumping constraints in quantity,
quality, and energy costs. In return for access to urban surface water supplies, the agricultural
users of the surface water would return a similar amount of higher quality pumped
groundwater during the fall-winter period when there is excess groundwater pumping capacity.
In cases where place-of-use laws are enacted, transfers would likely have to be within the same
region.
Initially, smaller projects can be formulated to push untreated source water to the highest
possible beneficial use, then consider the added cost if treatment is required for the same use.
This methodology or approach in strategy implementation addresses the following Objectives:
Matching untreated groundwater with rural drinking water uses
Matching untreated surface water with rural and agricultural irrigation uses
Making this strategy a part of a community’s water management plan, where indoor and
outdoor uses share in the allocation of overall least cost alternatives, such as:
developing a recycled water system for outdoor irrigation, rather than extracting
additional groundwater (high quality, drought protection); or developing surface water
supplies (in cases where there is no groundwater) better suited for potable drinking
water supplies and/or maintaining minimum environmental flows
Recommended Project Elements
The following Recommended Project Elements were provided:
New development should support use and development of impaired or lower quality
water where such uses are cost-effective and could provide economic benefits to the
Region
Phased projects should be undertaken to begin evaluating regionalization of water
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systems for purposes of matching water quality to use, and demonstrating economic
use of poor quality water to expand the water supply portfolio and support economic
growth
Federal or state funding opportunities for development of pilot projects should be
pursued if local funding match dollars can be developed
Local government and water purveyors should discuss the merits of this strategy and
the types of regional partnerships that could be implemented to regionalize raw water
supplies for treatment and conveyance to corresponding best and highest beneficial
uses
5.3.9 Pollution Prevention
Pollution prevention is a primary objective of multiple goals with many directed at reducing the
amount of pollutants entering the environment and drinking water supply sources. Objectives
aligned with this RMS are as follows:
Support projects to improve water quality in drinking water supplies
Develop public education and involvement programs for watershed enhancement
Provide ecosystem enhancement mechanisms to protect water supplies
Increase watershed management activities to prevent point and non-point discharges to
surface water or groundwater to minimize the need for enforcement of additional Total
Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) actions
Protect groundwater from point and non-point pollution discharges
Improve flood control infrastructure to improve water quality and upstream soil erosion
Support low impact development to reduce pollutant runoff and protect natural
recharge areas
Recommended Project Elements
The following Recommended Project Elements were provided:
Develop water management plan elements to support anti-degradation policies
Conduct feasibility and environmental studies/assessments to support the
implementation of non-point source discharge reduction measures and perform
needed monitoring
Seek state and federal grant funding to support public education and practices to
reduce manmade and animal-originated pollution discharge
Continue to participate in state and federal programs that investigate, assess, and
monitor how pollution enters both freshwater supplies and the ocean
5.3.10 Salt and Salinity Management
Salt management occurs along the coastal areas where salinity intrusion is being managed.
Saline water resulting from the desalinization of pumped groundwater is discharged to the
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ocean. Future actions are being considered that will treat saline groundwater and inject the
treated water to act as a barrier to further intrusion.
In inland areas, groundwater basins are in overdraft due to increased extractions by both urban
and agricultural pumping. Saline water (Total Dissolved Solids > 2000 mg/l) is migrating to
public, agriculture, and private rural wells. The following excerpt taken from the 2012 Master
Water Report, describes actions the community of Paso Robles is considering to protect its
potable water supplies.
Nonetheless, salt loading to the groundwater basin is an important long-term
concern. Recognizing that the City’s wastewater disposal is one source of salt loading,
the Paso Robles has made the reduction of salt loading one of their water resource
goals. Major means to reduce salt in the city wastewater, include planned use of high-
quality Lake Nacimiento supply, reduced use of home water softeners, strategic use of
wells with lower salt concentrations, and implementation of an industrial waste
discharge ordinance.
Salinity Management would help meet Objectives by:
Maximizing the accessibility and diversification of alternative water supplies other than
groundwater in areas of salinity upwelling
Provide sustainable water supplies for agriculture, urban, and rural areas by actively
managing groundwater basins
Develop groundwater management plans including salt and nutrient management plans
Provide support and education in all communities, including DACs, reliant on threatened
groundwater supplies
Recommended Project Elements
The following Recommended Project Elements were provided:
Create groundwater management governance body
Develop and adopt a GMP for impacted basins
Increase the use of alternative water supplies such as Lake Nacimiento
Reduce use of home water softeners that add salt to the treated wastewater stream
Strategically place urban and agricultural wells in portions of the aquifer with lower
salt concentrations and reduce contribution of the salinity upwelling
Strategically inject desalinized water into aquifers to create hydraulic barriers to
reduce further salinity intrusion by the ocean into fresh water coastal aquifers
Implementation of an industrial waste discharge ordinance for regulating
dischargers of high salt concentrations
5.3.11 Urban Stormwater Runoff Management
Urban stormwater runoff management requires a shift away from viewing urban runoff as
waste and a pivot towards a watershed approach. A watershed approach attempts to emulate
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the natural hydrological cycle and focuses on reducing pollutant loading of runoff as well as
minimizing the amount of runoff discharged to surface waters. A key practice of this method is
capturing runoff for groundwater runoff. This can improve water supplies, prevent water
contamination, and reduce flooding.
Recommended Project Elements
The following Recommended Project Elements were provided:
Provide educational resources – guidance documents and workshops – on how to effectively
control urban runoff pollution
Develop stormwater resource plans
Promote the use of non‐point source management measures to reduce uncontrolled urban
runoff
Implement LID techniques and other practices that promote runoff infiltration
5.3.12 Ecosystem Restoration
The ecosystems restoration strategy focuses on aquatic, riparian, and floodplain ecosystems
restoration because these natural systems are directly affected by water, flood management,
and climate change. Ecosystem Restoration is consistent with the primary IRWM Plan Goal:
Maintain or improve the health of the Region’s watersheds, ecosystems, and natural
resources through collaborative and cooperative actions, with a focus on assessment,
protection, and restoration/enhancement of ecosystem and resource needs and
vulnerabilities.
Key objectives of implementing this strategy are summarized as follows:
Development of watershed plans to determine critical issues in targeting restoration
actions
Restore natural systems through conservation practices and place easements on
lands to protect water supplies
Develop public involvement and stewardship programs
Protect and recover threatened and endangered species
Reduce invasive species
Increase monitoring to assess the impacts of climate change on ecosystems
Recommended Project Elements
The following Recommended Project Elements were provided:
Estimate the monetary benefits to ecosystem restoration activities. Cost benefit
analysis would consider the improved natural systems contribution in reducing
storing, treating, and conveying a quantified amount of a water supply
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Introduce the concept of avoided cost of nature providing natural flood attenuation
and sediment control
Conduct feasibility and environmental studies to identify ecosystem restoration
measures for implementation and monitor results
Seek state and federal grant funding to support public education and activities for
restoration practices
Identify ecosystem restoration and enhancement opportunities appropriate for
inclusion in proposed IWRM projects
5.3.13 Land Use Planning and Management
Land use planning is included in multiple IRWM Plan Objectives related to watershed, water
management, groundwater management, and low impact development plans. Specific
Objectives include:
Promote low-impact development (LID) and other land use practices designed to reduce
flooding and protect water supplies
Integrate water resources infrastructure into land use planning for flood control and
improved water supplies
Consider water (quantity and quality) rights protection in land use planning to avoid
degradation or the reduction of legally protected water supplies
Introduce watershed enhancement programs to maintain or increase water supplies
with changes in land use over time
Recommended Project Elements
The following Recommended Project Elements were provided:
Strive to have local planning agencies work with water agencies as watershed, water
management, flood management, and groundwater management plans are developed
and implemented
Continue to involve agriculture and rural stakeholders in the land use planning process
Protect natural groundwater recharge areas by incorporating conservation easements
over lands that contribute to the recharge of existing groundwater supplies
5.3.14 Recharge Area Protection
Recharge areas are sites where water can infiltrate and replenish underlying groundwater
basins. When maintained properly, recharge areas protect groundwater supplies and water
quality. Preserving recharge areas can also support conjunctive use management and minimize
flood risks.
Recommended Project Elements
The following Recommended Project Elements were provided:
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May 2020 5-15
Preserve natural recharge areas
Promote LID techniques
Develop educational resources on the value of natural recharge areas
Investigate areas suitable for artificial recharge projects
5.3.15 Sediment Management
Sediment is a valuable natural resource as sediment processes are integral to various
environmental and economic systems. Unfortunately, managing sediment is not simple. In
certain settings sediment is desirable, but in other settings sediment is unwanted or excessive.
There are three main components addressed in sediment management: source and type of
sediment, sediment transportation, and site of sediment deposition. When sediment is
managed properly, watersheds benefit from improved water quality, improved flood
management, and enhanced health of aquatic habitats.
Recommended Project Elements
The following Recommended Project Elements were provided:
Implement policies and programs that prevent soil loss and undesirable sedimentation
Develop educational materials on how to prevent undesirable sedimentation
Promote the beneficial reuse of dredged and excavated sediments
Consider sediment transportation when developing flood management systems
Create initiatives and support interagency collaboration focused on regional sediment
management
5.3.16 Watershed Management
Watershed planning and management activities include quantification of watershed attributes
including, but not limited to, the following:
Political Entities
Groundwater Basins
Water Bodies
Demographics
Hydrology
Land Use
Water Supplies and Demand
Water, Wastewater, and Drainage Infrastructure
Water Quality
Physical Setting
Environmental and In-stream Water Demands
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Watershed Management in the SLO Region is at the stage of collecting factual information prior
to assessing management opportunities that may allow for efficiencies and increased
reliability/sustainability of water supplies. Key Objectives include:
Further develop watershed plans to determine the existing conditions and critical issues
Develop water management plans that achieve sustainability with existing and foreseeable
development
Develop a plan for climate change and the associated impacts of droughts and flooding on
urban and agricultural developed areas
Recommended Project Elements
The following Recommended Project Elements were provided:
Complete ongoing watershed management inventory and documentation efforts, and
provide a list of opportunities and critical issues facing each watershed
Integrate watershed plans in regional planning efforts which target vulnerabilities (i.e.,
climate change effects), improve water quality and supply reliability of water
5.3.17 Improve Flood Management
Flood Management strategies are a primary goal of the IRWM Plan as follows:
Foster an integrated, watershed approach to flood management and improved storm
water quality through collaborative community supported processes in order to ensure
community health, safety, and to enhance quality of life
Key Objectives include:
Understand Flood Management needs in the community
Promote Low Impact Development to reduce runoff and protect against property
damage
Enhance natural groundwater recharge through deliberate ponding and detention of
flood flows in areas of conducive to high recharge rates
Improve infrastructure and operations to reduce flooding in downstream communities
Implement multiple benefit projects to achieve the highest and best use of flood
projects
Restore streams, rivers, and floodplains to allow the natural flood paths to attenuate
peak flood flows
Support DAC flood protection
Recommended Project Elements
The following Recommended Project Elements were provided:
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Continue to protect against loss of life and property through flood management actions
by the Flood Control District
Stakeholder assessments and a DAC needs analysis are needed to document localized
storm water and runoff issues and bring about an awareness of the need for regional
solutions
Seek development of regional, integrated storm water management projects that
provide multiple benefits
Endorse Flood Management projects such as:
Total storage approach to providing flood protection
Regional detention/retention ponds that have multiple beneficial uses, instead of
development-specific detention ponds
Improvements to local drains to store additional flow from increased urban runoff
Utilize specific plan areas to work with developers to produce drainage master plans
5.3.18 Agricultural Water Use Efficiency
Water use efficiency programs are stated as Objectives in the IRWM Plan. For agriculture,
programs already in place are providing the benefit of reduced strain on regional groundwater
basins. Additional education, conservation and use of technology are needed to realize more
benefits. The benefits, in addition to water savings, may include water quality improvements,
environmental benefits, improved flow and timing, and often increased energy efficiency. The
proposed use of IRWM Plan Objectives is as follows:
Develop and implement conservation programs to increase water use efficiencies in all
water use sectors
Support sustainable water supplies for agriculture
Recommended Project Elements
The following Recommended Project Elements were provided:
Agricultural growers should be encouraged to organize to:
Develop Agricultural Water Management Plans
Become eligible for statewide incentive programs
Take the lead in submitting IRWM projects for purposes of grant funding
Studies should be conducted to understand the benefits of subsidizing agricultural
water use efficiency measures to use the conserved water for purposes of increased
reliability in urban water sectors
Measures should be taken to ensure a grower’s freedom in making crop production
decisions
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5.3.19 Urban Water Use Efficiency
Water use efficiency programs are stated as Objectives in the IRWM Plan. For many urban users
living in California and the SLO Region, water conservation has been a part of their lives, from
not wasting water for conservation concerns, to reducing their water bill. As water costs
continue to increase, implementation of new conservation measures can help stabilize a
customer’s costs.
Key objectives of implementing this strategy are summarized as follows:
Support sustainable water supplies in all communities
Develop and implement conservation programs to increase water use efficiencies in all
water use sectors
Recommended Project Elements
The following Recommended Project Elements were provided:
Cities should coordinate the 2010 Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP) updates to:
o Define urban water conservation regional funding mechanisms and approach
o Develop a Regional UWMP (near-term action)
o Develop drought management/contingency and catastrophic supply interruption
plans
o Implement a water conservation public information and outreach campaign
o Review and track progress in implementing measures and implementing local
UWMPs, or a regional San Luis Obispo 2010 UWMP
o Prepare an annual report to document regional progress
o Target future water uses, emphasizing development of standards that would
minimize future water demands and ensure measurable savings when
agricultural land is converted to urban uses consistent with existing land use
plans
o Streamline the development review and permitting process and ensure that
water conservation practices are implemented at the time of project
development and approval
5.3.20 Conveyance – Regional/Local
In 1997, the 100-mile long Coastal Branch of the State Water Project (SWP) was completed to
transport SWP water to the counties of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo. The Central Coast
Water Authority (CCWA) was specifically formed and modified over time for the purpose of
designing, building, and operating regional treatment and conveyance facilities needed to
deliver water from the Coastal Branch of the SWP to the various entities with contracts to
receive that water in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. SLO Region water purveyors
receiving SWP today include the following:
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WPA 4 - City of Morro Bay, CMC, County Operations Center, Cuesta College
WPA 6 - San Miguelito Mutual Water Company (MWC), Avila Beach Community Services
District (CSD), Avila Valley MWC, San Luis Coastal Unified School District
WPA 7 - City of Pismo Beach and Oceano CSD
WPA 14 - Shandon (not currently receiving – anticipated to receive in 2015)
The IRWM Plan related objectives supporting this RMS are as follows:
Maximizing the accessibility of water through full utilization of regional water facilities
Supporting watershed enhancement and water management programs meant to
convey water into or out of watersheds for beneficial use
Recommended Project Elements
The following Recommended Project Elements were provided:
Conduct a regional conveyance and system reoperation study to develop cost-effective
programs allowing for full utilization of SWP contracts and conveyance facilities
Evaluate groundwater banking outside of San Luis Obispo to take advantage of
unutilized SWP capacity and contract amounts during off-peak periods when surface
water can be pumped south of the Delta
5.3.21 System Reoperation
System reoperation includes the evaluation of water, wastewater, recycled, and desalinized
facilities to improve effectiveness and efficiency throughout the region. This includes the
evaluation and implementation of approaches to use water system infrastructure to gradually
generate and/or use renewable energy to offset impacts from forecasted climate change.
Key objectives of implementing this strategy are summarized as follows:
Maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of large-scale water supply (potable and non-
potable) and wastewater facilities
Develop strategies of reoperation that account for the possible impacts and
vulnerabilities of greenhouse gas emissions, climate change, and droughts
Recommended Project Elements
The following Recommended Project Elements were provided:
Develop studies to identify vulnerabilities in the existing large-scale water and
wastewater systems as they relate to climate change
Recommend opportunities to off-set climate change impacts through optimization and
increased efficiency of large-scale water supply and wastewater facilities
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5.3.22 Water Transfers
Water transfer opportunities include both local and regional transfers of surface water and
groundwater. Water transfers offer the ability to move water to places of beneficial use,
including environmental and in-stream uses, but must be done in a way that does not harm
individuals. Forecasted changes in precipitation patterns resulting from climate change will
necessitate storage of water to capture late fall and winter month runoff and offset decreased
rainfall in spring and summer months. Importing excess water from the SWP and Lake
Nacimiento delivery systems can be used to recharge groundwater supplies in the Paso Basin
region.
Key objectives of implementing this strategy are summarized as follows:
Optimize the accessibility of surface water and groundwater through water transfer
agreements and use of existing infrastructure
Plan for climate change through watershed and ecosystem enhancement programs
which make full utilization of available excess water supplies
Recommended Project Elements
The following Recommended Project Elements were provided:
Seek to optimize excess surface water and groundwater through water transfer
agreements
Develop robust water management strategies, which include water transfers, to plan for
decreased water supplies resulting from forecasted climate change
5.3.23 Outreach and Engagement
Water management can be promoted through outreach and engagement of the public by water
agencies. This communication provides decision-makers with insights on local practices and
opinions, educates members of the public about best practices and water management
activities, and supports collaboration and conflict resolution. As described in the CWP, an
effective outreach and engagement strategy has the following characteristics:
Relevant
Focused
Scale-appropriate
Innovative
Collaborative
Factually and scientific sound
Adaptive
Visible
Effective
Sustainable
Measurable
Recommended Project Elements
The following Recommended Project Elements were provided:
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Promote collaborative policy making
Develop programs for youth education on water management
Create tools to inform and educate the public on water management activities
Utilize social media and other online resources to obtain public feedback
5.3.24 Water and Culture
Water and culture are inextricably linked. Cultural values are reflected in policies related to
water management. Water use is tied to cultural norms and practices. The condition of current
water resources has been shaped by California’s history and culture. This strong relationship
necessitates the consideration of culture and cultural activities when making water
management decisions. Understanding how culture interacts with water management can
prevent conflict, promote sustainability, encourage collaboration and support, reduce costs,
and facilitate partnerships.
Recommended Project Elements
The following Recommended Project Elements were provided:
Create partnerships with cultural groups
Research TEK and cultural practices related to water management decisions
Present management decisions in their historical and cultural context
5.4 REFERENCES
California Natural Resources Agency and Department of Water Resources. (2013). California
Water Plan Update 2013. Retrieved from water.ca.gov: https://water.ca.gov/-
/media/DWR-Website/Web-Pages/Programs/California-Water-Plan/Water-Plan-
Updates/Files/Update-2013/Water-Plan-Update-2013-Volume-3.pdf
California Public Resources Code. (1993). Retrieved from California Legislative Information:
http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=PRC&division=
&title=&part=&chapter=&article=
California Water Code. (1943). Retrieved from California Legislative Code:
http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codedisplayexpand.xhtml?tocCode=wat
Carollo. (2012). San Luis Obispo County Master Water Report. Retrieved from:
https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/Departments/Public-Works/Forms-Documents/Water-
Resources/Master-Water-Report.aspx
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6 TABLE OF CONTENTS
6 Project Review Process ................................................................................................................ 6-1
6.1 Project Lists ........................................................................................................................... 6-1
6.2 Full Project List ..................................................................................................................... 6-2
6.2.1 Criteria and Process for the Full Project List ................................................................. 6-2
6.2.2 Location of the Project Submission Form ..................................................................... 6-3
6.2.3 Full Project List Development for the 2019 Plan .......................................................... 6-3
6.3 Implementation List ............................................................................................................. 6-4
6.3.1 Implementation List Development ................................................................................ 6-4
6.3.2 Scoring Priorities and Weights ........................................................................................ 6-4
6.3.3 Call for Projects and Stakeholder Meetings .................................................................. 6-8
6.3.4 2019 Implementation List ............................................................................................... 6-8
6.4 Grant Opportunity Specific List ........................................................................................ 6-10
6.4.1 Review of Draft PSP at Regular RWMG Meeting ......................................................... 6-10
6.4.2 Call for Projects .............................................................................................................. 6-10
6.4.3 Project Showcase ........................................................................................................... 6-10
6.4.4 Application Recommendation by RWMG Working Group ......................................... 6-11
6.4.5 Application Recommendation by RWMG .................................................................... 6-11
6.4.6 Application Recommendation by WRAC ...................................................................... 6-11
6.4.7 Funding Area Presentation to DWR ............................................................................. 6-11
6.4.8 Application Submittal Approval by Board of Supervisors ......................................... 6-12
6.5 Project List Communication and Updates ....................................................................... 6-12
6.5.1 Communication of Project List Updates ...................................................................... 6-12
6.5.2 Future of Project Lists .................................................................................................... 6-12
6.6 Project Integration ............................................................................................................. 6-13
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May 2020 6-ii
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 6-1: Relationship of the Full Project List, Implementation List and Grant Opportunity List
............................................................................................................................................................... 6-1
LIST OF TABLES
Table 6-1: Full Project List Screening Criteria ................................................................................... 6-2
Table 6-2: Relationship between Guidelines’ Review Factors and the SLO IRWM Implementation
List Rubric ............................................................................................................................................. 6-5
Table 6-3: Review Factor Categories and Weights ........................................................................... 6-5
Table 6-4: Implementation List Scoring Rubric ................................................................................ 6-6
Table 6-5: 2019 IRWM Plan Implementation List, alphabetical by Project Sponsor .................... 6-9
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6 PROJECT REVIEW PROCESS
This section documents the project review process and contains the following three
components taken from the 2016 DWR Guidelines (State Guidelines):
1. Procedures for submitting a project to be included in the IRWM Plan
2. Procedures for review of projects to implement the IRWM Plan
3. Procedures for communicating lists of selected projects.
Furthermore, the section will specifically answer the following three questions:
1. Who will be responsible for approving the project list?
2. How stakeholders provide input during the submittal, review, selection, etc.?
3. How and when is the list updated and does it require re-adoption of the Plan?
6.1 PROJECT LISTS
The State Guidelines (pg. 53) make explicitly clear there are to be a minimum of two lists:
Projects that will be necessary to implement the IRWM Plan and
Projects that may qualify for a specific funding source
Our Region takes this one step farther to differentiate projects that will be necessary to
implement this iteration of the Plan from projects, regardless of stage of development, that will
implement the plan. This is the primary differentiator of the Full Project List and the
Implementation List. These are three project lists for the SLO County IRWM Region:
1. Full Project List (Section 6.2)
2. Implementation List (Section 6.3)
3. Grant Opportunity Specific List (Section 6.4)
The relationship of these lists is shown in Figure 6-1 and each further described in this section.
Figure 6-1: Relationship of the Full Project List, Implementation List and Grant Opportunity List
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6.2 FULL PROJECT LIST
The San Luis Obispo County Region Full Project List represents all the projects and programs
being worked on by RWMG members, and a few not-yet RWMG members. These projects span
the gamut of development stages: conceptual, planning, design, and ready for implementation.
RWMG members are encouraged to submit projects even in their infancy, to be able to leverage
IRWM for other partnership, funding, and marketing opportunities.
The Full Project List is attached as Appendix F.
6.2.1 Criteria and Process for the Full Project List
To be considered as an IRWM project, all prospective project proponents must meet 3
screening criteria, as described in Table 6-1.
Table 6-1: Full Project List Screening Criteria
Full Project List – Screening
How a project contributes to the
IRWM Plan Objectives Pass, if project satisfies at least one IRWM Plan Goal
Project Understanding
Pass, if sufficient knowledge of the project location,
systems, materials, methods, or processes proposed is
provided to indicate that the project will likely result in a
successful outcome. Demonstrable understanding of
technical, financial and operations & maintenance of the
project.
Plan Adoption Pass, if project proponent had adopted the SLO IRWM
MOU and Plan or plans to do so.
To accomplish “Project Understanding”, the standardized submittal form requests the following
information for each project submitted:
Project Name and Summary
Description of Need for Project
If the Project will involve partnership with other organizations or communities (and to
explain if so)
Estimate Project Cost
Funding Sources (if any)
Construction Start and End dates
Project Status (conceptual, planning/design, ready for implementation)
CEQA and Construction Permit Status
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In addition to this basic information, the form includes check-box fields for if a project
addresses:
Needs of a Disadvantaged Community
Needs of a Native American Tribal Community
Our Region’s climate change vulnerabilities
Greenhouse gas emission reduction
This information is received by the Lead Agency, the San Luis Obispo County Flood Control and
Water Conservation District (District). District staff, on behalf of the RWMG, reviews this initial
information. If a project meets the 3 screening criteria it is provisionally added to the Full
Project List. A project is provisionally added to the list until the RWMG moves to approve the
addition of the submitted projects to the Full Project List.
This list is updated, reviewed and approved biennially at a minimum by the RWMG. Provisional
submissions are taken under consideration by the RWMG at this time and either added to the
Full Project List or rejected. Special circumstances, such as a plan update or funding
opportunity, may require an additional RWMG action to update the Full Project List.
6.2.2 Location of the Project Submission Form
Projects may be submitted for initial review by the District at any time. The Project submission
form can be accessed from the Region’s IRWM website, www.slocounty.ca.gov/IRWM or directly
via SurveyMonkey1.
6.2.3 Full Project List Development for the 2019 Plan
In preparation for the 2019 IRWM Plan update, the RWMG held a call for projects in May 2017
to update the Full Project List. In total, 14 new projects were submitted and 9 existing projects
on the Full Project List were updated to reflect their current status. The submitted projects for
the 2017 update are included in Appendix F.
Additionally, as part of preparation of the Implementation List (Section 6.3) in August 2018, the
draft Full Project List was presented to the RWMG for review. The intentions of this exercise
were two-fold:
Review, update or remove projects from the existing Full Project List
Add any new projects being considered for the Implementation List
This 2018 Full Project List review included updates to 10 projects, addition of 12 projects to the
Full Project List and removal of 48 projects from the list that are no longer being pursued by
1 https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SLO‐IRWM‐Project‐Form
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RWMG Members. In total, at approval of the 2019 IRWM Plan, the Full Project List included 103
projects from 30 different project sponsoring agencies or organizations.
6.3 IMPLEMENTATION LIST
The 2019 IRWM Plan Implementation List represent the projects expecting to be completed by
the RWMG members in the next 5 years. This list represents some of the projects that would
implement the 2019 Plan.
6.3.1 Implementation List Development
Based on the 2016 Guidelines as well as the Lead Agency’s push for a simplified process
compared to the 2014 Plan, the San Luis Obispo County RWMG spent most of 2018 developing
the Implementation List process and the list itself.
Timeline of List development:
April 4th, 2018 – RWMG Meeting. Members moved create an RWMG Working Group to
develop the implementation scoring process and rubric, following the State Guidelines.
April 9, 16, 23, 2018 – RWMG Working Group Meetings. The group met to discuss scoring
priorities and weighting as well as adjustments to be made from the 2014 IRWM Plan
process.
May to June – District (Lead Agency) staff develop ed the fillable forms for RWMG use in
the scoring efforts.
July 20, 2018 – Draft forms were distributed to and reviewed by the RWMG Working
Group.
August 1st, 2018 – RWMG Meeting. Call for projects was opened to all RWMG members.
Final forms were distributed. The final hour of the RWMG meeting was a workshop for
members to begin the Implementation List forms.
August 1st to 31st, 2018 – Call for Projects and Stakeholder meetings. District Staff met
with individuals and groups of stakeholders/members to assist in the scoring process
and discuss their projects. In total, 8 meetings were held, and 12 projects were
discussed.
September to October – District staff compiled the submitted projects and forms,
organized the projects and prepared the draft Implementation List presentation.
November 7th, 2018 – RWMG Meeting. Draft Implementation List presented to RWMG.
6.3.2 Scoring Priorities and Weights
The RWMG Working Group meetings in April focused on scoring priorities and how to weigh
them. The Review Factors are prescribed by the Guidelines, starting on page 53. These factors
were discussed, grouped and weighed in these Working Group meetings. Table 6-2 shows what
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May 2020 6-5
these Review Factors are and where they were implemented in the Scoring Rubric, described
below
A lesson learned from the 2014 IRWM Plan Implementation List was that its scoring process de-
emphasized project readiness factors (i.e. Project status, economic feasibility, etc.) in favor of
meeting objectives and proposed benefits. Taking those lessons and these factors from the
Guidelines, the Working Group developed groupings, or categories, of the Review Factors and
weighed them for 2019 Implementation List, as shown in Table 6-3. Once these weights were
agreed upon, the Working Group went criteria-by-criteria for how to appropriate the categorical
weight. In addition to setting the scoring of each criteria, the Working Group set guidelines for
how to evaluate the projects for scoring. The summary of these efforts are presented in the
Implementation List Scoring Rubric, show as Table 6-4.
Table 6-2: Relationship between Guidelines’ Review Factors and the SLO IRWM Implementation List Rubric
Review Factors from Guidelines Scoring Criteria
Contribution to objectives A
Relation to resource management strategies (RMS) B
Technical feasibility D
Specific benefits to critical DAC water issues H
Specific benefits to Native American Tribal Communities critical water issues H
Environmental justice considerations H
Project costs and financing F
Economic feasibility F
Project status E
Strategic considerations for IRWM Plan Implementation C
Adapting to climate change I
Reduction of GHG emissions, compared to project alternatives J
Plan Adoption See Section 6.2.1
Reduced reliance on Delta K
Table 6-3: Review Factor Categories and Weights
Scoring Category Rubric Criteria Scoring Weight
Plan Objectives A, B, C 40
Readiness to Proceed D, E, F, G 40
Environmental Justice H 10
Climate Change & Delta I, J, K 10
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Table 6-4: Implementation List Scoring Rubric
Criteria Scoring Guidelines Points
Subtotal Total
A. How a
project
contributes to
the IRWM Plan
Objectives
- Projects that contribute to 5 or fewer objectives, 1 point
- Projects that contribute to 6-10 objectives, 2 points.
- Projects that contribute to 11-15 objectives, 3 points.
- Projects that contribute to 16-20 objectives, 4 points.
- Projects that contribute to 21 or more, 5 points.
Note: Include any direct, indirect or qualitative contribution.
5
25 - Project that documents how it directly contributes to
objectives:
- Evidence of contributing to 5 or less objectives: 4 pts.
- Evidence of contributing to 6-10 objectives: 8 points.
- Evidence of contributing to 11-15 objectives: 12 points.
- Evidence of contributing to 16-20 objectives:16 points.
- Evidence of contributing to 21 or more objectives, 20 points.
20
B. Utilized RMS,
Resource
Management
Strategies
- Projects including 1-3 RMSs are given 3 points.
- Projects including 4-9 RMSs, 6 points.
- Project that includes 10 or more RMSs, 10 points. - 10
C. Strategic
considerations
for IRWM Plan
Implementation
- If the project demonstrates the ability to integrate with other
projects or be modified to encourage regional planning and
produce multiple benefits, it is given 5 points. No partial points
are given for this criterion.
- 5
D. Technical
feasibility of the
project
- If project plans/designs have been completed and if there is
evidence to indicate it will have a successful outcome (i.e.
achieve the claimed benefits of the project), the project is given
all 10 points.
- If project plans/designs have not been completed and
evaluated for feasibility, the subsequent guidelines are followed:
- For completed technical feasibility studies, the project is
given 2 points.
- For the completion of background studies and
reconnaissance (before design), it is given 2 points.
- For completed designs or technical project plans, the project
is given 3 points.
- For completed report(s) that document a successful
outcome of the project, the project is given 3 points.
10 10
E. Project status
/ Readiness to
Proceed
- If fully prepared for implementation (i.e. CEQA complete or
exempt, Easements executed, etc.), project earns 10 pts.
- If a project is not ready for implementation, the subsequent
guidelines are followed:
- For a project that has identified it’s permitting needs and a
timeline to completion, 2 points are given.
- A portion of the remaining 8 points will be given based on
the percent-complete of the project’s permitting needs and
timeline.
- 10
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Criteria Scoring Guidelines Points
Subtotal Total
F.
Project costs
and financing
- Project Costs. If project costs are known to best extent possible
and documented, the full 5 points will be given. A full 5 points
will be awarded for projects with contractor bids and an
engineer’s estimate. If there is only an estimate without bids, 3
points will be awarded.
5
10
- Financing. A project will receive the full 5 points if it can
document 80% financing or more. If partially financed, points
will be given according to the percent financed, rounded up to
the nearest whole number. (i.e. 62% financed rounds to 4 pts).
5
G. Economic
feasibility
(O&M)
- Is the O&M cost of the completed, operational project
accounted for? An analysis or report of these anticipated O&M
costs, and how any additional financial needs are being covered
is required to receive 10 points. No increase in O&M costs, with
proof, will receive 10 points.
- 10
H.
Environmental
justice
considerations
- If the project specifically addresses critical water issues of a
disadvantaged community (DAC), it is given 4 points. 4
10
- If the project specifically addresses critical water issues of
Native American Tribal communities, it is given 3 points. 3
- If the project specifically addresses Environmental Justice
concerns (i.e. pollution, industrial contamination), then the
project is given 3 points.
3
I. Climate
Change
Adaption
- For each climate change vulnerability addressed, the project is
given points based on a weighting of the vulnerability’s priority. 4
6 - If changes in runoff and recharge are addressed in the project
planning, then the project is given 1 point.
- If sea level rise impacts, specifically to water supply, are
addressed in project planning, the project is given 1 point.
2
J. Climate
Change
Mitigation (GHG
Emission
Reduction)
- If the selected project reduces GHG emissions compared to
other project alternatives, and can provide documentation of
this analysis, it is given 1 point.
1
3 - If the project qualitatively reduces energy consumption,
especially energy embedded in water, it is given 1 point. 1
- When evaluating the project-related GHG emissions on a 20-
year planning horizon, projects that reduce GHG emissions are
given 1 point.
1
K. Reduce Delta
reliance
- If the project reduces dependence on the Sacramento-San
Joaquin Delta for water supply, it is given 1 point. - 1
Total Possible Score 100
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6.3.3 Call for Projects and Stakeholder Meetings
Upon completion and Working Group approval of the Scoring Rubric, District staff prepared the
Implementation List Scoring worksheets and call for projects package for interested project
sponsors. The call for projects was open from August 1st, 2018 to August 31st, 2018. In this time,
26 projects were submitted. District staff used this opportunity to meet with new RWMG
members and new representatives of existing members. These meetings included evaluating
projects, discussing IRWM in San Luis Obispo County, exploring opportunities for integration,
and the future of IRWM as a whole.
Of the 26 projects submitting, 25 projects were considered eligible and presented to the RWMG
membership at the November 7th, RWMG Meeting. No comments were received by the RWMG
regarding the list and project scores.
6.3.4 2019 Implementation List
Table 6-5 is the 2019 Implementation List of projects for the San Luis Obispo County IRWM
Region. In general, true “multi-benefit” projects scored higher than singular focused projects.
As expected, given the 40% weight to “readiness”, projects further along in design, permitting
and financing also generally scored higher.
Because of the “readiness” emphasis, it is vital to note that the scores were snapshots in time.
Therefore, it’s important to acknowledge what the list is, and what the list is not. This list
represents the projects that are necessary to implement the 2019 IRWM Plan and the priorities
for RWMG Members for the next 5 years. It is possible that a high-scoring project will not be
eligible for Prop 1, Round 1 funding and will need to wait for Round 2, or future funding
opportunities. As required by the Guidelines (pg. 53), this list is not a grant-prioritization
process.
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May 2020 6-9
Table 6-5: 2019 IRWM Plan Implementation List, alphabetical by Project Sponsor
Project Sponsor Project Name Status
Cambria CSD WWTP Nutrient Removal and Efficiency
Improvements Design
Cayucos Sanitary District Cayucos Sustainable Water Project, Phase 1 Ready for
Implementation
Cayucos Sanitary District Cayucos Sustainable Water Project, Phase 2 Planning
City of Pismo Beach Central Coast Blue Design
City of San Luis Obispo One Water SLO Design
City of San Luis Obispo Mid Higuera Bypass Design
City of San Luis Obispo Recycled Water Distribution System Expansion Design
City of San Luis Obispo Meadow Park Stormwater Capture and Use Concept
Coastal San Luis RCD Remediation and BMP Implementation in the
Oso Flaco Watershed Design
Coastal San Luis RCD Livestock and Land Program Ready for
Implementation
County of San Luis Obispo Oceano 13th Street
Drainage Project
Ready for
Implementation
County of San Luis Obispo Mountain Springs Road Sediment Control Design
Estrella-El Pomar-Creston
Water District Huer Huero Recharge Project Concept
Los Osos CSD 8th Street Well Construction Ready for
Implementation
Morro Bay National Estuary
Program (NEP) Los Padres CCC Center Stormwater LID Planning
Morro Bay NEP Water Conservation Partnerships in Chorro
Valley Planning
Morro Bay NEP Baywood Park 2nd St. Stormwater Management Concept
Nipomo CSD Supplemental Water Project, Final Phase Ready for
Implementation
Oceano CSD Oceano LID Project Design
San Miguel CSD Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion Planning
San Miguelito Mutual Water
Company
Lower San Luis Obispo Creek Fish Passage
Improvement and Seawater Intrusion Barrier Planning
San Simeon CSD Reservoir Expansion Project Design
Upper Salinas-Las Tablas RCD Santa Rosa Creek Floodplain Feasibility Study Ready for
Implementation
Upper Salinas-Las Tablas RCD Santa Rosa Creek Streamflow Enhancement Design
Upper Salinas-Las Tablas RCD SLO County Key Percolation Zone Study Ready for
Implementation
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May 2020 6-10
6.4 GRANT OPPORTUNITY SPECIFIC LIST
The Grant Opportunity Specific List is created in response to a specific funding opportunity
opened by DWR for IRWM projects. Each opportunity has its own eligibility and scoring metrics,
as well as priorities and preferences for project types and methods. Because of these vary from
opportunity to opportunity, each new opportunity requires the formation and vetting of its own
local list of projects.
DWR has overhauled the grant process for IRWM after the passage of Proposition 1 (2014). The
local selection process is intended to mirror DWR’s process for the Prop 1 IRWM
Implementation grants. This overhaul includes a fillable form-based application and funding
area-wide presentations. In response, the San Luis Obispo County Region will utilize the same
form and require presentations by prospective applicants, as described below.
The basic schedule for responding to a Prop 1 grant opportunity is as follows:
1. Review Draft PSP at Regular RWMG Meeting.
2. Call for projects.
3. Project showcase.
4. Application Recommendation by RWMG Working Group.
5. Application Recommendation by RWMG.
6. Application Recommendation by WRAC.
7. Funding Area Workshops with DWR.
8. Application approved by Board of Supervisors for submittal to DWR.
6.4.1 Review of Draft PSP at Regular RWMG Meeting
The purpose of this meeting is to review the eligibility criteria, timeline and funding available.
This meeting will also highlight priorities and preferences of DWR for the solicitation and review
the opportunity-specific scoring criteria.
6.4.2 Call for Projects
This would be based on the provided eligibility forms, scoring summary and project information
form, or similar, as provided by DWR. Information, forms and references for this local
solicitation of projects are communicated via the mailing list and the website. The Project
Information Form (PIF) is supplied by DWR and connects directly the scoring rubric used by
DWR to evaluate projects.
6.4.3 Project Showcase
Immediately following the close of the call for projects, a project showcase will be held at a
regular RWMG Meeting. Agencies/organizations who submit a project for the funding
opportunity will be required to present their projects at a regular RWMG meeting.
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May 2020 6-11
Presentations are intended to be brief, but highlight the need, design, financing and benefits of
the project.
6.4.4 Application Recommendation by RWMG Working Group
District staff will provide a list of submitted projects and their files to the RWMG Working Group
for review. Approximately one week after supplying this information, the Working Group will
meet in a public setting to discuss the projects. Discussion will be facilitated in the following
order: eligibility, scoring and Funding. Eligibility and scoring are based on the information
provided by DWR in the Proposal Solicitation Package. Once the Working Group confirms a
project’s eligibility and score, the Group will prepare an application package recommendation
to be reviewed by the entire RWMG at their next meeting. In addition, the Working Group will
heed any direction provided by the entire RWMG. For example, the RWMG could direct the
Working Group to identify the top 3 critical needs, match these with DWR’s guidance and then
provide a recommendation. In the end, the recommendation will include not only a list of
projects, but a funding recommendation for each.
6.4.5 Application Recommendation by RWMG
Upon receipt of the recommendation of projects and funding for the application from the
RWMG Working Group, a regular RWMG meeting will be held. At this meeting, the RWMG at
large will formally approve, reject or approve with modifications the recommended application
package.
6.4.6 Application Recommendation by WRAC
Per the RWMG MOU (Appendix B), the pathway of an IRWM funding application moves from
the RWMG, to the Water Resources Advisory Committee (WRAC) and then the District’s Board of
Supervisors. (See Section 2 – Governance for more information about the relationship of the
RWMG, WRAC and the District’s Board of Supervisors.) Upon recommendation of the RWMG for
inclusion in a specific funding opportunity, project sponsors will present their projects to the
WRAC. These presentations are intended to be informational. After these presentations and
any questions, the WRAC will entertain a motion to recommend the presented projects for
submittal to DWR.
6.4.7 Funding Area Presentation to DWR
As part of the implementation grant program for Proposition 1 (2014) IRWM, the Department of
Water Resources (DWR) will be hosting each funding area for application-level presentations by
each submitting agency. These presentations will include DWR and other State agencies. These
workshops are designed to increase engagement between DWR and the funding areas. Each
project applicant will be required to present their project to DWR and other State
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 6-12
representatives. Initial application feedback will be provided by DWR for each Region’s
application, looking ahead to the formal application submittal 12 weeks after the presentations.
6.4.8 Application Submittal Approval by Board of Supervisors
The final local step in the application process is to receive approval of the selected projects by
the Board of Supervisors of the San Luis Obispo County Flood Control & Water Conservation
District (District). This approval authorizes District staff to officially submit the grant application
and provides District staff authority to enter into grant agreements, funding agreements and
any future amendments to either.
6.5 PROJECT LIST COMMUNICATION AND UPDATES
6.5.1 Communication of Project List Updates
Updates to project lists and distribution of submitted documentation occurs on the San Luis
Obispo County Region’s IRWM website, www.slocounty.ca.gov/irwm. The primary channel for all
communication from the District, the Lead Agency, is through the mailing list. These emails
occur once a month, and more frequently when a call for projects or another similar event is
taking place. Additionally, information is provided at the regular RWMG meetings. In all three of
these primary communication methods – website, mailing list, meetings – RWMG members,
interested stakeholders and members of the public are able to receive and review available
information.
6.5.2 Future of Project Lists
As part of the Plan implementation, the project list will be updated on a biennial basis (or more
often if needed) to keep the list of included projects current. The project solicitation process
described above will be used to update the Full Project List. Project solicitations will be
conducted biennially, or more frequently when new opportunities arise in order to ensure that
the Region’s Project List is current, comprehensive and reflects existing project statuses. The
updated Full Project List will be published as an addendum to the IRWM Plan, not requiring re-
adoption of the plan. Future IRWM implementation grant opportunities will be offered to the
best suited projects/ programs.
The region seeks to create an online database where concepts, projects, and programs can be
submitted, and/or existing concepts, projects, and programs can be updated, between
solicitation periods. These submittals would not be scored and ranked until the next Biennial
Project List Update.
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May 2020 6-13
6.6 PROJECT INTEGRATION
Lastly, as understanding expands regarding the interconnectedness of our water systems,
project integration is an essential component of water management in the 21st century.
As shown in the RWMG member list (Table 2-1), San Luis Obispo County IRWM includes the
County, municipalities, services districts, county-wide resource groups and other specific
resource programs (i.e. Morro Bay National Estuary Program).
This plan cycle intends to include integration workshops, primarily between
restoration/ecosystem groups and agencies implementing water/wastewater service projects.
The opportunities for integration exist and the benefits are well known. Integrated projects,
particularly those between restoration and municipal partners, maximize resources, serve a
population while stewarding the environmental and provide a more advantageous position for
additional funding opportunities.
Another opportunity for project integration is in the “information sharing” and the unique place
IRWM has to create and be the catalyst for conversation. For example, in preparation for the
Proposition 1, Round 1 Implementation Grant opportunity, each submitting agency/group,
presented their projects at the April 3rd, 2019 regular RWMG meeting. This meeting served as
the “Project Showcase” described in Section 6.4.3. Members, interested stakeholders as well as
members of the public attended this meeting. In all, 14 projects were presented, and Q&A
followed each presentation. In addition to these formal conversations, after the meeting, many
conversations ensued including various wastewater plant general managers discussing
treatment processes/technologies/operating strategies, project managers discussing permitting
timelines and design challengers, and others. Few other places bring together wastewater plant
managers from across the County and the RWMG will continue to foster these conversations
and opportunities during the 2019 plan cycle.
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May 2020 7-i
7 TABLE OF CONTENTS
7 Plan Benefits and Impacts ........................................................................................................... 7-1
7.1 Benefits and Impacts to SLO Region .................................................................................. 7-1
7.1.1 Water Supply Goal ........................................................................................................... 7-1
7.1.2 Ecosystem and Watershed Restoration Goal ................................................................ 7-2
7.1.3 Groundwater Monitoring and Management Goal........................................................ 7-3
7.1.4 Flood Management Goal ................................................................................................. 7-4
7.1.5 Water Resources Management and Communications Goal ....................................... 7-5
7.2 Benefits and Impacts to Others .......................................................................................... 7-6
7.3 Benefits and Impacts to Resources .................................................................................... 7-9
7.4 Benefits and Impacts of Past IRWM Plan Implementation ............................................ 7-11
7.5 Implementation List Projects Benefits and Impacts ...................................................... 7-11
LIST OF TABLES
Table 7-1: Benefits and Impacts of the Water Supply Goal ............................................................ 7-2
Table 7-2: Benefits and Impacts of the Ecosystem and Watershed Restoration Goal ................ 7-3
Table 7-3: Benefits and Impacts of the Groundwater Monitoring and Management Goal ........ 7-4
Table 7-4: Benefits and Impacts of the Flood Management Goal ................................................. 7-5
Table 7-5: Benefits and Impacts of the Water Resources Management and Communications
Goal ....................................................................................................................................................... 7-5
Table 7-6: Inter-Regional, DAC, EJ and Tribal Benefits and Impacts of the Water Supply Goal .. 7-6
Table 7-7: Inter-Regional, DAC, EJ and Tribal Benefits and Impacts of the Ecosystem and
Watershed Restoration Goal .............................................................................................................. 7-7
Table 7-8: Inter-Regional, DAC, EJ and Tribal Benefits and Impacts of the Groundwater
Monitoring and Management Goal ................................................................................................... 7-7
Table 7-9: Inter-Regional, DAC, EJ and Tribal Benefits and Impacts of the Flood Management
Goal ....................................................................................................................................................... 7-8
Table 7-10: Inter-Regional, DAC, EJ and Tribal Benefits and Impacts of the Water Resources
Management and Communications Goal ......................................................................................... 7-8
Table 7-11: Other Resource Impacts and Benefits .......................................................................... 7-9
Table 7-12: Benefits and Impacts of Implementation List Projects ............................................. 7-12
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 7-1
7 PLAN BENEFITS AND IMPACTS
This section contains a “high” level discussion of the plan implementation to help stakeholders
begin to understand the potential benefits and impacts of implementing the IRWM Plan. High
level implies that the benefit/impact analysis is not extensive or exhaustive but does provide
sufficient detail to require updating as the plan matures, projects change, and plan
performance is measured over time. At a minimum, the section will be updated as part of a
normal 5-year plan update and re-adoption cycle.
This section examines benefits and impacts three different ways. The first considers the IRWM
Plan’s overall Goals and Objectives (Section 4) and associates primary benefits and impacts to
each. The second discusses the benefits and impacts of implementing the Plan’s Goals and
Objectives specifically to adjacent IRWM Regions, Disadvantaged Communities (DACS),
Environmental Justice and Native American Tribal Communities.
The last portion of this section provides a discussion of how the various natural and man-made
resources will be affected by the IRWM Plan’s implementation.
7.1 BENEFITS AND IMPACTS TO SLO REGION
The ultimate purpose of plan implementation is to provide benefits that support and achieve
the overall IRWM Plan vision, and Goals and Objectives of the San Luis Obispo Region. Benefits
are to be accomplished through watershed stewardship and comprehensive management of
water resources in a practical, cost effective, and responsible manner. The following section
describes the potential benefits and impacts associated with implementation of the five
recommended IRWMP Goals within the San Luis Obispo County IRWM Region.
7.1.1 Water Supply Goal
The Water Supply Goal is intended to be an integrated regional water supply program that
combines a variety of water management and infrastructure plans and projects to provide
flexibility in water supply, increase reliability of supply, and reduce dependence on imported
supplies throughout the region. The goal’s focus is to improve water quantity and water quality
for beneficial uses in the IRWM region. The types of plans and projects implemented for
purposes of the Water Supply Goal work together closely with other goals to protect the
region’s water resources. The primary benefits of the Water Supply Goal are:
Protect and improve the quantity and quality of water sources
Meet all federal and state drinking water standards
Implement inter-agency projects including emergency inter-ties between systems, jointly
developed facilities, water exchanges, and other methods of enhancing reliability
through cooperative efforts over the development of new supplies
Maximize water conservation for both M&I and agricultural uses
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May 2020 7-2
Expand desalination water opportunities by 2010
Expand reclaimed water use to make up 10 percent of total water use by 2020
Address Climate Change
The Water Supply Goal provides numerous benefits to the region as a whole, with some
impacts to the locally affected communities and adjacent areas. Table 7-1 identifies potential
benefits and impacts of implementing this goal.
Table 7-1: Benefits and Impacts of the Water Supply Goal
Water Supply Goal
Benefits
Improves water quality and brings low income communities in to compliance with drinking
water standards
Increases conservation and recycled water opportunities.
Improves water supplies and ensures their long-term sustainability.
Reduces salts and nitrates in groundwater and drinking water supplies.
Improves effluent water quality and complies with new waste discharge requirements.
Facilitates actions to begin addressing Climate Change in the region.
Reduces point and non-point discharges to regional surface waters.
Develops strategies to share water resources regionally and implement inter-agency projects.
Facilitates inter-agency coordination on regional desalinization projects.
Increases local, reliable water supplies for the region available for transfer and banking.
Coordinated public education efforts regarding recycled water use.
Reduces demand for State Water Project water.
Optimizes the regional use of State Water Project water.
Improves conjunctive use of groundwater resources.
Improves local reservoir operation conditions.
Provides regional supply for future increased demands.
Impacts
Potential temporary impacts during construction.
Potentially significant financial impacts to benefit assessment region.
Potential environmental impacts from intake facilities and brine disposal.
7.1.2 Ecosystem and Watershed Restoration Goal
The Ecosystem and Watershed Restoration Goal is made up of plans and projects that protect,
enhance, and restore the region’s natural resources. The primary benefits of the Ecosystem
Program are:
Purchase and conserve through easements, preserve, enhance, and restore land in
ecologically sensitive ecosystems
Manage public land access to encourage public involvement and stewardship
Manage and restore ecosystems and stream flows to fish bearing streams, support a
region-wide fish passage barrier prevention, circumvention and removal program, and
implement fish-friendly stream and river corridor restoration projects
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 7-3
Reduce the effects of invasive plant species, manage public properties to re-establish
rare and special status native plant populations, and promote native drought tolerant
plantings in municipal and residential landscaping
Implement the San Luis Obispo County Native Tree Management Guidelines and
promote the voluntary guidelines in the San Luis Obispo County Native Tree Resolution
for tree protection and restoration programs, urban forest management, and wild lands
fire management
Support the development and implementation of TMDLs
Conserve natural resources
Improve the understanding of Climate Change through research and monitoring
The Ecosystem and Watershed Restoration Goal provides numerous benefits to the region as a
whole, with some impacts to the locally affected communities and adjacent areas. Table 7-2
identifies potential benefits and impacts of implementing projects under this goal.
Table 7-2: Benefits and Impacts of the Ecosystem and Watershed Restoration Goal
Ecosystem and Watershed Restoration Goal
Benefits
Promotes public awareness and involvement in estuarine management issues by regional
stakeholders and tourists.
Protects the long-term stability and protection of agriculture and open space throughout the
region.
Protects wetland and riparian corridor protection and restoration, open spaces such as
development of pocket parks and green belts in urbanized areas throughout the region.
Establishes policies and guidelines for the retention of storm water on-site for percolation, and
utilization of Low Impact Development principles to ensure that proposed development
conforms to good design and flood management standards.
Protects Coastal Waters from pathogen contamination.
Protects sensitive Coastal habitats.
Protects recreational value of the Coastal areas.
Impacts
Potential conflicts with individual agency plans and policies.
Potential temporary impacts during construction.
7.1.3 Groundwater Monitoring and Management Goal
The Groundwater Monitoring and Management Goal is designed to monitor, protect, and
improve the region’s groundwater through a collaborative approach. The primary objectives of
the Groundwater Program are:
Develop monitoring and reporting programs for groundwater basins in the region
Evaluate and consider Groundwater Banking Programs
Protect and improve groundwater quality from point and non-point source pollution,
including nitrate contamination; MTBE and other industrial, agricultural, and commercial
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 7-4
sources of contamination; naturally occurring mineralization, boron, radionuclide,
geothermal contamination; and seawater intrusion and salts
Increase discharge of an improved quality of treated wastewater to maintain and
protect existing groundwater supplies
Conduct public education and outreach about groundwater protection
Identify areas of known or expected conflicts and target stakeholders on specific actions
that they should take to help protect groundwater basin quality and supply
Recharge groundwater with high quality water
The Groundwater Monitoring and Management Goal will provide numerous benefits to the
region as a whole, with some impacts to the locally affected communities and adjacent areas.
Table 7-3 identifies potential benefits and impacts of implementing projects under this goal.
Table 7-3: Benefits and Impacts of the Groundwater Monitoring and Management Goal
Groundwater Monitoring and Management Goal
Benefits
Develops a resource and groundwater management plan for the regionally significant
groundwater basins.
Improves water supply reliability via greater flexibility to implement conjunctive use options
between local groundwater supplies, desalination supply and imported State Water supply for
the region.
Compiles regional information and identifies optimal recharge locations throughout the region.
Compiles region-wide information and identifies regional ordinance options for groundwater
management.
Provides information necessary to cooperatively manage the groundwater basin to provide the
maximum water supply benefits to the region.
Impacts
Potential conflicts with individual agency policies and ordinances.
7.1.4 Flood Management Goal
The Flood Management Goal is designed to implement an integrated, watershed approach to
flood management throughout the region. The primary benefits of the Flood Management Goal
are:
Distinguish the root cause of flooding problems stemming from new development,
existing development, and mandatory regulation
Integrate ecosystem enhancement, drainage control, and natural groundwater recharge
into development projects
Develop financial programs for drainage and flood control projects
Evaluate and minimize the risk of dam and levee failures, or other flood control
structures
Develop and implement public education, outreach, and advocacy on improved flood
protection for low income areas
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 7-5
The Flood Management Goal will provide numerous benefits to the region as a whole, with
some impacts to the locally affected communities and adjacent areas. Table 7-4 identifies
potential benefits and impacts of implementing this goal.
Table 7-4: Benefits and Impacts of the Flood Management Goal
Flood Management Goal
Benefits
Develops a regional model on how to approach flood management issues, including steps on
how to integrate solutions for multiple benefits and community acceptance.
Cooperatively developed by the communities from Arroyo Grande to Oceano, the Coastal San
Luis Resource Conservation District, and the San Luis Obispo County Flood Control and Water
Conservation District for the benefit of those communities.
Eliminates redundancy of efforts by individual agencies allowing program cost reductions.
Cooperatively developed by the communities from San Luis Obispo to Avila Beach and the San
Luis Obispo County Flood Control and Water Conservation District for the benefit of those
communities.
Improves steelhead passage that benefits habitat value for the upper watershed.
Impacts
Potential temporary impacts during construction.
7.1.5 Water Resources Management and Communications Goal
The Water Resources Management and Communications Goal is designed to implement an
integrated, watershed approach to Water Resources Management and Communications
throughout the region. The primary benefits of the Water Resources Management and
Communications Goal are:
Develop financial programs for water, drainage and flood control projects
Develop and implement public education, outreach, and advocacy for sustainable water
resources management in low income areas
The Flood Management Goal will provide numerous benefits to the region as a whole, with
some impacts to the locally affected communities and adjacent areas. Table 7-5 identifies
potential benefits and impacts of implementing this goal.
Table 7-5: Benefits and Impacts of the Water Resources Management and Communications Goal
Water Resources Management and Communications Goal
Benefits
Provides reliable, consistent outreach in managing regional water supplies.
Brings those areas of the agricultural region to enable their long-term stability and productivity
within the regional community along with urban and rural uses.
Reduces regional groundwater conflicts.
Eliminates redundancy of efforts by individual agencies allowing program cost reductions.
Provides policies and best management practices consistent with applicable IRWM goals and
objectives.
Coordinates public education efforts with focused attention to low income areas.
Protects water resources for the beneficial use of regional stakeholders.
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 7-6
Water Resources Management and Communications Goal
Impacts
Potential higher cost of water to maintain finance options and increased local funding.
7.2 BENEFITS AND IMPACTS TO OTHERS
Project activities invariably have direct and indirect benefits and impacts to neighboring
Regions and other communities. Map 3-01 depicts the neighboring IRWM Regions to San Luis
Obispo County. Our adjacent Regions include Greater Monterey County, Kern County and Santa
Barbara County. Greater Monterey County and Santa Barbara County Regions are a part of the
Central Coast Funding Area along with the SLO Region, so we enjoy an “integrated” partnership
in achieving sustainable water resources for the Central Coast.
Beyond the inter-Region connectivity, this section also identifies general benefits and impacts
any project proponent will need to be cognizant of when developing projects. Effects of
achieving the Goals (Section 4) of the SLO County IRWM Plan on Disadvantaged Communities
(DACs), achieving Environmental Justice (EJ) and on Native American Tribal Communities are
broadly discussed in Table 7-6 through Table 7-10.
Table 7-6: Inter-Regional, DAC, EJ and Tribal Benefits and Impacts of the Water Supply Goal
Water Supply Goal (Section 4.4.1)
Benefits Impacts
Inter-regionally n/a
Watershed or groundwater projects in
areas that outflow into two adjacent
regions could reduce the water available
to those regions.
Disadvantaged
Community (DAC)
Supply enhancement projects are
particularly vital to DAC's as many of the
Region's DAC's have a single water
source. These projects allow DAC's to
weather changes to their water supply
due to climate change, overuse, etc.
Additional and/modernized
infrastructure could require additional
maintenance funding.
Environmental
Justice (EJ)
Regional supply projects could alleviate
EJ stress on communities with impacted
local groundwater supply.
Additional and/modernized
infrastructure could require additional
maintenance funding.
Native American
Tribal
Communities
n/a
Watershed or groundwater supply
projects could negatively impact in-
stream flows and fish populations. In
addition, with many archaeological
resources in the region, construction
projects could disturb existing artifacts
and in-situ cultural resources.
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 7-7
Table 7-7: Inter-Regional, DAC, EJ and Tribal Benefits and Impacts of the Ecosystem and Watershed Restoration Goal
Ecosystem and Watershed Restoration Goal (Section 4.4.2)
Benefits Impacts
Inter-Regionally
Upstream projects on watersheds that
flow out of SLO County (i.e. Salinas River)
will provide enhanced ecological
conditions for the receiving regions to
build upon.
n/a
Disadvantaged
Community (DAC)
Regional watershed projects that include
DAC areas provide enhancement that a
DAC could not bring about on their own.
Any additional maintenance
requirements of DAC's could be
financially burdensome.
Environmental
Justice (EJ)
Any users of watersheds that have been
impacted by pollution benefit from
pollution reduction.
Any additional maintenance
requirements of could be financially
burdensome, particularly if the affected
community is small and the
environmental burden is large.
Native American
Tribal
Communities
Increased stream flows and
enhancement of conditions for fish
population growth are priorities of our
local Tribal communities.
n/a
Table 7-8: Inter-Regional, DAC, EJ and Tribal Benefits and Impacts of the Groundwater Monitoring and Management
Goal
Groundwater Monitoring and Management Goal (Section 4.4.3)
Benefits Impacts
Inter-Regionally
Upstream projects that benefit
groundwater basins with
interconnectivity outside of SLO County
(i.e. Santa Maria Basin) will qualitatively
improve basin-wide conditions.
Projects with groundwater extraction
can put additional strain on basins.
Disadvantaged
Community (DAC)
Many local DAC's rely on groundwater.
Any basin improvement would have
direct benefit to DACs.
Projects increasing supply or improving
groundwater quality take time to show
material benefits.
Environmental
Justice (EJ)
Projects addressing groundwater
contamination directly address EJ
concerns.
Groundwater remediation projects can
take decades to complete and produce
odors, sounds, etc.
Native American
Tribal
Communities
Healthier groundwater water basins lead
to healthier streams and would benefit
Tribal interests.
Given there are interactions between
groundwater and surface water, any
reduction to groundwater could
negatively impact fish and stream
health.
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May 2020 7-8
Table 7-9: Inter-Regional, DAC, EJ and Tribal Benefits and Impacts of the Flood Management Goal
Flood Management Goal (Section 4.4.4)
Benefits Impacts
Inter-Regionally
Upstream flood management projects
on watersheds that flow out of SLO
County (i.e. Salinas River) will provide
enhanced flood control for those
receiving regions.
Conversely to benefits, flood control
projects could meter and/or reduce the
total flow in streams that leave the
County and negatively affect supply or
other beneficial uses of the stream in
neighboring regions.
Disadvantaged
Community (DAC)
Aging flood protection infrastructure (i.e.
Arroyo Grande Creek levee) threatens a
local DAC, improvement projects
provide increased protection for
communities like these.
Flood control projects can be financially
burdensome given the local, state, and
federal permitting requirements. Flood
projects can take decades to be
implemented for the same reasons.
Environmental
Justice (EJ)
Flood control projects can help mitigate
costs of flood insurance and raise
property values.
n/a
Native American
Tribal
Communities
Flood-related projects that restore
existing floodplains and nature flows
help achieve Tribal goals.
Flood control projects that alter natural
flow patterns impact Tribal communities
and their interests.
Table 7-10: Inter-Regional, DAC, EJ and Tribal Benefits and Impacts of the Water Resources Management and
Communications Goal
Water Resources Management and Communications Goal (Section 4.4.5)
Benefits Impacts
Inter-Regionally
Increased communication between
regions enhances breaks down silos and
aid in achieving shared regional goals.
Projects may experience delays
gathering additional input from
stakeholders, though the input is
valuable, it does take time.
Disadvantaged
Community (DAC)
DACs tend to lack Technical, Managerial
and Financial (TMF) resources to execute
management and communication
projects/programs that would help
inform DACs of the issues facing the
community and provide avenues for
participation in the solution.
n/a
Environmental
Justice (EJ)
Enhanced communication and
management can increase awareness
and information sharing, as well as be a
catalyst for change in one's community.
n/a
Native American
Tribal
Communities
Enhanced communication with Tribal
communities increases an agency's or
community's ability to engage with and
learn from our Native American Tribal
Communities.
n/a
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 7-9
7.3 BENEFITS AND IMPACTS TO RESOURCES
Other resources affected by the IRWM Plan, other than water resources and ecosystem
management are included in Table 7-11 to provide the full spectrum of analysis which takes
place at the project implementation stage, largely via the CEQA/NEPA process, or in accordance
with IRWM standards if pursuing IRWM funding. The following are the areas anticipated to be
evaluated for impacts and benefits when projects proceed to the implementation stage.
Table 7-11: Other Resource Impacts and Benefits
Resource Impacts Benefits
Aesthetics Resources
There is an interest in
maintaining scenic open
vistas, the “small town”
feel, and neighborhood
qualities.
To the degree that new facilities are
required, they can be evaluated at a
project level to address community
concerns about aesthetic resource
effects. In coastal areas, any new
facilities, such as desalination plants or
wastewater treatment plants, including
recycled water, would also require review
and permitting by the California Coastal
Commission.
Implementation of the IRWM Plan will
seek preservation of open space,
community separators, and the open
scenic vistas currently enjoyed by the
region’s residents.
Agricultural Resources
Includes the protection
and enhancement of
agricultural activities in the
region.
Changes in crop types and water use
efficiency measures, may be required to
maintain the same level of agricultural
production. While it is not possible to
state which agricultural areas may need
to review water use practices, it can be
stated that a growing population together
with growing environmental water
demands may create changes in
agricultural water use.
The implementation of the IRWM
Plan should create a high level of
certainty with regards to water
supplies and agricultural land use
that will provide land managers with
a strong foundation on which to base
an agricultural investment strategy,
thereby strengthening agriculture in
the region.
Air Quality Standards
Normally, San Luis Obispo
County meets all federal
air quality standards;
however, during certain
days state standards for
ozone and fine particulates
are not met.
Ozone generation is closely related to
population and growth issues. The San
Luis Obispo County Clean Air Plan and
City and County general plans work
together to facilitate “smart growth”
principles that strive to limit the necessity
for vehicle trips. Key strategies may
involve compact urban development and
limitations on urban sprawl.
Implementation provides support to
existing policies in City and County
General Plans, the Clean Air Plan, and
various other planning, land use, and
resource documents. Because water
is such a key component in growth
and growth pattern issues, providing
water resources in a manner
consistent with existing Clean Air and
growth management policies
regarding those same issues can be
viewed as bolstering both efforts.
Biological Resources
San Luis Obispo County is
extremely diverse in
biological resources
including, but not limited
to, natural ecosystems,
estuaries, fisheries,
wetlands, and flora and
fauna.
Implementation of the IRWM Plan is not
expected to result in substantial negative
impacts to biological resources within the
region. To the degree that new facilities
are required, they can be evaluated at a
project level to address community and
agency concerns about biological
resource effects.
IRWM policies designed to protect
and enhance agricultural areas,
wildlife habitat, environmental water
needs, and to protect watersheds
may be needed to further benefit
biological resources.
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 7-10
Table 7-11: Other Resource Impacts and Benefits, Continued
Resource Impacts Benefits
Cultural Resources
Local communities and Native
American Tribal groups are
strongly interested in protecting
prehistoric sites, while historical
societies and related groups are
involved with protecting and
enhancing historic resources.
Project-level analysis and design
will limit biological impacts
accompanied by adequate
mitigation efforts, if needed.
Implementation in a manner
consistent with current General
Plan policies focuses growth in or
adjacent to existing urban areas.
The outcomes may include
preservation of open space,
community separators, and the
pre-historic and historic resources
currently existing in these areas.
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice (EJ) is the
fair treatment of all people
regardless of race, color, nation of
origin, or income and meaningful
involvement of people within
communities.
The potential adverse impacts
related to EJ include minorities or
low-income areas who may be
excluded from the environmental
and land use policy setting
resulting in a disproportionate
impact from one or more
environmental hazards.
Plan Implementation includes EJ
by providing reliable and
sustainable water supplies and
flood control. All IRWM projects
consider EJ in their planning,
outreach, construction, and
operations.
Natural Hazards/ Hazardous
Materials
The San Luis Obispo County region
is seismically active, containing
both portions of the San Andreas
Fault system as well as numerous
other active faults. Coastal
portions of the County are subject
to tsunami hazards, while
numerous areas present unstable
soils and landslide concerns.
Further, the presence of
substantial areas of ultra-mafic
rock gives rise to concerns about
naturally-occurring asbestos,
mercury and nickel ore, and other
heavy metals.
Consideration of natural hazards
occurs with all IRWM projects. As
a part of planning and execution,
consideration takes place of
construction activities and
associated environmental
hazards, including, but not limited
to, the risk of spills of petroleum
products and mobilizing airborne
contaminants.
Projects adjacent to existing
urban areas consider and
facilitate avoidance of natural
hazard impacts (such as flood
zones and high fire hazard areas)
and/or manmade impacts (such
as rerouting construction or
chemical transport vehicles
through less populated areas).
Population/Housing
San Luis Obispo County region
ranks as one of the least
affordable in the nation, with the
typical home priced well above the
income range of the average
resident.
While it cannot be said that the
costs of providing water-related
services (water supply,
wastewater disposal, and flood
control) are major contributors to
housing costs in the region, these
elements could exacerbate the
situation if not planned for
appropriately.
Project implementation considers
reducing the region’s water
related costs, primarily by
reducing infrastructure and
treatment costs through
economies of regionalization and
integration of projects/programs.
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 7-11
Table 7-11: Other Resource Impacts and Benefits, Continued
Resource Impacts Benefits
Public Services/Utilities
The San Luis Obispo region has a
significant number of water
supply, drainage, and sanitary
sewage facilities, each with
separate master plans.
The IRWM Plan considers the
regional master plans for
providing water, disposing of
wastewater, and dealing with
flood hazards in a manner that is
consistent with long-term
community sustainability.
Project implementation provides
integration with public services
serving as a portion of the
blueprint from which planning of
the provision of vital public
services occurs. The IRWM Plan,
together with City and County
smart growth policies built in the
General Plans, provides these
services in the most efficient
manner possible.
Transportation/Circulation
Transportation plans are
influenced depending on the
location and level of water
resources management to sustain
growth (existing and new), and
increased tourism.
To the extent new growth and/or
increased tourism occurs because
of improved water resources,
additional strain to existing
transportation systems may take
place.
Implementation of the IRWM Plan
supports existing policies in City
and County General Plans,
transportation and circulation
plans, and various other planning,
land use, and resource
documents. Because water is
such a key component in growth,
providing water resources in a
manner consistent with existing
growth management policies
regarding those same issues will
bolster both efforts.
7.4 BENEFITS AND IMPACTS OF PAST IRWM PLAN IMPLEMENTATION
A comprehensive look back of the past plans and projects completed in SLO County through
the IRWM Program can be found in Section 8 - Plan Performance and Monitoring.
7.5 IMPLEMENTATION LIST PROJECTS BENEFITS AND IMPACTS
As described in Section 6 – Project Review Process, the RWMG compiled a list of 25 projects
being developed by members, the Implementation List. The projects expect to have a horizon
of 5 years or less for implementation. Table 7-12 provides a general benefit and impact
discussion of each project and highlights DAC, EJ, and Native American Tribal Communities
where appropriate.
Specific project benefits and impacts are discussed and explored in detail in a project’s CEQA
document. Additionally, should a project receive funding from an IRWM grant opportunity,
projects will provide detailed impact and benefit analysis in a Project Performance and
Monitoring Plan.
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 7-12
Table 7-12: Benefits and Impacts of Implementation List Projects
2019 Implementation List Projects Benefits and Impacts
Project Sponsor
Project Name
(Alphabetical by
Sponsor)
Benefit(s) Impact(s)
Cambria CSD
WWTP Nutrient Removal and
Efficiency Improvements
Provides supply relief to a community
with active water curtailment. Additional
benefits from the energy saving
measures.
n/a
Cayucos Sanitary District
Cayucos Sustainable Water
Project, Phase 1
The project enables the community of
Cayucos to have control of their
Wastewater process and provide
recycled water for agricultural uses.
As with many wastewater treatment
projects, brine effluent will impact
the disposal area
Cayucos Sanitary District
Cayucos Sustainable Water
Project, Phase 2
Sustainable supply opportunity for
Cayucos and Whale Rock Reservoir as a
whole
Construction impacts, undetermined
affects to reservoir of augmenting
natural supply with treated
wastewater
City of Pismo Beach
Central Coast Blue
Provides additional supply to the
Northern Cities Mgmt. Area of the Santa
Maria Groundwater Basin. Multi-agency
collaboration for a regional solution
Construction impacts of the
groundwater injection wells and
advanced treatment facilities
proposed are primarily in a DAC.
City of San Luis Obispo
One Water SLO
Increased recycled water production,
effluent treated to the Municipal and
Domestic Water Supply standard
Construction impacts change in
effluent patterns to lower San Luis
Obispo Creek.
City of San Luis Obispo
Mid Higuera Bypass
Enhanced flood protection for
downtown SLO which historically floods
during high flow events
The project will disturb riparian and
streambed corridors.
City of San Luis Obispo
Recycled Water Distribution
System Expansion
Provides additional access to recycled
water, allowing users where able to
reduce consumption of potable water
Construction impacts, additional
vegetation monitoring/placement for
species/types that are more
favorable to recycled water.
City of San Luis Obispo
Meadow Park Stormwater
Capture and Use
Reduces dependence on potable water
for irrigation of a large park. Provides
stormwater control in flood area.
Construction impacts and temporary
closure of park faculties. Potable
water reduction dependent on
rainfall
Coastal San Luis RCD
Remediation and BMP
Implementation in the Oso
Flaco Watershed
Helps reduce Total Maximum Daily Load
(TMDL) levels for in Oso Flaco Lake for
pesticides and toxicity.
n/a
Coastal San Luis RCD
Livestock and Land Program
Provides tools and educations to reduce
the flow of animal byproduct to water
supplies (i.e. streams) during rain
events
Requires multiple individual property
owners to buy in to see regional
benefits
County of San Luis Obispo
Oceano 13th St.
Drainage
Project will help alleviate annual
flooding in a high traffic area of a DAC
Construction impacts of road
closures and land disturbances.
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 7-13
Table 7-12: Benefits and Impacts of Implementation List Projects, continued
2019 Implementation List Projects Benefits and Impacts
Project Sponsor
Project Name
(Alphabetical by
Sponsor)
Benefit(s) Impact(s)
County of San Luis Obispo
Mountain Springs Road
Sediment Control
Protects urban population downstream
from debris flows and flash floods
Construction and environmental
impacts of expanded basin
Estrella-El Pomar-Creston
Water District
Huer Huero Recharge Project
Increases groundwater recharge in a
priority basin (see map 3-2)
Would reduce downstream flow
potential
Los Osos CSD
8th Street Well Construction
Implements part of a multiple agency
groundwater management plan, project
helps mitigate seawater intrusion issues
Construction impacts and
possible impacts to upper
aquifer due to increased
reliance.
Morro Bay National Estuary
Program (NEP)
Los Padres CCC Center
Stormwater LID
Captures and treats runoff from the
California Conservation Corps (CCC)
center that enters adjacent Chorro Creek
Minor immediate impacts of
changing flow patterns
Morro Bay NEP
Water Conservation
Partnerships in Chorro Valley
Achieves IRWM Integration and regional
approaches to enhancing supply and
habitat of the Chorro creek watershed
and therefore Morro Bay.
n/a
Morro Bay NEP
Baywood Park 2nd Street
Stormwater Management
Captures and treats stormwater runoff
that enters Morro Bay, infiltrates water to
a basin with known seawater intrusion
Construction impacts and
maintenance requirements
Nipomo CSD
Supplemental Water Project,
Final Phase
Additional supply for a groundwater
dependent area, multi-agency
collaboration for a regional solution
construction impacts and
increased embedded energy in
water
Oceano CSD
Oceano LID Project
Project provides stormwater control
faculties and infiltration for a DAC with
known flooding issues
Construction impacts at a school
and in residential
neighborhoods
San Miguel CSD
Wastewater Treatment Plant
Expansion
Increased effluent treatment and
provides supplemental water supply to a
Disadvantaged Community
Construction impacts increase in
costs of service to a DAC
San Miguelito Mutual Water
Company
Lower San Luis Obispo Creek
Fish Passage Improvement
and Seawater Intrusion
Barrier
Project co-developed between SMMWC
and Central Coast Salmon Enhancement.
Mutual benefits to environment and a
small groundwater basin supply
Habitat disturbance and in-
stream construction impacts
San Simeon CSD
Reservoir Expansion Project
Provides additional fire protection and
capacity to store potable water for
periods of drought or low groundwater
levels
Construction impacts increase in
costs of service to a DAC
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 7-14
Table 7-12: Benefits and Impacts of Implementation List Projects, continued
2019 Implementation List Projects Benefits and Impacts
Project Sponsor
Project Name
(Alphabetical by
Sponsor)
Benefit(s) Impact(s)
Upper Salinas-Las Tablas
RCD
Santa Rosa Creek Floodplain
Feasibility Study
Expects to provide options for improving
the function and effects of the floodplain
to the ecosystem (steelhead) and
groundwater
n/a (study)
Upper Salinas-Las Tablas
RCD
Santa Rosa Creek Streamflow
Enhancement
Achieves supply, ecosystem, flood
control, groundwater and water mgmt.
objectives for the Santa Rosa Creek
watershed
Agricultural impacts in order to
increase dry season flows
Upper Salinas-Las Tablas
RCD
SLO County Key Percolation
Zone Study
Project will map areas that would be most
effective for groundwater recharge n/a (study)
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 8-i
8 TABLE OF CONTENTS
8 Plan Performance and Monitoring ............................................................................................. 8-1
8.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 8-1
8.2 IRWM Program Level Performance Measures and Monitoring Methods ...................... 8-2
8.2.1 Expected Level of Effort ................................................................................................... 8-2
8.3 Project-Level Performance and Monitoring Plan ........................................................... 8-13
8.4 Evaluating and Reporting Plan Performance and Monitoring Results ......................... 8-14
8.4.1 Programmatic-Level Monitoring and Reporting ......................................................... 8-15
8.4.2 Project-Level Monitoring and Reporting ..................................................................... 8-17
8.4.3 IRWM Future Project Monitoring .................................................................................. 8-19
8.4.4 Plan Performance Evaluation Report ........................................................................... 8-20
8.4.5 Climate Change Evaluation ........................................................................................... 8-21
8.5 Quarterly Reporting ........................................................................................................... 8-21
8.6 Monitoring Plan Budget Process ...................................................................................... 8-22
LIST OF TABLES
Table 8-1: Water Supply Goal ............................................................................................................ 8-3
Table 8-2: Ecosystem and Watershed Goal ...................................................................................... 8-5
Table 8-3: Groundwater Monitoring and Management Goal ........................................................ 8-7
Table 8-4: Flood Management Goal .................................................................................................. 8-9
Table 8-5: Water Management and Communications Goal ......................................................... 8-11
Table 8-6: Example of Programmatic Monitoring and Reporting Table ..................................... 8-16
Table 8-7: Existing IRWM Project Benefits Classified by IRWM Goals ......................................... 8-17
Table 8-8: Existing Implementation Projects Monitoring Activities ............................................. 8-18
Table 8-9: Future Project Monitoring, Based on the Implementation List ................................. 8-19
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 8-1
8 PLAN PERFORMANCE AND MONITORING
8.1 INTRODUCTION
This section defines the Plan Performance and Monitoring Strategy. The IRWM Plan legislation
and DWR standards require that IRWM Plans include performance measures and a monitoring
program to document progress towards meeting IRWM Plan Objectives, and a methodology
that the Regional Water Management Group (RWMG) will use to oversee and evaluate
implementation of projects. The purpose of the Plan Performance and Monitoring strategy is to
document how the IRWM Plan Objectives are to be measured and how the projects will be
overseen and evaluated in order to ensure the anticipated IRWM Plan objectives are being met.
This section also describes the method to report the San Luis Obispo County Region’s progress
in meeting the objectives and implementing projects.
Performance in meeting IRWM Plan Objectives is tracked at two levels. First, at the IRWM
Program-level, performance measures and monitoring methods are developed and used to
evaluate the overall progress in meeting each objective. Second, at the IRWM Project-level, each
project that is submitted for inclusion in the IRWM Plan is evaluated to see which objectives it
will address (see Section 6 – Project Selection Process). The project sponsor or sponsoring
group will provide information on project progress to the District and once complete, verify that
the project meets the identified objectives. The results of the performance and monitoring
effort at the two levels will be used by the District, referred to as lead agency to measure and
track success, prepare regular progress reports to the RWMG, and present IRWM Plan results to
public and stakeholders to maintain and gain further support for the IRWM Plan. These
processes are described in more detail below.
The Lead Agency is responsible for:
IRWM Plan implementation, evaluation, and monitoring the overall performance in
meeting the Goals and Objectives
Reaching out to local stakeholders of each Sub-Region and update the Sub-Region
Priorities
Annually evaluating the performance for implementing projects that contribute to
meeting the overall Goals and Objectives
Tracking all project sponsors, including aggregating reports of specific projects
performance, and monitoring
Budgeting resources to ensure the monitoring efforts are affordable given the limited
resources of the project sponsors and lead agency
The annual review by the RWMG is part of the adaptive management strategy that will help
guide changes to the IRWM Plan in the future. It will be used to facilitate discussion of “lessons
learned” from project-specific monitoring efforts.
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 8-2
8.2 IRWM PROGRAM LEVEL PERFORMANCE MEASURES AND MONITORING
METHODS
The IRWM Plan Objectives were established by the RWMG (Section 4 – Goals and Objectives).
The RWMG broadly defines the objectives so that they are easy to communicate and achieve
stakeholder consensus. Section 4 – Goals and Objectives (Tables 4-3 to 4-7) provides a
qualitative and/or quantitative performance measure to assess each of the IRWM Plan
Objectives. For the purposes of this section, the measures have been combined in one
column in Table 8-1 through Table 8-5 below. The monitoring methodology for each objective
has been added. Monitoring the objectives will inform the RWMG as to how the needs of the
Region are being met and what projects or programs should be supported to address
deficiencies.
8.2.1 Expected Level of Effort
The volume of information from each performance measurement is expected to vary
significantly based on the nature of the metric. The District’s efforts in periodically “checking-in”
with specific monitoring agencies, stakeholders, and project sponsors and coordinating the
expectations in the frequency, format, and interpretation can be considerable. The District will
plan to develop and provide a comprehensive database design to capture and report
qualitative and quantitative data. This effort is expected to be challenging both in terms of
technology, staff training, and long-term funding. With an approximate 5-year monitoring
period, maintenance to keep the database current, coordination in keeping the participants
engaged and cooperative, and actions in maintaining vigilance over the quality of the data is
considered to be a daily task undertaken by the District with a level of effort requiring at least
one half of a full-time equivalent Grade 4 or higher Engineering Technician or Associate Civil
Engineer.
The District’s level of effort in the 5-year evaluation period of the monitoring data is also
dependent on the level of interpretation made by the monitoring agencies. In cases where the
District cannot make a determination or accurate assessment of the data, the monitoring
agency, or a consultant, may be asked to assist in this effort. Costs may be allocated amongst
benefiting parties depending on the nature of the data. If financial resources are not available,
a qualitative discussion of the data is allowable.
FINAL UNADOPTED San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan May 2020 8-3 Table 8-1: Water Supply Goal OBJECTIVES PERFORMANCE MEASURES MONITORING METHODS 1. Maximize the accessibility to existing and supplemental water supplies in the Region through the utilization of existing infrastructure and development of new infrastructure and agreements. Increasing amounts of total available surface water supply stored for subsequent years or provided to customers as an offset to groundwater pumping, creating in-lieu recharge. The District collects water use and availability information on an annual basis from all water purveyors (see Section 9 – Data Management). Agricultural and rural water demand will be updated every 5 years as a part of the IRWM Plan’s 5-year update cycle. The water use information can be compared to water availability information to track how much water was available but not put to use or otherwise stored in each 5-year period. 2. Provide adequate and sustainable water supplies and infrastructure to address water deficiencies in all communities, including disadvantaged communities and designated low-income census blocks. Decreasing number of communities with deficiencies. The County collects system deficiency information biennially for its Resource Management System (see Section 12 – Relation to Local Water and Land Use Planning). The number of communities with deficiencies will be tracked via this program in order to support appropriate corrective projects. 3. Support sustainable potable water supply programs for rural residents. Decreasing number of comments or complaints from the rural community regarding loss, or potential loss, of quality or quantity of their water supplies. The District will coordinate with other County departments to maintain documentation of identified issues, including dry wells, to support appropriate responses. 4. Support sustainable water quality and supply programs for agriculture. Decreasing number of comments or complaints from the agricultural community regarding loss, or potential loss, of quality or quantity of their water supplies. The District will coordinate with other County departments to maintain documentation of identified issues, including dry wells, to support appropriate responses. 5. Support projects aimed to improve existing public water systems to meet state or federal drinking water quality standards. Decreasing number of community water systems that do not currently meet state or federal drinking water quality standards. The District will coordinate with the Public Health Agency and state agencies to maintain documentation of systems that do not currently meet state or federal drinking water quality standards so that the RWMG will know which communities need support.
FINAL UNADOPTED San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan May 2020 8-4 Table 8-1: Water Supply Goal, Continued OBJECTIVES PERFORMANCE MEASURES MONITORING METHODS 6. Develop and implement water management plans in communities of all sizes and water uses consistent with CWC requirements and accounting for environmental water needs. Number of communities without water management plans. The District will inventory the number of communities without water management plans as a part of the IRWM Plan’s 5-year update cycle. 7. Develop and implement conservation programs, measures and practices to increase water use efficiency in all water use sectors in order to maximize water supplies. Increasing number of acre-feet per year of urban, agriculture, and rural water saved through formal water use efficiency projects and programs. The District collects water use and availability information on an annual basis from all water purveyors (see Section 9 - Data Management). Agricultural and rural water demand will be updated every 5 years as a part of the IRWM Plan’s 5-year update cycle. Every 5 years, the extent to which all water use sectors have developed and implemented conservation programs, will be assessed. 8. Plan for potential regional impacts of greenhouse gas emissions, climate change, and droughts on water quantity and quality. Existence of County-wide planning studies that identify greenhouse gas emission sources, regional vulnerabilities, and forecast the needed changes in water supplies and water supply infrastructure as a result of climate change. The District will inventory climate change planning efforts as a part of the IRWM Plan’s 5-year update cycle. 9. Diversify water supply sources, including the use of recycled and desalinized water. Decreasing number of communities without a secondary water supply source. The District will inventory the number of communities without a secondary water supply as a part of the IRWM Plan’s 5-year update cycle. 10. Support watershed enhancement projects and programs to increase available water supplies to the Region. Decreasing number of comments or complaints from the agricultural community regarding loss, or potential loss, of quality or quantity of their water supplies. The County collects groundwater supply deficiency information biennially for its Resource Management System (see Section 12 – Relation to Local Water and Land Use Planning). The number of basins with deficiencies will be tracked via this program in order to support appropriate corrective watershed projects.
FINAL UNADOPTED San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan May 2020 8-5 Table 8-2: Ecosystem and Watershed Goal OBJECTIVES PERFORMANCE MEASURES MONITORING METHODS 1. Develop watershed plans or other methods to determine the existing conditions and critical issues of each watershed or water planning area. Decreasing number of watersheds without plans or similar methods developed to understand the needs in watershed or water planning area. The District will inventory the number of watersheds without plans or similar methods developed to understand the needs in watershed or water planning area as a part of the IRWM Plan’s 5-year update cycle. 2. Preserve, enhance, restore and conserve riparian corridors and natural creek and river systems through wetland restoration, natural floodplains, riparian buffers, conservation easements, and other mechanisms to protect water supplies. Increasing number of acres preserved for ecosystem restoration and/or preservation. Increasing number of acres of healthy or improved natural recharge areas associated with riparian corridors. The District will coordinate with local agencies such as the County Planning Department, Land Conservancy, and Resource Conservation districts to track preservation acreage and mitigation activities that improve recharge areas along riparian corridors. 3. Increase watershed management activities (e.g., education, BMPs, monitoring, etc.) to reduce or prevent point and non-point source discharges of contaminants to surface water and groundwater resources to reduce the potential for developing additional total maximum daily load (TMDL) values. Increasing number of programs with the intent to protect surface water and groundwater recharge areas and improve surface water and/or groundwater quality. Increasing number of creeks that have a water quality measuring program in place. The District will coordinate with local agencies such as the Planning Department, Land Conservancy, and Resource Conservation districts to track mitigation activities that improve recharge areas along riparian corridors. The District will inventory the number of creeks that have a water quality measuring program in place as a part of the IRWM Plan’s 5-year update cycle. 4. Develop public involvement and stewardship programs for public lands and ecosystems. Increasing public involvement and stewardship programs that cover all public lands and ecosystems. The District will inventory the extent to which public involvement and stewardship programs cover all public lands and ecosystems as a part of the IRWM Plan’s 5-year update cycle.
FINAL UNADOPTED San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan May 2020 8-6 Table 8-2: Ecosystem and Watershed Goal, Continued OBJECTIVES PERFORMANCE MEASURES MONITORING METHODS 5. Protect and recover threatened, endangered and sensitive species through habitat restoration, stream flow management, and fish passage restoration. Increasing number of management programs and projects with the primary benefit to improve threatened, endangered, and sensitive species corridors. The District will coordinate with local agencies such as the County Planning Department, Land Conservancy, and Resource Conservation districts to track miles of additional steam or land opened to species habitat or migration; miles of additional stream or watershed corridor restored and the decrease in threatened, endangered, and/or sensitive species populations. 6. Reduce impacts of invasive species by removal and/or other management/control methods to promote healthy ecosystems. Increasing number of studies and management and/or prevention programs and projects established to reduce invasive species or re-establish native species populations. Decreasing number of invasive species problems. The District will coordinate with local agencies such as the County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office and Resource Conservation districts to track the number of studies and management and/or prevention programs and projects established to reduce invasive species or re-establish native species populations and the number of invasive species problems. 7. Increase monitoring and promote research programs to obtain a greater understanding of the long-term effects of climate change and greenhouse gas emissions on the Region’s watersheds and ecosystems. Existence of monitoring and research programs that identify the long-term effects of climate change and greenhouse gas emissions on the Region’s watersheds and ecosystems. The District will inventory climate change monitoring efforts and the extent to which the long-term effects are understood for the Region as a part of the IRWM Plan’s 5-year update cycle.
FINAL UNADOPTED San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan May 2020 8-7 Table 8-3: Groundwater Monitoring and Management Goal OBJECTIVES PERFORMANCE MEASURES MONITORING METHODS 1. Develop groundwater management Plans, including Groundwater Sustainability Plans, Salt and Nutrient Management Plans, or other methods to help understand groundwater issues and conditions. Increasing percentage of the Region’s groundwater basins that have adopted Groundwater Management Plans and governance structures (only in basins where required). The District will inventory the number of groundwater basins that have adopted Groundwater Management Plans and governance structures as a part of the IRWM Plan’s 5-year update cycle. 2. Improve groundwater management with direct support of locally driven processes, including potential formation of groundwater management structures/ organizations for the purpose of implementing water supply and conservation plans, programs, and projects. Increasing percentage of the Region’s groundwater basins that have groundwater management structures for the purpose of implementing plans, programs, and projects. The District will inventory the number of groundwater basins that have groundwater management structures for the purpose of implementing plans, programs, and projects as a part of the IRWM Plan’s 5-year update cycle. 3. Develop and implement projects and programs to further basin management objectives of local groundwater management plans or other objectives established under other methods used to define groundwater issues and conditions. Increasing number of projects consistent with adopted Groundwater Management Plan Basin Management Objectives (BMOs) for the improvement of the health of a groundwater basin. The District will track the number of projects and programs implemented consistent with adopted Groundwater Management Plan BMOs. 4. Work with local groundwater governance bodies in an effort to increase monitoring for groundwater basins in the region, where plausible, such as is required under Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) and/or California Statewide Groundwater Elevation Monitoring (CASGEM). Increasing number of basins meeting CASGEM standards. The District will inventory the number of basins meeting CASGEM standards as a part of the IRWM Plan’s 5-year update cycle.
FINAL UNADOPTED San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan May 2020 8-8 Table 8-3: Groundwater Monitoring and Management (Groundwater) Goal, Continued OBJECTIVES PERFORMANCE MEASURES MONITORING METHODS 5. Evaluate and implement groundwater recharge and/or banking programs or efforts to increase the conjunctive use opportunities within the Region, where technically feasible and cost-effective. Increasing percentage of acreage or groundwater basins within the Region that have been studied or looked at for viability of groundwater banking. Increasing number of groundwater banking projects implemented where technically feasible and cost-effective. The District will inventory the number of basins that have been evaluated for banking feasibility as a part of the IRWM Plan’s 5-year update cycle. The District will inventory the number of basins that have implemented banking projects where technically feasible and cost-effective as a part of the IRWM Plan’s 5-year update cycle. 6. Protect and improve groundwater quality from point and non-point source pollution, including geothermal contamination and seawater intrusion. Increasing number of projects/programs implemented for the improvement and protection of groundwater basin water quality. The District will track the projects/programs implemented for the improvement and protection of groundwater basin water quality.
FINAL UNADOPTED San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan May 2020 8-9 Table 8-4: Flood Management Goal OBJECTIVES PERFORMANCE MEASURES MONITORING METHODS 1. Understand flood management needs per watershed or water planning area. Decreasing number of watersheds without plans regarding flood management needs. The District will inventory the number of watersheds without plans regarding flood management needs as a part of the IRWM Plan’s 5-year update cycle. 2. Promote the implementation of Low Impact Development projects and practices to reduce storm runoff to protect infrastructure and property from flood damage. Increasing number of development projects where specific development conditions have been applied for the incorporation of storm water runoff reduction elements. The District will coordinate with local agencies such as the County Planning Department, individual communities, Resource Conservation districts and the resource agencies to track the number of development projects where specific development conditions have been applied for the incorporation of storm water runoff reduction elements. 3. Integrate storm water controls, drainage and flood control structures into development projects and/or floodplain restoration to enhance natural groundwater recharge. Increasing number of projects where specific development conditions apply directly to actions benefitting groundwater recharge. The District will coordinate with local agencies such as the County Planning Department, individual communities, Resource Conservation districts and the resource agencies to track the number of development projects where specific development conditions have been applied for the purpose of groundwater recharge. 4. Improve flood control infrastructure and operations and flood management strategies to reduce frequency of downstream flooding, improve water quality, and reduce upstream erosion and downstream sediment accumulation. Increasing number of improvements to flood control infrastructure and operations and flood management strategies for the purposes of reducing frequency of downstream flooding, improving water quality, and reducing upstream erosion and downstream sediment accumulation in watersheds where those issues are identified. The District will coordinate with local agencies such as the County Planning Department, individual communities, Resource Conservation districts and the resource agencies to track the number of applicable flood management improvements.
FINAL UNADOPTED San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan May 2020 8-10 Table 8-4: Flood Management Goal, Continued OBJECTIVES PERFORMANCE MEASURES MONITORING METHODS 5. Develop and implement flood management and water storage projects that provide multiple benefits such as public safety, water supply, habitat protection, recreation, agriculture, and economic development. Increasing number of flood management projects where multiple human and habitat-related benefits can be described. The District will coordinate with local agencies such as the County Planning Department, individual communities, Resource Conservation districts and the resource agencies to track the number of flood management projects that address both human and habitat needs. 6. Develop and implement flood control projects that ensure health and safety and simultaneously protect, restore, and enhance the functions of rivers, creeks, streams, and their floodplains. Increasing number of miles of waterways where deliberate measures have taken place to improve riparian floodplains. Increasing number of acres of floodplain acquired. The District will coordinate with local agencies such as the County Planning Department, individual communities, Resource Conservation districts and the resource agencies to track the applicable floodplain projects in terms of waterway mileage and acres of floodplain. 7. Support the adequate protection of disadvantaged communities from flooding without unfairly burdening communities, neighborhoods, or individuals. Demonstrated efforts to work with flood agencies to bring the flood management needs of DACs to the forefront for consideration of flood management actions. The District will coordinate with local agencies such as the County Planning Department, individual communities, Resource Conservation districts and the resource agencies to track the number of flood management efforts for DACs.
FINAL UNADOPTED San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan May 2020 8-11 Table 8-5: Water Management and Communications Goal OBJECTIVES PERFORMANCE MEASURES MONITORING METHODS 1. Provide consistent, consolidated and informative public outreach on the coordination of IRWM implementation projects and water resources programs. Implementation of the reporting plan contained within the IRWM Plan. The District will track whether the reporting plan is followed. 2. Seek funding for IRWM implementation without unfairly burdening communities, neighborhoods or individuals. Continuous effort to pursue grants and loans without unfairly burdening communities, neighborhoods or individuals. The District will track efforts to pursue grants and loans for IRWM implementation. 3. Actively support and promote local control in addressing water resource issues through establishing stakeholder groups, working with local groundwater governance bodies, and partnering with cities, community services districts and other water purveyors when possible. Development of a communication network for the purpose of reaching out in the most cost effective and timely manner. Total number of communication events making use of documented structured network and the estimated total number of people informed. The District will coordinate with other local entities to track the occurrence of water management efforts in the Region that are supportive of local control and involve coordination amongst multiple entities, and collect information on the number of people informed and by what method. 4. Consider property owner rights, existing water supplies and cultural values in the planning and implementation of IRWM projects and programs. Demonstrated efforts to work with planning and water agencies to protect existing water rights and private lands of those possible affected by their actions. The District will track when property owner rights and cultural values are addressed during IRWM efforts in the Region and by what method. 5. Support efforts by the state, local agencies, water purveyors, and local groundwater governance bodies to align efforts to protect and manage water resources. Demonstrated water resource management and protection efforts that integrate the state’s, local governments’, and water purveyors’ policies. The District will coordinate with local entities to track water resource management and protection efforts that integrate the state’s, local governments’, and water purveyors’ policies.
FINAL UNADOPTED San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan May 2020 8-12 Table 8-5: Water Management and Communications Goal, Continued OBJECTIVES PERFORMANCE MEASURES MONITORING METHODS 6. Seek opportunities for water management collaboration between urban, rural, and agricultural interests. Demonstrated efforts to work with urban, rural and agricultural interest groups to bring them together on water issues. Number of meetings convened specifically to resolve issues and conflicts regarding urban, rural and agricultural differences in water supply. The District will coordinate with other local entities to track efforts in the Region to resolve issues and conflicts regarding urban, rural, and agricultural differences in water supply, and collect information on the number of meetings. 7. Provide support and promote education for the participation of disadvantaged communities in the development, implementation, monitoring, and long-term maintenance of water resource management projects. Demonstrated efforts to reach out to DACs and provide assistance and services through local- and state-funded programs for purposes of improving their water resource management projects. Number of grant/loan applications submitted and projects constructed as a result of this effort. The District will coordinate with other local entities to track efforts in the Region to support water resource management efforts for DACs, and collect information on the number of grant applications and projects constructed. 8. Promote public education programs for groundwater management, watershed protection, conservation, flood management, and water quality. Existence of public education programs for groundwater management, watershed protection, conservation, flood management, and water quality and efforts to promote them. The District will coordinate with other local entities to track the existence of public education programs in the Region for groundwater management, watershed protection, conservation, flood management, and water quality and efforts to promote them.
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8.3 PROJECT-LEVEL PERFORMANCE AND MONITORING PLAN
The projects included and/or implemented through the IRWM Plan contribute to meeting the
overall Regional IRWM Plan’s Goals and Objectives. The scope of projects and programs
included in the IRWM Plan are evaluated to determine which Plan Objectives will be addressed
by implementation of the project or program (see Section 6 – Project Selection Process). As a
part of the IRWM Plan’s 5-year update schedule, or when the project list is updated, project
proponents/sponsors will provide an updated form to reflect progress and any change in scope
in order to re-evaluate the objectives met by the project or program.
Further, each of the projects’ sponsors will develop detailed Project Performance and
Monitoring plans if IRWM grant funds are received. Information generated from each of the
Project Performance and Monitoring plans will be collected by the District for updating the
IRWM Plan or the project list on a time schedule as outlined in the grant agreement. The
projects and their physical benefits are to be developed during the planning and grant writing
phase and are intended to set the stage for tracking a project’s contribution to meeting the
IRWM Plan Objectives. The performance measures and metrics provide a basis for further
developing a detailed project performance database which will identify:
Project goals
Desired outcomes
Output indicators – measures to effectively track output
Outcome indicators – measures to evaluate change that is a direct result of the work
Measurement tools and methods
Measurable targets that are feasible to meet during the life of the proposal
Monitoring measurements and interpretation of change in output indicators over time
Output indicators measure on-the-ground implementation of management actions, such as
acres of habitat restored, miles of levees strengthened, etc. Output indicators also describe the
level of activity that will be provided over a period of time, including a description of the
characteristics (e.g., timeliness) established as standards for the activity. Outputs refer to the
internal activities of a program – the products and services delivered.
The outcome measures should be tied to the goals and objectives of the program. These could
also be specific numerical targets. These usually compare systems with and without (baseline)
project conditions for large systems variables. The relationship of the projects’ monitoring to
existing or proposed regional0F programs and the ability to integrate monitoring efforts should
also be evaluated.
Prior to a project’s implementation, each project will provide an explanation of the following:
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Describe what is being monitored (e.g., water quality, water depth, flood frequency, and
effects the project may have on habitat or particular species, before and after
construction)
Measures to remedy or react to problems encountered during monitoring
Location and frequency of monitoring, also documenting any quality assurance projects
plan (QAPP)
Monitoring protocols/methodologies, including who will perform the monitoring
Frequency of interpreting, reporting, and transmitting monitoring data for inclusion in
overall IRWM Plan Performance and Monitoring
In addition, project sponsors will provide monitoring data to the state of California, in forms
and formats needed to be included in the state’s databases, where this is a condition of any
grant funding. The RWMG members are already participating in a number of regional
monitoring efforts. One of the potential projects is to develop further regional monitoring for
purposes of ensuring and demonstrating compliance with the TMDL requirements. Project
sponsors will ensure the monitoring schedule is maintained and that adequate resources
(funding) are available in maintenance and operations budgets in order to maintain monitoring
of the project throughout the scheduled monitoring timeframe.
8.4 EVALUATING AND REPORTING PLAN PERFORMANCE AND MONITORING
RESULTS
As custodian (or lead agency) of the IRWM Plan, the District (staff) has the responsibility of
working with the RWMG, local and Sub-Region stakeholders, and the monitoring agencies, and
tracking each of the performance measures in the form of their respective metrics. Section 9 –
Data Management includes the description of the numerical data being collected throughout
the IRWM region to improve the understanding of listed Regional Interest Classifications (see
Table K-1). A different type of data collection effort takes place for measurement of the IRWM
Plan’s performance.
Performance of the IRWM Plan is tied directly to implementation of the projects and programs
identified as being the highest ranking in terms of meeting the stated Goals and Objectives. To
accomplish the assembling of data and making the correlation of benefit to the IRWM program,
a separate data collection program is required with a different set of database requirements
and District, RWMG and stakeholder involvement in the data collection and reporting process.
In the process of meeting with and capturing the Plan’s performance, local Sub-Region Priorities
identified in Section 4 – IRWM Goals and Objectives will be evaluated, and, if necessary,
updated to reflect current-day priorities. The means of monitoring, evaluating and reporting
IRWM Plan performance at the Programmatic- and Project-level on a 5-year cycle is described
below.
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8.4.1 Programmatic-Level Monitoring and Reporting
The information collected in accordance with the monitoring strategies for each objective will
be evaluated to determine whether there is progress in meeting the stated objectives. A color
coding system will be applied to the “Performance Measures” column of Table 8-1 to Table 8-5,
relabeled as “Performance Category”:
Color 1: Objective has been met (e.g., if the metric is simply “does it exist?” and it does,
this monitoring element is satisfied and no longer requires additional monitoring)
Color 2: Objective is being met (e.g., if projects have been implemented and are
resulting in measurable increases or decreases in accordance with the stated metric and
objective, monitoring and reporting is successful, and continues until the objective has
been met (see Color 1))
Color 3: The Objective was not addressed in any way in the last 5 years (e.g., if projects
are planned and included in the plan, but not implemented, the reporting should
include what factors are preventing the implementation from occurring.)
Color 4: The Objective has never been addressed in any way (e.g., if no projects or
programs are included in the IRWM Plan to meet the Objective, the reporting should
state a methodology to begin exploring possible solutions.)
The “Monitoring Method” column will be used to describe the things that happened to result in
the chosen color and renamed as “Methods of Achieving Objective.” Table 8-6 provides an
illustrative “fictitious” example showing this methodology for programmatic reporting. The use
of Sub-Region reporting is used when appropriate. One objective may result in three colors,
one for each Sub-Region. Sub-Region Objectives (see Table 4-11) are used to describe the local
objective and provide context to the methods being used (e.g., North County methods focus on
groundwater benefits and increased use of supplemental water supplies) to achieve the
overarching IRWM Plan Objectives.
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Table 8-6: Example of Programmatic Monitoring and Reporting Table
OBJECTIVES PERFORMANCE
CATEGORY METHOD(S) OF ACHIEVING OBJECTIVE
1. Maximize the accessibility to existing
and supplemental water supplies in
the Region through the utilization of
existing infrastructure and
development of new infrastructure
and agreements.
North Coast North Coast Sub-Region has increased both
recycled water and desalinated water supplies
through system upgrades and interties.
North County North County Sub-Region is maximizing the
Nacimiento Pipeline by operating a new
surface water treatment plant to meet urban
demands, and providing additional surface
water to agriculture offsetting groundwater
use.
South County South County Sub-Region constructed a
recycled water treatment plant to reduce
salinity and nitrates in the groundwater.
2. Provide adequate and sustainable
water supplies and infrastructure to
address water deficiencies in all
communities, including disadvantaged
communities and designated low
income census blocks.
5 of the 5 identified water systems throughout
the IRWM Region with water supply
deficiencies affecting peak demand and
annual average demand deliveries have been
corrected through local and state grant
funded projects and programs.
3. Support sustainable potable water
supply programs for rural residents.
No projects are taking place to directly benefit
the objective. Agricultural Education
programs can be expanded to include rural
residents to improve quantity and quality of
groundwater
4. Support sustainable water quality and
supply programs for agriculture.
North County Sub-Region is seeing
groundwater elevations rising in the most
severely impacted areas through water use
efficiency and increased use of surface water
through improved conveyance programs.
5. Support projects aimed to improve
existing public water systems to meet
state or federal drinking water quality
standards.
10 of the identified water systems with water
quality deficiencies have not been addressed
in the last 5 years. Project sponsors are being
solicited for projects to include in the next
state grant cycle.
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8.4.2 Project-Level Monitoring and Reporting
8.4.2.1 IRWM Past, Present, and Future Projects
By receiving Proposition 50 and Proposition 84 Implementation Grants between 2008 and 2016,
the San Luis Obispo project sponsors and the RWMG have a responsibility to monitor project-
specific performance and measurable physical benefits, if available; otherwise, qualitative
benefits require detailed descriptions. Table 8-7 shows all IRWM funded projects and studies
and which goals of the IRWM Plan were advanced by the project. Table 8-8 shows
implementation projects funded through IRWM with a brief description of the monitoring
activities taking place. These activities correlate directly to the Project Performance Monitoring
Plans as described in the grant agreements.
Table 8-7: Existing IRWM Project Benefits Classified by IRWM Goals
IRWM Goals
Project Water Supply Ecosystem & Watershed Restoration Groundwater Management Flood Management Water Management & Communication Completed
Groundwater Banking Plan
Regional Permitting Plan
Flood Management Plan
Data Enhancement Plan
Identification of Basins Requiring SNMPs
Santa Maria Groundwater Basin Study
Paso Robles Groundwater Basin SNMP
Paso Robles Groundwater Basin Model
Regional Recycled Water Strategic Plan
Watershed Management Planning
Los Osos Wastewater Project
Nipomo Supplemental Water Project
CSA 23-Atascadero MWC-Garden Farms Emergency
Intertie
Heritage Ranch CSD Emergency Turnout
Cambria CSD Emergency Water Supply
Well Head Treatment Project (San Simeon CSD)
In Progress
Flood Control Zone 1/1A - Modified 3c Project
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IRWM Goals
Project Water Supply Ecosystem & Watershed Restoration Groundwater Management Flood Management Water Management & Communication Upper Salinas River Basin Conjunctive Use Project
(Templeton CSD)
Water Resources Reliability Program (Oceano CSD)
Disadvantaged Community Needs Assessment
Turnout Pump Station Design and Water Master Plan
Update (City of Grover Beach)
Water Resource Recovery Facility Project (City of San
Luis Obispo)
Reservoir Expansion Project Development & Water
Master Plan Update (San Simeon CSD)
Wastewater Plant Upgrade Study & Recharge Basin
Study (San Miguel CSD)
Table 8-8: Existing Implementation Projects Monitoring Activities
Project Name Grant Monitoring Activities
(Per Project Performance Monitoring Plans)
Los Osos Wastewater Project
Prop 84 Impl. Grant
(2011)
DWR No. 4600009717
Influent, effluent, recycled water, groundwater,
disposal area, and biosolids monitoring.
Specifically: Nitrate concentrations and trends in
groundwater; gpd potable water use reduction;
retrofit program participation.
Flood Control Zone 1/1A –
Modified 3c Project Streamflow and flood protection capacity
Nipomo Supplemental Water
Project
Water supply increase (acre-feet per year);
reduced reliance on groundwater
CSA 23‐AMWC‐Garden Farms
Emergency Intertie
Prop 84 Expedited
Drought Grant (2014)
DWR No. 4600010880
Water supply increase in declared emergencies
(acre-feet per year)
Heritage Ranch CSD
Emergency Turnout
Water supply increase in declared emergencies
(acre-feet per year)
Cambria CSD Emergency
Water Supply
Water supply increase in declared emergencies
(acre-feet per year)-
Templeton CSD Upper Salinas
River Basin Conjunctive Use Prop 84 Impl. Grant
(2015)
DWR No. 4600011487
Water Supply increase, reduction of Arsenic
concentrations in groundwater supply
San Simeon CSD Well Head
Treatment
water supply increase, reduction of seawater
concentrations of groundwater supply
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8.4.3 IRWM Future Project Monitoring
Foreseeable project-specific monitoring activities related to each of the selected IRWM projects
include the following:
Table 8-9: Future Project Monitoring, Based on the Implementation List
Project Sponsor Project Name Projected Monitoring Activities
Cambria CSD WWTP Nutrient Removal and
Efficiency Improvements
Reduced Nitrate and other key nutrients values;
reduction of power consumption
Cayucos Sanitary
District
Cayucos Sustainable Water
Project, Phase 1 Quantity of advanced treated effluent
Cayucos Sanitary
District
Cayucos Sustainable Water
Project, Phase 2
Acre-feet per year added to Whale Rock
Reservoir
City of Pismo Beach Central Coast Blue Acre-feet per year injected to groundwater basin
City of San Luis
Obispo One Water SLO Decreased nutrient concentrations in effluent,
increased available recycled water available
City of San Luis
Obispo Mid Higuera Bypass Increased flow and flood conveyance capacity
City of San Luis
Obispo
Recycled Water Distribution
System Expansion increased connections and use
City of San Luis
Obispo
Meadow Park Stormwater
Capture and Use Capture and Reuse volume available
Coastal San Luis
RCD
Remediation and BMP
Implementation in the
Oso Flaco Watershed
Acres of ecosystem protection
Coastal San Luis
RCD Livestock and Land Program Quantity of participating ranchers and capacity
of installed BMPs
County of San Luis
Obispo
Oceano 13th Street
Drainage Project
Acre-feet of storage, reduction of flood events,
Infiltration quantity
County of San Luis
Obispo
Mountain Springs Road
Sediment Control Acre-feet of storage and sedimentation capacity
Estrella-El Pomar-
Creston Water
District
Huer Huero Recharge Project Increased recharge capacity to groundwater
basin
Los Osos CSD 8th Street Well Construction Acre-feet per year reduction of sea-water
contaminated well use
Morro Bay National
Estuary Program
Los Padres CCC Center
Stormwater LID Stormwater flow reduction
Morro Bay National
Estuary Program
Water Conservation
Partnerships in Chorro Valley
Implementation of the Morro Bay
comprehensive Conservation and Management
Plan
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Project Sponsor Project Name Projected Monitoring Activities
Morro Bay National
Estuary Program
Baywood Park 2nd Street
Stormwater Management Quantity of stormwater captured and treated
Nipomo CSD Supplemental Water Project,
Final Phase
Increased capacity and deliveries of water
system
Oceano CSD Oceano LID Project Quantity of stormwater captured and treated
San Miguel CSD Wastewater Treatment Plant
Expansion
Decreased nutrient concentrations in effluent;
quantity of recharge to groundwater basin
San Miguelito
Mutual Water
Company
Lower San Luis Obispo Creek
Fish Passage Improvement &
Seawater Intrusion Barrier
Increased fish populations; groundwater basin
health improvement
San Simeon CSD Reservoir Expansion Project Quantity increased storage for supply and fire
protection
Upper Salinas-Las
Tablas RCD
Santa Rosa Creek Floodplain
Feasibility Study
Identification of implementable habitat
restoration and enhancement projects
Upper Salinas-Las
Tablas RCD
Santa Rosa Creek Streamflow
Enhancement Quantity of recharge and retention capacity
Upper Salinas-Las
Tablas RCD
SLO County Key Percolation
Zone Study
Identification of prime groundwater recharge
basin areas for project priority and development
8.4.4 Plan & Program Performance Evaluation Report
The format of the 5-year report will closely follow the outline below:
a) Current State of the IRWM Plan
b) Summary of IRWM Planning Activities over the 5-Year Monitoring Period
c) Description of Changes in Governance Structure, RWMG Actions and Plan Amendments
d) Plan & Program Performance and Monitoring
i) Summary of Responsible Monitoring Agencies and Frequency of Reporting
(Includes a table of agencies categorized by Monitoring Element and
Performance Measurement)
ii) Summary Report on Plan Performance Measurements (where data exists)
iii) Project-Specific Monitoring
1) Monitoring Results
2) Comparison with Stated Project Benefits, if applicable
e) Interpretations and conclusions of Plan and Project-specific monitoring
i) RWMG Recommended actions to be Taken Over Next 5-Year Monitoring Period
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Section ‘d’ in the outline includes the Plan Performance and Monitoring results. The Plan
Performance Evaluation Report is estimated to occur by Winter 2021.
8.4.5 Climate Change Evaluation
The information and tools available for addressing climate change are developing and
progressing at rapid rates. As a result, a regular review and update of the climate change-
related sections of the IRWM Plan is essential. As mentioned in Section 14.12.7 – Annual
Climate Change Update, the San Luis Obispo RWMG agrees to hold an annual meeting
dedicated to reviewing information, data, and tools relevant to the nexus of water management
and climate change. The Plan’s list of climate change vulnerabilities and other related sections
will be updated in accordance with the new developments in technology and information; this
will ensure the procedures and recommendations included in the Plan remain appropriate for
promoting adaptive management in the San Luis Obispo Region.
8.5 QUARTERLY REPORTING
For projects awarded IRWM grants, the process includes not only a Project Performance
Monitoring Report, but also quarterly reports. These reports document:
Task Level Discussion
o Progress of Work Plan
o Deliverable status
o Milestones
Project Level Discussion
o Anticipated Work
o Photo documentation
o Schedule/Budget Status
Within these reports, each implementing agency details the status of the project in regard to
the work plan and deliverables in a grant agreement. This discussion includes items such as
invoicing, permitting, CEQA, design, construction, etc. Each of these discussions informs both
the lead agency (District) and DWR of the project’s status in order to provide oversight and
monitor compliance. For example, if a project requires a local coastal permit, RWQCB Discharge
order and/or other types of permits, the quarterly report is key opportunity to check in on the
status of a permit. All permits listed in a grant application and Environmental Information
Form’s “permit acquisition plan” are listed in the quarterly report for oversight by DWR and the
District.
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8.6 MONITORING PLAN BUDGET PROCESS
The first year’s monitoring activities are set by the District Board of Supervisors with support
from the RWMG and WRAC. With the available budget being the constraining factor to the level
of effort associated with plan performance and project monitoring, the District provides a
reasonable annual monitoring plan knowing that not all of the monitoring elements described
can be met, and assuming voluntary efforts by partnering agencies are used to their fullest
extent.
Every year the RWMG meets to discuss the prior year’s monitoring activities, the total costs
incurred, and how the monitoring data is being used in the long-term water resources
management of the Region, and to the betterment of the IRWM program. District staff seeks to
prepare a sustainable (and meaningful) monitoring plan presenting the proceeding year’s
expected level of effort, and the estimated budget to complete the required monitoring
requirements.
The section’s monitoring elements are to be used as a reference and revised in the continued
growth of the monitoring effort, especially as technology can reduce future costs over time.
The 5-year reporting outline above communicates the importance of the monitoring data and
why the state requires monitoring of the Region’s water resources for purposes of positive
change with their investment in the IRWM process (i.e., planning and implementation). Every
attempt at acquiring funding through local, state, and federal sources should be made to meet
the Region’s monitoring goals by 2040.
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9 TABLE OF CONTENTS
9 Data Management ....................................................................................................................... 9-1
9.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 9-1
9.1.1 Background ....................................................................................................................... 9-2
9.1.2 Plan Performance Monitoring Data Needs ................................................................... 9-3
9.2 Overview of the Data Needs within the IRWM Region ..................................................... 9-3
9.3 Description of Data Needs .................................................................................................. 9-4
9.4 Current Data Programs and Collection Techniques ........................................................ 9-5
9.4.1 Existing San Luis Obispo Data Management System and Communication with State
and Federal Database Systems ................................................................................................ 9-10
9.4.2 Groundwater Elevations ................................................................................................ 9-11
9.4.3 Geologic Data (US Geological Survey, 2018) ............................................................... 9-13
9.4.4 Stream Flow .................................................................................................................... 9-13
9.4.5 Precipitation and Climate .............................................................................................. 9-15
9.4.6 Reservoir Storage and Release Flows .......................................................................... 9-17
9.4.7 Drinking Water Quality and Ambient Monitoring Program ....................................... 9-18
9.4.8 Point and Non-Point Pollution Discharge .................................................................... 9-20
9.4.9 Estuaries and Wetlands ................................................................................................. 9-21
9.4.10 Coastal Beaches ......................................................................................................... 9-22
9.4.11 Marine Observations ................................................................................................. 9-23
9.4.12 Groundwater Quality ................................................................................................. 9-24
9.4.13 Sea Water Intrusion ................................................................................................... 9-25
9.4.14 Groundwater Management Efforts .......................................................................... 9-25
9.4.15 Land Use and Population Changes .......................................................................... 9-26
9.4.16 Urban Water Demands .............................................................................................. 9-26
9.4.17 Data Enhancement Plan (DEP) .................................................................................. 9-26
9.5 Quality Assurance/Quality Control Measures ................................................................. 9-27
9.5.1 Assessment of Existing DMS ......................................................................................... 9-27
9.6 Anticipated Features of a Data Management System ................................................... 9-28
9.6.1 Preferred Features in Selected DMS ............................................................................ 9-30
9.6.2 Stakeholder Support and Ease of Use ......................................................................... 9-30
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9.7 Other Potential Future GIS/DMS Needs and Initial DMS Development ....................... 9-31
9.7.1 MS4 Permit/Order and TMDL DMS Needs .................................................................. 9-31
9.7.2 Project Submittal System .............................................................................................. 9-32
9.7.3 Proposed Implementation of the San Luis Obispo County Data Management System
(SLO-DMS) ................................................................................................................................... 9-32
9.8 References .......................................................................................................................... 9-34
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 9-1: Data Collection Process Leading to QA/QC Storage .................................................. 9-27
LIST OF TABLES
Table 9-1: Sub-Region Areas of Concern Requiring Data Collection ............................................. 9-6
Table 9-2: General Data Collection Efforts and Techniques ........................................................... 9-8
Table 9-3: Strengths and Weaknesses of Common Database Platforms ................................... 9-29
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9 DATA MANAGEMENT
Data Management plays a significant role in the implementation of the IRWM Plan. Data
management includes all activities, by hand or through use of technology, which measure and
result in factual information for use in furthering the knowledge and ability to describe the San
Luis Obispo region (see Section 3 – Region Description), to capture changes in the region over
time and to monitor Plan performance. As an activity of the IRWM Plan implementation, the
RWMG understands the importance of data management when used for assessing progress in
water resources management and reporting progress of management activities to the region’s
stakeholders.
Data management is a regional effort amongst stakeholders to actively engage in
understanding their interests by measuring and reporting factual information and developing
defensible estimates. The task of managing data is at the center of every community, interest
group, and agency that has an interest in the understanding of water resources, has a
commitment, or regulatory requirement to report on the change in water resources. In either
case, the standards of data management do not differ and the quality of data management is
continuously reviewed in light of new technology.
9.1 INTRODUCTION
This section of the IRWM Plan is developed to address the Data Management Standards of the
California Department of Water Resources’ Guidelines for the Integrated Regional Water
Management (IRWM) Proposition 1 from 2016, described as follows:
The IRWM Plan must describe the process of data collection, storage, and
dissemination to IRWM participants, stakeholders, the public, and the State. Data in
this standard may include, but is not limited to technical information such as designs,
feasibility studies, reports, and information gathered for a specific project in any
phase of development including the planning, design, construction, operation, and
monitoring of a project.
In addition, the guidelines provide an overview of the minimum requirements of the IRWM Plan
Data Management section:
A brief overview of the data needs within the IRWM region
A description of typical data collection techniques
A description of how stakeholders contribute data to a DMS
The entity responsible for maintaining data in the DMS
A description of the validation or quality assurance/quality control measures that will be
implemented by the RWMG for data generated and submitted for inclusion into the
DMS
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An explanation of how data collected for IRWM project implementation will be
transferred or shared between members of the RWMG and other interested parties
throughout the IRWM region, including local, State, and federal agencies
An explanation of how the DMS supports the RWMG’s efforts to share collected data
An outline of how the data saved in the DMS will be distributed and remain compatible
with State databases including California Environmental Data Exchange Network
(CEDEN), Water Data Library (WDL), California Statewide Groundwater Elevation
Monitoring (CASGEM), California Environmental Information Catalog (CEIC), and the
California Environmental Resources Evaluation System (CERES)
9.1.1 Background
The term “Database Management” implies a myriad of activities including, but not limited to,
database programming, creating and maintaining data driven websites, creating stakeholder
driven monitoring programs, processing large queries and data reports, developing graphical
user interfaces for interpretation and management of data, uploading to state and federal
database systems and running the data through algorithms for QA/QC. The topic of data
management and Data Management Systems (DMS) has been extensively studied and
implemented in many IRWM regions throughout California.
Given the enormity of the amount of information and the fact that much of it has been
captured in detail in other reports, this section only summarizes data needed for the IRWM
Plan. In December 2008, the District completed a comprehensive Data Enhancement Plan
(DEP), setting the stage for the regional data monitoring programs looking ahead. Acting as a
clearinghouse for data storage and dissemination, the District seeks to create a flexible system
to provide data for planning, design, and operational purposes. Given the regional nature and
complexity of these data, the DEP incorporates improvements over time as new technologies
are implemented and new resources become available to better collect, evaluate, and manage
the data in perpetuity.
The County’s DEP and Master Water Report (MWR) are used as supporting documents to the
summarized format of this section.
The following chapters are included in this section:
9.1 Introduction – summarizes the contents of Section 9
9.2 Overview of the Data Needs within the IRWM Region – provides a
comprehensive listing of the water resource and related data needed to accurately
characterize the region and report on changes over time
9.3 Description of Data Needs – provides a brief description of the state database
platforms, locations of various data collection efforts, and data collection issues facing
the region.
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9.4 Current Data Programs and Collection Techniques – includes an inventory of on-
going data collection efforts and what monitoring techniques are used in harvesting
data, and identifies the entities responsible for maintaining data in the IRWM Plan
region and applicable State databases to be distributed to.
9.5. Quality Assurance/Quality Control Measures – describes implementation of
steps set by the RWMG for ensuring the highest quality of data generated and
submitted for inclusion into the regions Data Management System (DMS) and repository
9.6 Anticipated Features of a Data Management System – brief overview of the
potential transition of the existing DMS to a GIS-based DMS used for monitoring data
throughout the IRWM Region
9.7 Other Potential Future GIS/DMS Needs and Development – highlights future
regulatory monitoring and reporting programs and the need for a robust DMS
The organization of Section 9 is written to identify the anticipated features of the data
management system(s), what and how data are being collected, processes of data management
taking place after measurement, and an example of the recommended DMS. Please refer to
appendices and reference documents for more in-depth detailed information.
9.1.2 Plan Performance Monitoring Data Needs
It should be noted that data is also collected to monitor plan performance at both the
programmatic and project level as described in Section 8 – Plan Performance and
Monitoring. Monitoring and reporting activities related to measuring the success of the IRWM
program in meeting the IRWM Plan’s Goals and Objectives using both programmatic monitoring
and reporting methods, and project level data measuring physical and qualitative benefits
collected from project proponents/sponsors are described in detail in that section.
The data collected is shared per the Communications Plan with the RWMG, local, state and
federal agencies and other stakeholders by distributing the 5-year report and/or updated
project list and maintaining an online database of reports and/or lists.
9.2 OVERVIEW OF THE DATA NEEDS WITHIN THE IRWM REGION
The data needed for the Region relates to updating the region description and monitoring
IRWM Plan Performance at the IRWM program level and project level as described in Section 8
– Plan Performance and Monitoring. The section describes the data needs for the region
description and describes the data collected for those monitoring efforts, the source and/or
stakeholder that will supply it, how it is collected, and its applicability for upload to a State
database.
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9.3 DESCRIPTION OF DATA NEEDS
This section describes the data needs for the region, the source and/or stakeholder that will
supply it, how it is collected, and its applicability for upload to a state or federal database
system. Popular statewide databases currently include, but are not limited to, the following:
California Environmental Data Exchange Network (CEDEN) - Facilitates the
integration and sharing of water and environmental data with the purpose of making
this data accessible to the public in a simple and standardized manner. The data comes
from many diverse monitoring and data management efforts which include participants
from federal, state, county and private organizations.
http://www.ceden.org/
GeoTracker - A data management system for managing sites that impact groundwater,
especially those that require groundwater cleanup as well as permitted facilities such as
operating USTs and land disposal sites.
http://geotracker.waterboards.ca.gov/gama/gamamap/public/
Water Data Library (WDL) - WDL contains hydrologic data (groundwater level data and
some groundwater quality data) for over 35,000 wells California. The data is collected by
DWR Region Offices and dozens of local and federal cooperators.
http://www.water.ca.gov/waterdatalibrary/
California Statewide Groundwater Elevation Monitoring (CASGEM) - In 2009, the
Legislature passed SBX7 6, which establishes, for the first time in California,
collaboration between local monitoring parties and DWR to collect groundwater
elevations statewide and that this information be made available to the public.
http://wdl.water.ca.gov/groundwater/casgem/online_system.cfm
California Environmental Information Catalog (CEIC) - CEIC is an online directory for
reporting and discovery of information resources for California. Participants include
cities, counties, utilities, state and federal agencies, private businesses and academic
institutions that have spatial and other types of data resources. The Catalog has been
developed through a collaborative effort with the California Geographic Information
Association, California Environmental Resources Evaluation System, and the Federal
Geographic Data Committee.
https://catalog.data.gov/harvest/california-environmental-information-catalog
The need for numerical data collection varies with each of the three Sub-Regions. Monitoring
stakeholders can be categorized based on their area of interest or expertise. A helpful glimpse
of the interest categories and issues facing the IRWM region is provided in Table 9-1. The table
briefly describes programs unique to each Sub-Region, and those crossing over multiple Sub-
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Regions. The different data types are bolded to highlight the context of the specific monitoring
programs in the region and where data collection is taking place.
Other specific points of monitoring include the coastal beaches, estuaries, and groundwater
wells. Section 9.4 provides a summary of the various programs. For additional detail, please
refer to the 2012 MWR, Chapter 3, Section 3.2.
9.4 CURRENT DATA PROGRAMS AND COLLECTION TECHNIQUES
Table 9-2 lists all the region’s data collection activities including a short definition of the data
and description of how it is generally used. Techniques used in the data collection effort vary a
great deal based on the agency taking the measurement and the age of the monitoring device
or station. Over time, technology has had a big role in the quantity and quality of data for all
locations. A brief description of the various programs and methods used follows.
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan May 2020 9-6 Table 9-1: Sub-Region Areas of Concern Requiring Data Collection Regional Interest Classifications Primary Definitions as Related to the Plan & Region North Coast South County North County Hydrogeology The study of groundwater and geologic characterization of substrata composing the geologic makeup of water bearing formations and areas of recharge and extractions Six small coastal alluvial aquifers (Pico Creek Valley, San Carpoforo Valley, Arroyo De La Cruz Valley San Simeon, Santa Rosa, and Villa Valley Groundwater Basins) are the primary source of drinking and irrigation water to the North Coast region requiring a constant groundwater monitoring of groundwater elevations, salinity concentrations and storage, all used as measures of sustainability. Nine coastal alluvial aquifers (San Luis Obispo Valley, San Luis Valley, Edna Valley, Santa Maria Valley, Pismo Creek Valley, Arroyo Grande Valley, Nipomo Valley, Huasna Valley, Cuyama Valley Groundwater Basins) are the primary source of drinking and irrigation water to the South County region requiring a constant measurement of change due to groundwater management activities, groundwater elevations, salinity concentrations, sea water intrusion and storage availability to measure sustainability. Nine alluvial aquifers (Carrizo Plain, Rafael Valley, Big Spring Area, Santa Margarita Valley, Rinconada Valley, Pozo Valley, Atascadero, Paso Robles and Cholame Valley Groundwater Basins) are the primary source of drinking and irrigation water to the North County region requiring a constant measurement of change due groundwater management activities, groundwater elevations, salinity concentrations and storage availability as a measure of sustainability. Oceanology/Marine Biology The study of marine science, beaches, and the coastal oceanic influences The Pacific Ocean strongly influences the coastal communities of the North Coast and South County. Tidal patterns, sea level rise, sea water temperature, marine habitats and sea water intrusion (above and below ground) require measurements over long periods of time. Monitoring the safety of public beaches is done through forecasting and buoy measurement data. The predominance of public beaches exist in the South County Sub-Region. Sand movement is a concern to shipping channels along the coast. While the North County is not contiguous to the Pacific Ocean, however, it is influenced by weather pattern, influencing the amount of precipitation as discussed in climatology. Climatology The study of weather and climate change Weather patterns across the North Coast and South County carry a significant amount of rainfall and are influenced heavily by the ocean and the terrain of the coastal mountain range. Measurement of precipitation and stream flow data are important to flood forecasting, and a long-term understanding of climate change. The average rainfall for the North Coast is Weather patterns crossing the North County are predominantly influenced by the ocean and being landward of the coastal mountain range. Measurement of climate data, including precipitation and temperature, are important to flood forecasting and a long-term understanding of climate change.
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan May 2020 9-7 Table 9-1: Sub-Region Areas of Concern Requiring Data Collection, Continued Regional Interest Classifications Primary Definitions as Related to the Plan & Region North Coast and South County North County Hydrology The study of surface water resources and flood plain analysis Stream and river flows in the North Coast and South County are influenced by precipitation, groundwater elevations, topography and man-made structures and reservoir storage and release operations. Real-time stream flow data provides forecasting and determinations of flood protection (i.e. 100-year flood events). Measurements also take place at river outflow points to the ocean and at release points from man-made reservoirs. Groundwater basin watersheds listed under hydrogeology are monitored. The Salinas Valley is the largest watershed in the North County Sub-Region requiring real-time stream flow monitoring of flow data throughout its course north into Monterey County and then to the Pacific Ocean. Lake Nacimiento provides fresh water supplies for treated drinking water to North County communities requiring monitoring of lake storage and discharge. Biology The study of plant and animal life-cycles as they relate to the quantity and quality of fresh and saline water Sampling of biological indicators through marine observations and estuary and wetland monitoring is used to protect the sensitive flora and fauna of the region. Minimum in-stream flows are monitored to ensure protection of fisheries along the coastal and inland watersheds. Point and non-point source discharge of pollutants is a primary regulatory concern, and the Coastal Ambient Monitoring Program was created for the purpose of monitoring water quality constituents for the protection of biologically sensitive areas. Geography The study of land use and man’s influence on nature Land use, whether it is agriculture, urban or rural, affects change to both water quality and quantity (or demand). Land use monitoring allows for the study and correlation of human activities and the changes found in the region’s water resources through other monitoring programs.
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Table 9-2: General Data Collection Efforts and Techniques
Data Need Data Collection Descriptions
Agricultural Water
Demands
Calculating agricultural irrigation demands uses data from measuring crop types
(pesticide permits, aerial imagery, growers and drive-by), crop acreage (aerial imagery
and parcel maps), and from using weather station data including temperatures,
evapotranspiration and precipitation. Water use by well or surface water diversion is
difficult to obtain. All water demand data are used to monitor available agricultural
water supplies and sustainability of those supplies over time and through drought
periods.
Beach Water
Quality
Monitoring (water sampling) of beaches assists in the management of coastal
recreation to regulate designated swimming, bathing, surfing, or similar
activities. Events affecting the frequency of beach monitoring include pollution from
wastewater treatment discharges, point and non-point source discharges including
from inland streams and rivers, and marine spills from ocean shipping activities.
Estuaries and
Wetlands
Estuaries and wetlands require constant monitoring of man’s influence on the long-
term health of these sensitive ecosystems. Conductivity (measurement of salinity using
probe), temperature (thermometer), dissolved oxygen (oxygen sensor), oxygen
saturation, fluorescence, turbidity, nitrate, current/current profile, and depth of water
(sonar) are some of the indicator measurements needed to monitor the overall health
of estuaries and wetlands.
Geologic
Characterization
Geologic characterization is the pursuit of descriptive information on the earth’s soils
and rock formations. With the context of water resources, data are useful in
understanding the movement of groundwater, the quality of groundwater and ground
elasticity (subsidence). Driller logs are the best means of capturing subsurface
lithologic information (driller’s interpretation notes) regarding soil types encountered
as the well is drilled. Municipal well drillers will also run a geophysical profile (probe) to
determine variations in groundwater conductivity, clay content, and porosity and/or
saturation. Both lithology and geophysical data are used to determine where to screen
a well for both extractions and monitoring.
Groundwater
Elevations
Groundwater elevation data (sounding probes and various data loggers) are used to
evaluate the total amount and change in groundwater storage in the local and regional
groundwater basins. Data are best taken semi-annual to understand the differences
between spring and fall as the irrigation season occurs each year. Minimal influence
from high production wells, uniform geographic distribution and density of monitoring
wells are required to provide the highest degree of certainty in regional groundwater
trends.
Groundwater
Management
Efforts
As Groundwater Management Plans are approved with implementation of adopted
Basin Management Objectives (BMOs), monitoring programs (i.e., groundwater
elevation and water quality) are used to measure and report positive (or negative)
change resulting from BMO activities. Annual reporting through State-of-the-Basin
reports, provides dissemination of the changes to basin users.
Groundwater
Quality
Groundwater quality monitoring detects changes in the quality of water and ensures
early alert if contamination (natural or manmade) is moving towards drinking water
supply wells. At a minimum, public groundwater wells are tested for water quality on a
regular basis as required by the Department of Public Health. Private wells are often
tested by the owner using a grab sample kit from a local lab for analysis. Use of
fertilizers and septic systems are a concern in the rural and ag areas.
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Table 9-2: General Data Collection Efforts and Techniques, Continued
Data Need Data Collection Descriptions
Land Use and
Population Changes
Land use constantly changes over time based on public and private actions to further
the interests of the land owner and community. Tracking changes (GIS and aerial
imagery) requires high resolution parcel and imagery files to capture changes
(including conversion of lands from native to ag, ag to urban, and ag fallowing) as they
occur over time. Population changes are measured every ten years with the U.S.
Census information. Intervening years are often calculated based on population
projections from local and State agencies.
Marine
Observations
Marine observations (bouys) of the Pacific Ocean are monitored for purposes of
tracking and forecasting the ocean’s changes. Forecasters need frequent, high-quality
marine observations to examine conditions for forecast preparation and to verify their
forecasts after they are produced. Other users rely on marine observation data for the
protection of marine life and coastal ecosystems, and monitoring Sea Level Rise as a
part of climate change forecasting.
Point and Non-
Point Pollution
Discharge
Monitoring pollutant concentrations in rivers and streams provides an assessment of
the overall health of the watershed. Monitoring of point sources using sampling
equipment and measuring discharge flows over time can alert regulatory agencies of
non-compliance with NPDES permitting statutes. Non-point source is difficult to
monitor but can be correlated with various human activities (e.g., automobile use, gas
stations, air pollution, etc.).
Precipitation and
Climate
Data from rainfall gauges serves to provide real-time information to flood forecasters
and engineers during storm events. The amount of runoff into streams and rivers is
calculated using models to warn of possible flood danger. Most locations of
climatological monitoring include water-related monitoring activities (i.e., precipitation,
humidity, solar radiation and temperature).
Reservoir Storage
and Release Flows
Reservoir operations affect flood safety, water supplies and environmental demands.
Real-time data of both storage (as a function of level) and release flows are needed to
forecast the change required to accommodate storm events over the year. Storage in
the reservoir can also affect the attraction for recreation and, as a result, the local
economy.
Rural Water
Demands
Rural water demands represent a sector of water use comprised of small private water
systems or individual wells. A calculated determination of the rural demands is based
on the mix of agriculture, livestock, and urban (house and driveways) uses taking place
on the small acreage property. Water use by well or surface water diversion is difficult
to obtain from private owners. All calculated water demand data are used to monitor
available water supplies and sustainability of those supplies over time and through
drought periods.
Sea Water Intrusion
Sea water intrusion data is needed for coastal communities reliant on groundwater
supplies for their source of drinking water. Salinity monitoring using sentry wells alerts
the regions to possible intrusion and to implement preventative measures to halt
further intrusion.
Stream Flow
Stream flow measurements (depth of water) are used to calculate the flow of water
passing by a specific point along the stream or river channel. Measurements provide
an understanding of the watershed’s response to various storm events. Real-time data
are used to forecast possible flooding and improve public safety.
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Table 9-2: General Data Collection Efforts and Techniques, Continued
Data Need Data Collection Descriptions
Drinking Water
Quality and
Ambient
Monitoring
Program
Ambient monitoring refers to any activity in which information about the status of the
physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of the environment is collected to
answer specific questions about the status and trends in those characteristics. Water
quality measurements in surface waters assess environmental and human health risks
over time. Water quality measurements in drinking water supplies ensure the
protection to human health by meeting primary and secondary water quality
standards.
Urban Water
Demands
Urban water demands are a significant water use sector is growing regions.
Monitoring urban growth (planned and existing) through actual water production
records (metered water treatment plant discharges or well use), or through changes in
land use, provides for the required determination (under SB 610 and SB 221) of long-
term sustainability of supplies. Data are also used extensively in the reporting and
completion of an Urban Water Management Plan required for larger water systems
every five years. See Section 11 – Technical Analysis for reference for all UWMPs
completed in the region.
9.4.1 Existing San Luis Obispo Data Management System and Communication with State
and Federal Database Systems
Data is currently being collected and managed by the San Luis Obispo County Flood Control
and Water Conservation District (District) as part of county-wide programs cited in the tables
above and described more fully in the sections below. The datasets are currently being
managed through the San Luis Obispo County Water Resources Division of Public Works
website where the public can access map-based real-time data and learn about what data is
being collected, how it is reported, and how to request and download the data for use in
reporting, etc.
Technology has led to a great deal of efficiencies in data management over the past decade,
with the region moving towards improved data transfers between local, state, and federal
database systems. The District currently participates in state data management programs (e.g.,
CASGEM groundwater elevations, GeoTracker local remedial clean-up sites, etc.) and has
dedicated staff to support the role as data administrator, ensuring quality control of the data
and abiding by confidentiality agreements with various data sources. The website and direct
communication with state and federal agencies will continue to take place as the county
migrates to a GIS web-enabled data management system (SLO-DMS), as described in Section
9.7.3 – Proposed Implementation of the SLO-DMS; a planned two-year process to facilitate
data upload and download available to regional stakeholders, the public, and state and federal
agencies.
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9.4.2 Groundwater Elevations
Groundwater levels have been measured by the District in selected wells on a semi-annual
basis to provide data for planning and engineering purposes. The monitored wells are located
within groundwater basins and sub-basins of the Central Coast Hydrologic Region described in
Department of Water Resources Bulletin 118. Program
wells are selected based on aquifer definition and
uniform aerial distribution.
The District maintains a database with hundreds of wells.
Readings started in the early 1950s. Water level readings
are taken in April and October. The groundwater
elevation data obtained from this monitoring program
collected over time provide a general indication of
groundwater basin conditions. This information is used in
determining groundwater availability and basin yield
estimates, and for hydrogeologic and geotechnical
impacts and assessment studies on potential projects.
9.4.2.1 Techniques for Measurement
The method of measurement varies based on who is performing the measurement. Steel tape
is the most common method of manually measuring the depth to groundwater below a
surveyed reference point where the ground elevation is known. The tape line is chalked and
then lowered down the casing to several feet below the last known measurement in the same
season. The water wets the chalk and a distance is noted and a calculation made to establish
the depth to water. More recent methods include electronic sounding devices. One acoustic
technique uses a probe connected to a measurement tape, which sounds off when water is
found. Problems can occur when there is insufficient space to lower the device or, in the case of
older wells, if oil is being used to lubricate the
pump, creating a column of oil standing on top of
the water surface. Acoustic transducers offer
another method for measuring water level.
Mounted transducers emit pulses towards the
water surface, measure the time of flight of the
pulse, and calculate water level based on the speed
of sound.
Downhole surveys of some of the existing wells
currently being monitored could be conducted to
obtain additional construction details and
determine which aquifers are being monitored (or
Well Sounding Probe
Dedicated Multi-Completion Monitoring
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where the wells are screened). These downhole surveys would improve the understanding of
the groundwater elevation measurements and groundwater movement in the area of the well.
9.4.2.2 Participants
The majority of well owners participate on a voluntary basis and the wells are typically
production wells, which create certain challenges with maintaining an accurate, long-term
record, making information available to the general public and understanding the condition of
every groundwater basin in the County.
The District is initiating the development of a more formal groundwater monitoring program
using dedicated monitoring wells for approval by the Board of Supervisors and with elements
that can be adopted by ordinance. The program will, at a minimum, monitor well construction,
and address groundwater level and water usage data collection. Efforts to develop the program
will include town hall meetings to ensure stakeholder involvement. Issues to be addressed
during the development of the program would include, but not be limited to, the following:
Gaps in the existing monitoring network
Construction methods and impacts and benefits to
property owners
Voluntary versus non- voluntary participation
Distinguishing how different users (urban, agricultural,
rural) would be involved/affected/not affected
Identify methods in land use planning to preserve
monitoring wells rather than abandon wells with
urban development
Methods to educate and provide public outreach on
the need to preserve and contribute to the well
monitoring program
Gain understanding what other amendments to
County Code related to groundwater data collection
are being developed
Define legal authorities of the County/District
The USGS also contributes to the groundwater measurement
program as part of their nation-wide monitoring program.
Their groundwater database contains records from about
850,000 wells that have been compiled during the course of
groundwater hydrology studies over the past 100 years.
Locally, only a few wells are measured by the USGS, all of which are located on the southern
county border in the vicinity of Santa Maria and Cuyama. Information from these wells is served
via the internet through NWISWeb, the National Water Information System Web Interface.
NWISWeb provides all USGS groundwater data that are approved for public release.
Typical Well Construction
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9.4.3 Geologic Data (US Geological Survey, 2018)
Well Driller Logs are on file for locations throughout the county, and legislators are currently
working on legislation to clarify the availability of proprietary well log information to the public.
The County’s Environmental Health Department is responsible for issuance of well driller’s
permits and the collection of well log information as a part of its oversight process on adequate
spacing between wells and known sources of potential contamination (e.g., septic systems,
leaking underground storage tanks, etc.). Some well logs are also on file at both the County
Public Works Department and the State Department of Water Resources.
9.4.3.1 Techniques for Measurement
Because of the age of some wells and past practices in the completeness of well logs, well
construction data may not be available for all wells in the region and especially those currently
included in the groundwater elevation monitoring network. For wells without construction
records, video logs could be performed during pump maintenance. Recent technology
developments allow down-hole investigation of wells without having to remove their pumps
and can provide a video survey to determine their screen intervals; estimate the amount of flow
contributed by the aquifer (allowing the aquifer characteristics to be estimated); and collect
water quality samples by aquifer. These video surveys do have limitations due to the pump
column being in the well during the survey. The well owner could notify the District and the well
logging service to coordinate these efforts with their pump maintenance.
9.4.4 Stream Flow
Water levels are typically collected in streams as part of a stream flow monitoring program. In
addition, water levels are also collected in streams to support flood protection activities and in
reservoirs to assist with daily operations.
The major streams and rivers in the region include:
Arroyo De La Cruz Creek Estrella River* Pismo Creek San Simeon Creek*
Arroyo Grande Creek* Los Osos Creek* Salinas River* Santa Rosa Creek*
Cayucos Creek Morro Creek* San Carpoforo Creek Toro Creek
Chorro Creek* Old Creek San Luis Obispo Creek* Villa Creek
* - has a current gauge station
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9.4.4.1 Techniques for Measurement
In order to measure stream flow at the outlet
of each Hydrologic Catalog Unit within the
region, stream gauges are placed at the
outlet of the streams and rivers. The Salinas
River, Santa Maria River, and Estrella River
watersheds all have real-time USGS stream
gauges that measure streamflow from their
respective accounting units. Measurements
are often made by depth of flow using a staff
gauge and knowing the relationship of depth
of water to flow in the channel (stage-discharge relationship). Technological advances have
provided many other methods but are typically not as simple to maintain and make
measurements over time. Data loggers can be used with transducers to maintain a constant
stream of data during storm events when flood forecasting is taking place.
9.4.4.2 Participants
There are two agencies that collect stream flow information in the region: the District and the
U.S. Geological Survey. Stream flow data is also collected on occasion through the Central Coast
Ambient Monitoring Program (CCAMP), but only when water quality samples are collected. The
CCAMP does not use permanent stream flow gauges.
For more information of the District’s Stream Gauges, go to:
<https://wr.slocountywater.org/home.php>
The U.S. Geological Survey's National Streamflow Information Program (NSIP) operates and
maintains approximately 7,500 stream gauges which provide long-term, accurate, and unbiased
information on streamflow to meet the needs of many diverse users. The mission of NSIP is to
provide the streamflow information and understanding required to meet local, state, regional,
and national needs.
When adding new sites to the District’s stream network, using past, inactive gauges, which may
have a period of record that will complement any new data collected, are considered first. The
District’s real-time monitoring network will be the primary user of the data. Once each major
stream in the region has a stream gauge, the District will look to include some of the smaller
tributaries and creeks in the region. County basins that would significantly benefit from
enhanced stream flow monitoring conducted for land use and water resources planning
include the Paso Robles Basin, San Simeon Basin, Santa Rosa Basin, Los Osos Basin, San Luis
Obispo/Edna Valley Basin, Arroyo Grande Basin, Nipomo Mesa Basin, and the Santa Maria
Basin. When enhancing the monitoring in these regions, placing gauges on major creeks near
the confluence with significant tributaries, on some smaller streams and tributaries, and at
major cities along the major creeks should be considered.
Example of Real-Time Stream Gauge
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An enhanced county-wide flood warning system could be used to some extent in participating
communities of the region. With adequate warning, property owners may have time to install
flood gates or move valuable objects to higher ground. Unfortunately, times of concentration
(i.e., time when rainfall travels overland to creeks and then routed to downstream rivers) of
creeks and rivers in the county are relatively short – only a few hours or less. A flood warning
system only allows time for the most basic preparations. The following communities with
historic flooding can benefit from a flood warning system:
Cambria and other North Coast Communities
San Luis Obispo to Avila Beach
Five Cities/Arroyo Grande Watershed
Los Osos
Shandon
Nipomo (old town)
9.4.5 Precipitation and Climate
There are a number of recording rain gauges in operation in the
County. These gauges provide a record of accumulated precipitation
versus time. The District Recording Rain Gauge network consists of
50 recording gauges located throughout the region. The distribution
and density of recording rain gauges in the region is fairly limited,
and noticeably lacking in the northern and eastern part of the
region.
9.4.5.1 Techniques for Measurement
Records of rainfall are usually
in the form of daily entries of
the precipitation occurring
during the preceding 24-hour
periods. Simple rainfall
gauges are inexpensive and
require little to no cost to
maintain. Daily records are
typically manually taken and
are generally summarized in monthly totals. For more
reliable and timely rainfall data, recording rain gauges are being used to provide accurate time-
series precipitation data. A rainfall monitoring network strives for uniformity across the region
with higher density monitoring in regions of changing topography. To partially achieve this
uniformity, additional recording gauges would be beneficial in the extreme northwest corner of
the County, the Hearst Castle area, the Cayucos area and the Templeton area.
Manual Rain Gauge
Real-Time Tipping Bucket Rain Gauge
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Weather stations are used by some participants for recording rainfall and other climatological
data. More of the stations are becoming automated to provide streaming real-time telemetry
data. Methods of measurement of rainfall are the same except with sensors to electronically
record the measurement at given time intervals, and a method to empty the gauge every 24-
hour period. The change from manual to automated weather stations has been identified as
leading to erroneous estimates of climate trends because of sampling methods and the higher
degree of interpretation obtained from manual observations.
9.4.5.2 Participants
Precipitation data from approximately 50 stations throughout San Luis Obispo County are
collected by the County Public Works Department. Volunteer rain gauges are generally
operated at-will, by regional residents, business owners, or local agencies. The volunteers
independently collect precipitation data and provide it to the District or other agency on an
annual basis. There is a significant amount of volunteer rain gauges in the region, particularly in
urban and suburban areas. As with the District recording rain program, the east portion of the
region is particularly under represented.
ALERT is an acronym for Automated Local Evaluation in Real Time, which is a method of using
remote sensors in the field to transmit environmental data to a central computer in real time.
This standard was developed in the 1970s by the National Weather Service and has been used
by the National Weather Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation, as well
as numerous State and local agencies, and international organizations.
In 1982, through a joint research and development
effort between UC Davis and CDWR a computerized
weather station system was established as a more
cost-effective method for estimating crop water use.
This program was given the name California
Irrigation Management Information System, or
CIMIS. In 1985, the administration and
implementation of the program, and its further
development, were turned over to CDWR.
The CIMIS is a program of the Office of Water Use
Efficiency, California Department of Water Resources (CDWR) that manages a network of over
120 automated weather stations in the State of California. CIMIS was developed to assist
irrigators in managing their water resources efficiently. Efficient use of water resources benefits
Californians by saving water, energy, and money.
The CIMIS stations gather climatic data (precipitation, temperature, humidity, solar radiation,
etc.), which is used to calculate the evapotranspiration (ET). ET is the loss of water to the
atmosphere by the combined processes of evaporation (from soil and plant surfaces) and
CIMIS Station
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transpiration (from plant tissues). It is an indicator of how much irrigation water is needed (or
used) for healthy growth and productivity.
CIMIS stations are maintained by local agencies that use standard equipment and maintenance
procedures. The data seems to be reliable, particularly for hourly rainfall information during
storms. To help estimate agricultural water use in each climatic region and to supplement
evaporation data collected at reservoirs and by weather stations, it is recommended that two
additional evaporation pans (or weather stations) are established around Cambria (or further
north) and east of Paso Robles.
Other smaller contributions made in the measurement of precipitation and climate data
include the following:
National Weather Service Cooperative Observer Program (COOP)
Citizen Weather Observer Program (CWOP)
Remote Automated Weather Stations (RAWS)
Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) Stations
Each provides a small number of gauge data that is used in region but is, in general, not
considered as reliable as the larger programs.
9.4.6 Reservoir Storage and Release Flows
Daily surface water levels are measured for most major
reservoirs in the region as part of daily reservoir operations.
The County maintains reservoir operational records for two
reservoirs – Lopez and Salinas. Other agencies collect and
maintain reservoir operation data for the other major
reservoirs.
Data for each reservoir is available from the agency that
operates the reservoir. As part of regular reservoir operations,
daily lake elevation values are recorded at the following
reservoirs:
Chorro
Lopez (includes Terminal Reservoir)
Nacimiento
Salinas
Whale Rock
Twitchell
Release Weir
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9.4.6.1 Techniques for Measurement
Reservoir storage is typically developed as a function of depth at the dam or discharge point.
Sediment transport into a reservoir can change the available storage over time requiring
calibration of the function. Releases are measured through weir flow depth or flow meters in
discharge pipelines. Data for both storage and release flow is automated at set time intervals
and reported at daily intervals.
9.4.6.2 Participants
Water supply reservoir operators typically work with downstream water users in providing
sufficient water supplies for urban, agriculture, and rural supplies throughout the year taking
into account the need for environmental flows (i.e., minimum in-stream flow requirements).
Flood control (or multi-purpose reservoirs) have the same requirements but require a rule
curve to ensure sufficient storage exists at the peak of the flood season. The balance of
benefits between water supply, environmental, flood, and recreation is constantly being
monitored using storage and release data to assist in making operational decisions and in
forecasting the next year’s performance criteria.
9.4.7 Drinking Water Quality and Ambient Monitoring Program
Numerous federal, State, and local agencies and organizations conduct water quality
monitoring in the region, with some programs having several decades of drinking and surface
water monitoring data. Non-profit organizations and other smaller agencies are also
monitoring water quality in the county and especially in the Central Coast region (including
Monterey and Santa Barbara counties). These groups have relatively well-developed programs
with monitoring efforts as described below.
9.4.7.1 Techniques for Measurement
Operators of public water systems (defined as any system
that serves drinking water to at least 24 persons for at least
60 days out of the year, or who serves domestic water to 15
or more service connections) conduct routine monitoring to
ensure that the water they produce complies with Safe
Drinking Water Act standards. State certified laboratory
testing of water samples results in reports, which can be
accessed through the California Drinking Water Watch
website.
Monitoring broadly encompasses several categories of
constituents: microorganisms, disinfectants, disinfection
byproducts, inorganic chemicals, organic chemicals, and
radionuclides. Sampling is conducted at treatment plants, within distribution systems, and at
Water Quality at Tap
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the tap, and monitoring results are evaluated to ensure that applicable drinking water quality
standards are met. For regulated constituents, results are compared to Primary and Secondary
MCLs, and unregulated contaminants are evaluated against CDPH Detection Limits for
Purposes of Reporting (e.g., color, corrosivity, and odor).
Small water systems are also required to conduct routine monitoring and report to the
Environmental Health Services Division of the San Luis Obispo County Public Health
Department.
9.4.7.2 Participants
Beyond the local water treatment The Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) is
the primary program intended to integrate existing water quality monitoring activities of the
State Water Resources Control Board and the Regional Water Quality Control Boards, and to
coordinate with other monitoring programs.
SWAMP is a statewide monitoring effort designed to assess the conditions of waters
throughout the State of California, including California’s Coastal waters. The program is
administered by the State Water Resources Control Board. Responsibility for implementation of
monitoring activities resides with the nine Regional Water Quality Control Boards that have
jurisdiction over their specific geographical areas of the State. Monitoring is conducted in
SWAMP through the Department of Fish and Game and U.S. Geological Survey master contracts
and local Regional Boards monitoring contracts.
Ambient monitoring refers to any activity in which information about the status of the physical,
chemical, and biological characteristics of the environment is collected to answer specific
questions about the status and trends in those characteristics. For the purposes of SWAMP,
ambient monitoring refers to these activities as they relate to the characteristics of water
quality.
Unfortunately, only a small portion of SWAMP can be implemented in the IRWM Region at its
current funding level. As a result, SWAMP resources are focused where monitoring information
is most needed to support their own regional program priorities, such as maintaining high
quality waters in Lake Tahoe, or supporting the restoration of priority watersheds throughout
California.
SWAMP is also intended to capture monitoring information collected under other State and
Regional Board Programs such as the State's TMDL (Total Maximum Daily Load), Nonpoint
Source, and Watershed Project Support programs. Data from sites that are a part of the
SWAMP can be obtained the program’s website.
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9.4.8 Point and Non-Point Pollution Discharge
As authorized by the Clean Water Act, the National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program controls
water pollution by regulating point sources that discharge
pollutants into waters of the United States. Point sources are
discrete conveyances such as pipes or man-made ditches.
Industrial, municipal, and other facilities must obtain permits if
their discharges go directly to surface waters.
EPA conducts inspections of facilities subject to the regulations to
determine compliance. EPA inspections involve:
Reviewing discharge monitoring reports
Interviewing facility personnel knowledgeable of the facility
Inspecting the processes that generate and treat wastewater
Sampling wastewater discharges to navigable waterways and other points in the
generation or treatment process
Reviewing how samples are collected and analyzed by the laboratory
Monitoring of the effects of non-point discharges becomes difficult due to the ambiguous
nature of the source (e.g., automobile use, gas stations, air pollution, etc.) of offending
pollutants. The goal in monitoring any water source over time is tracking changes in
constituents of concern and correlating these changes with combined benefits of education
and outreach on ways to reduce pollutants (e.g., use of fertilizers, pesticides, washing cars, etc.).
9.4.8.1 Techniques for Measurement
Monitoring protocols for point and non-point source discharges are similar to the Drinking
Water Quality and Ambient Monitoring Program approach to regulated monitoring and reporting.
Individual permitting of point source discharges sets the frequency of sampling and the
monitored constituents of concern as described below. Non-point source monitoring activities
typically share with other program monitoring and data.
Key permit conditions applicable to all NPDES permits or Waste Discharge Requirements
(WDRs) include those for monitoring. These conditions apply to both storm water and non-
storm water discharges. Although the State, local authority, or EPA's general permits can
impose additional requirements, the permit holder must typically monitor discharges within the
following parameters:
Flow
Pollutants listed in the terms of the permit conditions
Pollutants that could have a significant impact on the quality of the receiving streams
Pollutants specified as subject to monitoring by EPA regulations
Other pollutants for which the EPA requests monitoring in writing
Point Source Discharge Pipeline
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Each of these monitoring parameters must be measured at the frequency specified in the
NPDES permit, WDR, or at intervals sufficiently frequent to yield data that would characterize
the nature of the discharge.
9.4.8.2 Participants
The Regional Board regulates point source discharge of wastewater to land and surface waters
of the region so that the highest quality and beneficial uses of these waters are protected and
enhanced. Regulation is by issuance of either WDRs or NPDES permits. Both WDRs and NPDES
permits contain monitoring requirements to verify compliance with applicable conditions.
These requirements vary according to those specific conditions.
All persons or agencies discharging (or proposing to discharge) pollutants from a point source
into any waters of the State are required to apply for and have a permit under the NPDES
program and/or WDRs (issued by the Regional Board) to discharge. Typically publicly owned
treatment works are regulated through NPDES permits and/or WDRs to monitor water quality
for all points of water discharge. Examples of cities and agencies that are currently operating
wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal systems under a NPDES permit include:
City of Paso Robles
City of Atascadero
Atascadero State Hospital
Templeton CSD
San Miguel CSD
South San Luis Obispo County Sanitation District
City of Pismo Beach
9.4.9 Estuaries and Wetlands
Current monitoring in estuaries and wetlands is summarized
below. Note that there is significant estuarine monitoring that is
conducted by other federal agencies, State and local agencies,
and the academic community that may not be discussed here.
9.4.9.1 Techniques for Measurement
Environmental monitoring requires sampling techniques in
conductivity (and salinity), temperature, dissolved oxygen,
oxygen saturation, fluorescence (a proxy for chlorophyll-a), turbidity, nitrate, current/current
profile, and depth of water. Standard practices are used in both manual and automated
sampling equipment.
Automated Monitoring in Estuary
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9.4.9.2 Participants
The US EPA's National Coastal Condition Assessment surveys the condition of the Nation's
coastal resources by creating an integrated, comprehensive monitoring program among the
coastal states. This assessment is part of the National Aquatic Resource Surveys (NARS) – the
overarching program for collaborative monitoring of coastal water, lakes, and reservoirs across
the nation. NARS has absorbed the role formerly held by the Environmental Monitoring and
Assessment Program (EMAP). To answer broad-scale questions on environmental conditions,
EMAP and its partners collected estuarine and coastal data from thousands of stations along
the coasts of the continental United States between 1990 and 2006. This monitoring done by
EMAP, and now NARS, includes five coastal stations in the SLO Region.
9.4.10 Coastal Beaches
The Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal
Health (BEACH) Act of 2000 requires that coastal and Great
Lakes states and territories report to United States
Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) on beach
monitoring and notification data for their coast recreation
waters. The BEACH Act defines coastal recreation waters
as the Great Lakes and coastal waters (including coastal
estuaries) that states, territories, and authorized tribes
officially recognize or designate for swimming, bathing, surfing, or similar activities in the water.
The BEACH Program focuses on the following five areas to meet the goals of improving public
health and environmental protection for beach goers and providing the public with information
about the quality of their beach water:
Strengthening beach standards and testing
Providing faster laboratory test methods
Predicting pollution
Investing in health and methods research
Informing the public
9.4.10.1 Techniques for Measurement
Monitoring includes ocean water samples collected from the County’s most visited beaches on
a weekly basis. Shoreline samples are analyzed for bacterial indicators.
Locally, the County’s Environmental Health Services Division conducts the public health beach
monitoring and regulatory program. In 2010, nineteen (19) locations were analyzed for three
indicator bacteria: enterococcus, total coliform, and fecal coliform. Beaches monitored
included:
Pismo State Beach, Oceano
Beach Notification
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Pismo Beach
Shell Beach
Avila Beach
Olde Port Beach
Hazard Canyon
Morro Bay City Beach
Cayucos Beach
Pico Avenue, San Simeon
9.4.10.2 Participants
The County’s Environmental Health Services Division monitors beach water quality for
recreational use through a California State grant between April 1 and October 31 of each year.
9.4.11 Marine Observations
National Weather Service (NWS) forecasters need frequent, high-quality marine observations to
examine conditions for forecast preparation and to verify their forecasts after they are
produced. Other users rely on the observations and forecasts for commercial and recreational
activities.
9.4.11.1 Techniques for Measurement
National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) provides hourly observations from a network of about 90
buoys and 60 Coastal Marine Automated Network (C-MAN) stations to help meet these needs.
All stations measure wind speed, direction, and gust; barometric pressure; and air temperature.
In addition, all buoy stations, and some C-MAN stations, measure sea surface temperature and
wave height and period. Conductivity and water current are also measured at selected stations.
9.4.11.2 Participants
The NBDC designs, develops, operates, and maintains a network of data collecting buoys and
coastal stations. There are only a few stations in the region.
The major marine observing systems that form the US national marine observations backbone
are:
NOAA's National Weather Service's NDBC Ocean Observing System (NWS NOOS)
NOAA's National Ocean Service's (NOS) National Water Level Observation Network
(NWLON) and their Physical Oceanographic Real-Time System (PORTS)
NOAA's Tropical Moored Buoy (TMB) projects
NOAA's OAR drifting buoy programs
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9.4.12 Groundwater Quality
Groundwater is often sampled to determine the chemistry of the
groundwater so the water can be utilized for human consumption.
Public water supply systems are subject to regulation by the
California Department of Public Health, which specifies minimum
guidelines for sampling frequency and sampling procedures that
must be followed by any water system operator. Additional
sampling of groundwater takes place as part of groundwater
management reporting and Basin Management Objective
implementation (see Groundwater Management Efforts data need).
Basin management activities often focus on areas of natural or
manmade contamination and methods to reduce the threat of the contamination from
migrating into drinking or irrigation supply wells.
9.4.12.1 Techniques for Measurement
Analytical parameters vary, but can include physical measures (e.g., pH and temperature)
nutrients, major inorganics (e.g., chloride, potassium, and sulfate), and minor inorganics (e.g.,
boron and manganese).
9.4.12.2 Participants
The USGS has conducted water quality sampling at more than 150 sites in the County since the
1920s. The USGS also conducts research and special studies to further the development of
scientific knowledge and its application to real world management problems.
The Regional Board regulates discharges of wastewater to groundwater (e.g., direct injection or
recharge ponds using recycled water) so that the highest quality and beneficial uses of these
waters are protected and enhanced. Regulation is by issuance of either Waste Discharge
Requirements (WDR) or a NPDES permit. WDRs contain monitoring requirements to verify
compliance with applicable conditions. These requirements vary according to those specific
conditions.
WDR permit requirements often include groundwater monitoring. For example, the Regional
Board has established monitoring programs for recycled water and wastewater operations that
discharge to groundwater. Dischargers must periodically collect and analyze groundwater
quality samples from wells representative of the receiving groundwater. For a list of adopted
orders, permits, resolutions, and settlements issued by the Central Coast Regional Water
Quality Control Board, go to:
<http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/centralcoast/board_decisions/adopted_orders/>
USGS Groundwater Quality
Sampling
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9.4.13 Sea Water Intrusion
Management areas and communities
along the coast monitor for sea water
intrusion. For example, the Northern Cities
Management Area (NCMA) conducts
quarterly monitoring of four coastal
“sentry wells” along with an Oceano
observation well. Each well location
includes a “cluster” of individual well
completions at various depths. Quarterly
monitoring includes level measurement, as
well as sampling and analysis for water
quality. The monitoring results are
presented in the NCMA Annual Report, which is filed with the Court. The coastal sentry wells
monitored by the NCMA were renovated in 2010 to raise the surface completions above grade
and secure them within locking enclosures. In early 2011, the NCMA agencies installed
combination pressure transducers and conductivity probes in four of the sentry wells: 32S/12E-
24B1; 32S/12E-24B2; 32S/13E-30F03; and 32S/13E-30N02. These probes allow the NCMA
agencies to observe short duration variations in groundwater levels and quality to better
characterize short- and long-term trends as they relate to variables such as tidal variation,
precipitation patterns, and urban pumping. The Los Osos Basin Management Committee serves
as another example of an agency that regularly tests water quality in coastal wells to monitor
for sea water intrusion.
9.4.14 Groundwater Management Efforts
Various groundwater management efforts in the County also include groundwater elevation
and quality sampling. These include efforts where:
1. Basins under adjudication are required to monitor and report annually and/or develop
Groundwater Management Plans
2. Basins classified as high and medium priority by DWR are required under the
Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) to form local Groundwater
Sustainability Agencies (GSAs), which must adopt and implement Groundwater
Sustainability Plans (GSPs)
3. A Groundwater Management Plan is voluntarily being developed
4. An entity is implementing a project with monitoring requirements
5. Individual entities or groups are developing Salt and Nutrient Management Plans in
accordance with the State Water Board’s Basin Plan
6. Seawater intrusion is of concern to agencies that rely on coastal groundwater basins for
their water supply
USGS
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7. Individual property owners check the quality of their drinking and/or irrigation water
supply
The availability of the information varies with each effort, making it challenging to fully
understand the condition of all groundwater basins. Sharing of this data with governmental
agencies or regional groups conducting groundwater basin studies and, when appropriate, the
public at-large is encouraged and promoted.
9.4.15 Land Use and Population Changes
Land use monitoring refers to the deliberate action of collecting data on land use over time as
part of an overall effort to understand the region and what changes might be affecting
managed water resources. Local jurisdiction Planning departments, the State Department of
Finance, and the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments all harvest and create land use and
population data for use in making land use policy decisions.
Population data generally comes from U.S. Census data, using historical data to understand
past trends in population providing insight into extrapolating population growth (or decline) in
the future. Population data in WSMPs and UWMPs has become important in the calculation of
water use per capita (or person). Water conservation goals are State mandated (SBX7-7) using
the per capita water use methodology.
9.4.16 Urban Water Demands
Urban land uses refer to the unincorporated communities and incorporated cities in the
County, and include residential, commercial, industrial, parks, institutions, and golf courses.
Primary sources of water demand data for urban centers came from water system master
plans (WSMP) and urban water management plans (UWMP) prepared by water purveyors,
incorporated cities, and unincorporated communities. Additionally, the County’s Annual
Resource Summary Report provides projected water demand and population data for these
areas.
Since existing water demands and future water demand projections are based on information
from WSMPs and UWMPs, land use information is not used to calculate water demand. Urban
areas (or small water suppliers) where neither document is available are contacted and
demand estimates are made through direct communication.
9.4.17 Data Enhancement Plan (DEP)
The DEP was a regional water monitoring program designed to provide data for planning,
design, and operational purposes, yet it was also designed to be flexible and to change over
time. This is not necessarily contradictory. Rather, it implies that regional water monitoring
program data will be frequently interpreted to identify monitoring sites that might be dropped
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May 2020 9-27
from the network or sampled less frequently, as well as identifying spatial gaps or the need for
more frequent data collection. The design also recognizes that there will continue to be
improvements in instrumentation that will allow for more in-situ monitoring and the collection
of more data by remote sensing. New technologies will be incorporated into the regional water
monitoring program when they are ready for operational deployment.
9.5 QUALITY ASSURANCE/QUALITY CONTROL MEASURES
Quality Assurance/Quality Control Measures (QA/QC) in completing tasks related to data
management follow the trail of data as it is collected in the field, uploaded to electronic data
files, and stored for historical long-term access and interpretation (See Figure 9-1).
Figure 9-1: Data Collection Process Leading to QA/QC Storage
9.5.1 Assessment of Existing DMS
The QA/QC measures implemented at the step where regional data is deposited for long-term
storage and accessibility ensures the integrity of the data over time. So often, data becomes
contaminated due improper data management practices or inexperience of DMS operators. To
improve the existing DMS practices and operations, the District requested a review of the
existing data collection program by the consulting firm URS in June 2009, Technical
Memorandum Water Resources Data Management System Update Recommendations (TM). This
review of the San Luis Obispo Water Resources Data Management System (SLO-DMS) describes
the pros and cons of the SLO-DMS and a recommended set of steps to improve the SLO-DMS
for purposes of maintaining the long-term integrity of stored data.
Specific points concerning the SLO-DMS are identified as follows:
Collect and
Process
Quality Checks
Computational/
Processing
Adjustments
Upload to DMS
QA/QC for Long
term Integrity
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1. The system is the result of 100+ years of data collection, with most of the hand-written
data converted over to electronic files
2. The long history of the SLO-DMS has created an organic construction of the system with
much of the data structure not integrated into larger, more secure and more
manageable sizes
3. The data in the SLO-DMS is highly fragmented making it difficult for staff to know where
the data is located and how to manage the data
4. The data is stored as a series of electronic files with differing formats and a multitude of
processing methods, leading to gross inconsistencies in similar data categories
5. The fragmentation of the data leads to extended time and effort to manage the data,
support data requests and ensure long-term data integrity
In addressing these points, the District identified several primary objectives for URS to consider
in the recommended solutions. These were to:
Streamline the data entry and retrieval system
Better manage existing data
Standardize data collection and processing procedures
Assess the range and completeness of existing datasets
Report water resources information in a timely and appropriate manner
To accomplish these tasks, the District identified the following elements that should be
addressed in the proposed recommendations to improve the SLO-DMS:
Means to consolidate historic and current water resources data
Methods to streamline data entry, retrieval, and reporting
Methods or a framework to certify water resources data (QA/QC checks)
Flexibility of proposed data management system to accommodate future data formats
and types
Future integration with GIS-based applications
9.6 ANTICIPATED FEATURES OF A DATA MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Database Platform
There are many choices of database platforms and tools to work with large data sets. The right
database is often based on preference and level of support over time. The measure of a
system’s robustness is often made based on the database platform used. The platforms can be
simple, such as using MS Excel, or very complex, such as Oracle. In between, there are many
other platforms with various strengths and weaknesses. Table 9-3 provides a summary of the
well-known database platforms in use for the type of data under consideration. The shaded
attributes signify the strengths in areas indicated.
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May 2020 9-29
Table 9-3: Strengths and Weaknesses of Common Database Platforms
Database
Platform Notes
Attributes Portability and Cost Minimum IT Support Minimum Training Provider Support Scalable Over Time Ease of Programming d Q i Reporting Tools Web-Enabled Compatibility with State Pl tf MS Excel
While convenient and requires little
training, Excel has poor scalability
making it difficult to expand with
the data.
MS Access
Portable with good support and
average training, scalability is
average.
MS SQL Server
Light
Portable and scalable, however not
supported or popular for large
secure datasets.
MS SQL Server Well supported and popular, but
requires training and IT resources.
Oracle
Very robust, web-enabled, but
requires high level of training,
mandatory IT resources, and long-
term support.
Upload/Download Methods
The upload/download method describes how the stakeholder will communicate with the
system. Ease and speed of uploading or downloading data creates improved participation in
the data management program and minimizes criticism leading to continuously changing
systems or platforms.
Change/Edit Log
Secure data systems often require the need to track changes made by the various users as a
means of understanding the frequency of use or misuse of the system, the quality of data, and
debugging interface and attending to user support issues.
Data Privacy
Secure data systems also feature privacy provisions to limit the access and visibility to some or
all data to other users. A privacy management feature is used to profile the users and their
level of access to the data.
Data Accessibility
Accessibility of the data is a measure of acceptance by the public audience for which the data is
intended. Accessing data over the internet is a standard feature of any data management
program built today. The deciding factor is whether the data is live or fixed (snapshot). Some
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May 2020 9-30
users want to see up-to-the-minute monitoring data as it becomes available, making the need
for data accessibility high relative to simply providing a spreadsheet or pdf file of a report.
Reports
Reporting comes standard with most platforms and third-party software is often available to
further improve reporting capabilities. As a critical interface piece with the intended users (i.e.,
State and federal regulatory agencies), a comprehensive well thought out set of standardized
reports are often a measure of the data system’s level of compliance.
System Backups
Automated system recovery and back-up features are necessary to ensure the data is not lost
with a manmade or natural disaster affecting the integrity of the database or the servers upon
which the database is stored. This requires IT resources in providing the needed hardware and
software to have full system recovery activities taking place in the background on a continuous
basis.
9.6.1 Preferred Features in Selected DMS
SLO-DMS System Features
Foreseen use of the SLO-DMS is to provide the maximum amount of numerical information and
interpretation staying within privacy and confidentiality constraints of the stakeholders. A GIS
interface is recommended as the primary method of accessing data along with MS Excel and
text file upload and download features. Full security and back up features are a requirement
along with IT resources in the day-to-day and long-term use of the system. Consideration is
continuously given to advances in hardware and software and specialized training in their use.
9.6.2 Stakeholder Support and Ease of Use
The DMS needs of the region will eventually transition to a GIS web-enabled tool for secure use
in collecting, sharing and storing all numerical data from monitoring sources in the SLO region.
The intent would be for a map-based visualization tool to show many regional attributes at one
time, include monitoring locations, images, information about the monitoring location and
measuring device, monitoring data, contouring for groundwater elevation and water quality,
stream flow hydrographs and historical flooding problem areas, and areas of groundwater
contamination or salinity intrusion.
This future DMS effort would allow for multiple layers of stakeholder-provided information to
be incorporated into shared database layers where data can be aligned with demographic
information, city/county/district boundaries, and topographic and geologic features. The
database would also store georeferenced reports, images, texts, plans, and other documents
that can be easily retrieved. The DMS could be developed to allow secure access by
stakeholders and the public through the web.
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May 2020 9-31
This transition is dependent upon the availability of funding and resources to develop such a
tool. If accepted by the RWMG, the existing SLO-DMS would need to be populated with historic
data, monitoring site locations and supporting information. The SLO-DMS would also require
data maintenance and website hosting for stakeholder and public access, and uploads to state
and federal databases (See Section 9.3 - Description of Data Needs).
9.7 OTHER POTENTIAL FUTURE GIS/DMS NEEDS AND INITIAL DMS
DEVELOPMENT
9.7.1 MS4 Permit/Order and TMDL DMS Needs
The Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) and Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL)
permits will require an individual permittee to develop an Integrated Monitoring Program (IMP)
or to participate with other permittees in a Coordinated Integrated Monitoring Program (CIMP).
Either approach will have extensive data collection, management and reporting. MS4
Permit/Order notes the benefits of the CIMP approach, noting that “the CIMP provides
Permittees opportunities to increase the cost efficiency and effectiveness of the monitoring
program” and that “the greatest efficiency may be achieved when a CIMP is designed and
implemented on a watershed basis”.
The IRWM region could reduce the overall monitoring and data management program costs to
individual members through the CIMP to achieve economies of scale and management
efficiencies. A CIMP will require a shared approach to sampling, laboratory analysis, data
management and compliance reporting. The SLO-DMS could be expanded to include
functionalities needed to support the CIMP, including:
Allowing users to submit laboratory testing and monitoring results to a central data
base that supports:
o Quality control and assurance measures
o Management of water quality time series data
o Preparation of required compliance reports
Submitting of the required data to the State (SWAMP/RWQCB)
Tracking of projects that implement best management practices
Management of reports and special studies to share and distribute results
9.7.1.1 Quality Control and Assurance Measures
MS4 permittees are required to develop a Monitoring and Reporting Plan (MRP) and Quality
Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) for Regional Water Board Executive Officer approval. The IRWM
Region could jointly develop the monitoring plan, establish locations and develop both the MRP
and QAPP for the IRWM Region. The QAPP will include protocols for sample collection, standard
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May 2020 9-32
analytical procedures, and laboratory certification. All samples will be collected in accordance
with applicable SWAMP protocols.
9.7.1.2 Management of Water Quality Time Series Data
Large amounts of monitoring data will be generated by an IMP or CIMP and a DMS would need
to effectively manage the sampling, QA/QC, monitoring, and reporting program. A GIS element
to the DMS and the monitoring and reporting plan would help document the results and
explain the problem and solutions to the public. The IRWM Region will need to make decisions
regarding how to develop and apply a GIS/DMS to meet the requirements.
9.7.1.3 Preparation Compliance Report
The MS4 Permit/Order spells out the reporting requirements, including how the TMDL
reporting could be integrated. The IRWM Region will need to develop a system to support
reporting to the RWQCB.
9.7.1.4 Submitting of the Required Data to the State
Any tools developed to support the IRWM Region monitoring should include a functional
requirement to support submittal to the State’s regional data center as well as the required
reports to the RWQCB.
9.7.2 Project Submittal System
For IRWM Plan updates and future rounds of grant funding, the IRWM Region could develop
additional functionality in the web enabled SLO-DMS tool to:
Allow project sponsors to submit and update their project information online
Promote transparency and let other IRWM Region stakeholders view the project
information and seek opportunities of integration or teaming
Provide a map of proposed projects, also documenting the status of the project
Allow for upload of supporting projects documentation
Manage the IRWMP and project performance monitoring during implementation
9.7.3 Proposed Implementation of the San Luis Obispo County Data Management System
(SLO-DMS)
As part of the SGMA planning in the San Luis Obispo Groundwater Basin, the first phase of the
SLO-DMS will be developed. While the DMS will be specific to the SLO Basin at the beginning, it
is being intentionally designed to be expandable to the entire County and the other
groundwater basins. This system is being developed with funding from a 2017 Sustainable
Groundwater Planning Grant (Agreement No. 4600012685). The work plan for the SLO-DMS
project is described below:
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This task will develop a county-wide Data Management System (DMS). The DMS design
and data framework will be spatially scalable and can be expanded to include
information from other basins, GSAs, districts, or agencies, and information
contained within the DMS can be exported and incorporated into other data
management frameworks. The DMS will be specifically designed to be useful for basin
setting, groundwater conditions, water budget, and defining projects and
management actions. And the DMS will be modular, allowing for future expansion
and evolution. The DMS will be developed in stages as described below.
A Data Management Plan - The development of a Data Management Plan will begin
with a needs assessment to determine the goals of the DMS and to provide guidance
on the central tasks and approach to efficiently produce an effective DMS. Following
completion of the needs assessment, the County, in coordination with the other
basins and GSAs in San Luis Obispo County, will develop the Data Management Plan.
The plan will serve as guidance for the collection and management of groundwater
and surface water information required for GSP development and will be used as
part of continued reporting during the GSP implementation phase (2022+).
DMS Tool Development - This element will develop a web-based DMS that will function
as a data storage, analysis, visualization, and reporting tool for hydrogeologic and
hydrologic information within the San Luis Obispo Valley Basin. The DMS Tool will
store and display information from previous, ongoing, and future groundwater
studies and monitoring programs. It will also support the GSP annual reporting
requirements. This element will include initial DMS maintenance and operation
activities for the duration of the grant.
Data Compilation and Review - This data input effort will be performed in close
coordination with the GSAs and will consist of formatting, reviewing, and importing
data into the DMS. The overall goal of this task is to populate the database with high
quality data for use in development of the HCM, groundwater conditions, and water
budget portions of the GSP and to provide a foundation for management of data
needed for future GSP development efforts.
Basin Integration and Coordination - This element will provide support to the
management in other basins within the County that might want to use the DMS to
meet their SGMA -DMS requirements in San Luis Obispo County. Initial coordination
efforts have taken place between San Luis Obispo County and the Atascadero Basin
GSA and the Paso Robles Basin GSA. While the DMS will be used in the San Luis
Obispo Valley Basin and the Santa Maria GWB Fringe Areas, it will be available for use
by other basins in the County, including the Paso Robles Basin and the Atascadero
Basin.
The DMS system will be beta-tested by both the programmers and water resources
professionals prior to release of the DMS to the GSAs for further testing.
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May 2020 9-34
The RWMG will be monitoring the progress and implementation of this system during this plan
cycle.
9.8 REFERENCES
Cal Poly Center for Coastal Marine Sciences. (2014). The San Luis Obispo Science and Ecosystem
Alliance. Retrieved from SLOSEA: http://www.slosea.org/
California Enivornmental Protection Agency. (2018). Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control
Board. Retrieved from CCAMP: http://www.ccamp.org/
California Geographic Information Association. (2018). California Environmental Information
Catalog. Retrieved from CEIC: https://catalog.data.gov/harvest/california-environmental-
information-catalog
Carollo. (2012). San Luis Obispo County Master Water Report. Retrieved from:
https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/Departments/Public-Works/Forms-Documents/Water-
Resources/Master-Water-Report.aspx
County of San Luis Obispo Planning Department. (2017). 2014–2016 Resource Summary Report .
Retrieved from County of San Luis Obispo:
https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/Departments/Planning-Building/Forms-
Documents/Informational/Planning-Informational-Documents/Resource-Summary-
Report.aspx
Department of Water Resources. (2018). CASGEM Online System. Retrieved from water.ca.gov:
http://wdl.water.ca.gov/groundwater/casgem/online_system.cfm
Department of Water Resources. (2018). Water Data Library. Retrieved from water.ca.gov:
http://wdl.water.ca.gov/waterdatalibrary/
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (2009). NDBC's Drifting Buoy Program.
Retrieved from National Data Buoy Center: https://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/drift.shtml
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (2013). PORTS (Physical Oceanographic Real-
Time System). Retrieved from Tides & Currents:
https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/ports.html
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (2018). Data. Retrieved from Integrated
Ocean Observing System: https://ioos.noaa.gov/data/
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (2018). National Data Buoy Center. Retrieved
from National Data Buoy Center: https://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (2018). NDBC-COOPS. Retrieved from NOAA:
https://data.nodc.noaa.gov/cgi-bin/iso?id=gov.noaa.nodc:NDBC-COOPS
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 9-35
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (2018). Pacific Marine Environmental
Laboratory. Retrieved from Global Tropical Moored Buoy Array:
https://www.pmel.noaa.gov/gtmba/
San Luis Obispo County Flood Control and Water Conservation District. (2008). Data
Enhancement Plan. Retrieved from:
https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/getattachment/b24ce81f-0910-48df-a42d-
853314f28288/2008-12-01-Data-Management-Plan.aspx
State Water Resources Control Board. (2015). GeoTracker GAMA. Retrieved from
waterboards.ca.gov: http://geotracker.waterboards.ca.gov/gama/gamamap/public/
State Water Resources Control Board. (2015). Water Quality Control Policy. Retrieved from
waterboards.ca.gov:
https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/board_decisions/adopted_orders/resolutions/2015/02
0315_8_amendment_clean_version.pdf
State Water Resources Control Board. (2018). Adopted Orders, Permits, Resolutions, and
Settlements. Retrieved from waterboards.ca.gov:
https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/centralcoast/board_decisions/adopted_orders/
State Water Resources Control Board. (2018). California Environmental Data Exchange Network.
Retrieved from CEDEN: http://www.ceden.org/
URS. (2009). Technical Memorandum Water Resource Data Management System Update
Recommendations.
US Environmental Protection Agency. (2016). Environmental Monitoring & assessment Program.
Retrieved from EPA Archive: https://archive.epa.gov/emap/archive-
emap/web/html/index.html
US Environmental Protection Agency. (2017). Natioinal Coastal Condition Assessment. Retrieved
from EPA: https://www.epa.gov/national-aquatic-resource-surveys/ncca
US Environmental Protection Agency. (2018). About the BEACH Act. Retrieved from EPA:
https://www.epa.gov/beach-tech/about-beach-act
US Geological Survey. (2018). USGS Water Data for the Nation. Retrieved from USGS:
https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis?nwisweb_overview=v
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
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10 TABLE OF CONTENTS
10 Financing Strategies ........................................................................................................... 10-1
10.1 Funding of the IRWM Plan Implementation .................................................................... 10-2
10.1.1 Funding Snapshot of the Implementation List ....................................................... 10-3
10.2 Local Government Funding ............................................................................................... 10-6
10.2.1 Integrating Funding Authorities and Sources ......................................................... 10-6
10.2.2 San Luis Obispo County Financing Authority .......................................................... 10-6
10.2.3 Benefit Assessments .................................................................................................. 10-7
10.2.4 Local Funding Constraints ......................................................................................... 10-7
10.3 Grants and Loans (State and Federal) ............................................................................. 10-8
10.3.1 Proposition 68 ............................................................................................................ 10-9
10.3.2 Proposition 1 .............................................................................................................. 10-9
10.3.3 Proposition 68 .......................................................................................................... 10-11
10.3.4 Proposition 84 and Proposition 1E......................................................................... 10-12
10.3.5 State Revolving Funds .............................................................................................. 10-13
10.3.6 Additional Resources for Small and/or DAC Water Systems ............................... 10-14
10.3.7 Recycled Water, Desalination, and Groundwater Funding Programs ................ 10-16
10.3.8 EPA Grants ................................................................................................................ 10-18
10.3.9 WaterSMART Grants ................................................................................................ 10-19
10.3.10 Funding Opportunity Resources ............................................................................ 10-20
10.4 References .............................................................................................................................. 21
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 10-1: Proposition 84 Funds Awarded to the SLO Region ................................................ 10-13
LIST OF TABLES
Table 10-1: Past State Grants Awarded to the IRWM Region ....................................................... 10-3
Table 10-2: Funding Snapshot of Implementation List ................................................................. 10-4
Table 10-3: SLO DCI Grant Awards ................................................................................................ 10-10
Table 10-4: Funding Opportunity Resources ............................................................................... 10-21
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 10-1
10 FINANCING STRATEGIES
Research conducted as part of the Integrated Regional Water Management (IRWM) Planning
process includes investigating funding opportunities for the implementation of projects. This
section begins with the review of these programs providing information on available:
Local government funding to the IRWM Plan member agencies
Grants and loans that may be applied for by IRWM Plan stakeholders
A comprehensive list of the current state and federal funding programs is included as a
resource for existing and future project sponsors wishing to pursue government financial
support in the implementation of their projects.
For additional project support, a definition on how the IRWM Plan’s adaptive approach is based
on the project type and the current stage of planning, design, and construction is included in
Section 6 - Project Selection Process. Section 10 expands upon the two funding approach
methodologies first discussed in Section 1 - Introduction by utilizing the available funding
sources and strategies described herein. Project specific funding mechanisms, such as rate
structures, for project construction and project operation and maintenance are described
within the List of Projects (Table 6-5) approved for IRWM Plan implementation.
This section includes the following:
Funding for the IRWM Plan – Describes the funding sources, programs, and grants
used for the long-term development and funding of the IRWM Plan.
Local Government Funding – Describes local funding mechanisms/sources in the
IRWM Planning region for consideration by the Regional Water Management Group
(RWMG) in implementation of IRWM Plan capital projects and programs, including the
funding certainty for maintenance and operations after construction.
Grants and Loans (State and Federal) – Details the currently available funding
programs from state and federal sources.
Funding Recycled Water/Desalination Programs – Details the potential funding of a
regional recycled/desalination project in the IRWM Planning region.
Grant Funding Matrix – Lists the different grant and loan programs currently on-going
with specialized funding based on appropriations given to the program, and according
to the project type, project benefits, agency, etc.
Project Implementation Strategy – Includes an expanded methodology of funding
based on the regional and local benefits of a project.
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May 2020 10-2
10.1 FUNDING OF THE IRWM PLAN IMPLEMENTATION
To date, the IRWM Planning effort has been funded through the San Luis Obispo County Flood
Control and Water Conservation District (District). The District serves as the approving body and
lead agency for the IRWM Plan’s development and implementation. While the District is
governed by the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors, its board members and shared
County staff act separately.
The District receives local funding through its general property tax allocations and from
revenues provided by participating agencies, organizations, and other parties benefiting from
District services. Both the District and the California Department of Water Resources (DWR)
provide funding for developing and updating the IRWM Plan. DWR funding for planning and
implementation of the IRWM Plan has historically been obtained through the District’s
application for publicly supported grants issued as part of California water bond measures
(Propositions 50, 84, and 1). Past grants awarded to the SLO IRWM Region are included in Table
10-1. Awardees also contribute to the cost of IRWM Program efforts, such as IRWM Plan
updates, in accordance with the RWMG MOU.
In-kind staff time is provided by members of the RWMG. As noted in Section 2 - Governance,
the RWMG is a volunteer group of water resources stakeholders representing water entities
throughout SLO County. Members are expected to actively participate in all aspects of the SLO
IRWM Plan Update process including, but not limited to, the following activities:
Actively communicate IRWM Planning activities to all stakeholders including represented
interest groups, and individuals
Review and provide guidance in the preparation of the IRWM Plan Update
Adopt elements of the IRWM Plan Update to elevate to a policy level
Prepare and attend RWMG meetings and actively participate in discussions
Attend workshops and other outreach activities
Work with the Water Resources Advisory Committee (WRAC) subcommittee in
responding to questions and concerns
Approve the Final IRWM Plan Update and forward to the WRAC for their
recommendation of approval to the SLO County Board of Supervisors
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May 2020 10-3
Table 10-1: Past State Grants Awarded to the IRWM Region
Grant Title Year Amount Description of Benefit/Work Product
Proposition 50 Chapter 8 IRWM
Planning Grant
2008 $500K Data Enhancement Plan
Flood Management Plan
Groundwater Banking Plan
Regional Permitting Plan
Proposition 84 IRWM
Implementation Grant (Round 1)
2011 $10.4M “Plan B” Water Supply Replacement
Projects
Proposition 84 IRWM Planning
Grant
2012 $1M IRWM Plan Update
Salt & Nutrient Planning
Groundwater Modeling
Recycled Water Planning
Watershed Planning
Proposition 84 Expedited Drought
Grant
2014 $6.3M CSA 23-Atascadero MWC-Garden
Farms Emergency Intertie
Heritage Ranch CSD Emergency
Turnout
Cambria CSD Emergency Water
Supply
Proposition 84 IRWM
Implementation Grant (Round 2)
2015 $3.7M Templeton CSD Upper Salinas River
Basin Conjunctive Use
San Simeon CSD Well Head
Treatment
Oceano CSD Water Resource
Reliability Program Planning Study
Proposition 1 IRWM Planning
Grant
2016 $200K IRWM Plan Update
Region-wide Stormwater Resource
Plan
Proposition 1 Disadvantage
Community Involvement Grant
2017 $940K IRWM Region DAC Needs Assessment
Projects in the five recognized DACs
10.1.1 Funding Snapshot of the Implementation List
As detailed in Section 6, this plan includes 25 projects that RWMG members intend to
implement over the next plan-cycle. A key component of any project development and
implementation is the funding strategy. Table 10-2 below summarizes each projects funding
source(s), certainty of those funding sources, and how operations and maintenance will be
financed.
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 10-4
Table 10-2: Funding Snapshot of Implementation List
2019 Implementation List Projects Financing Snapshot
Project Sponsor
Project Name
(Alphabetical by
Sponsor)
Implementation
Funding Mechanisms
/ Source
Certainty / Longevity
of Funding, if known.
Source of Operation
& Maintenance
Funding
Cambria CSD
WWTP Nutrient Removal and
Efficiency Improvements
PG&E Rebates, SRF Loan,
Rate Payers, Local Share
Funding,PG&E financing
Partially secured Rate Payers
Cayucos Sanitary District
Cayucos Sustainable Water
Project, Phase 1
USDA Grants, Low
interest loans Secured Rate Payers
Cayucos Sanitary District
Cayucos Sustainable Water
Project, Phase 2
TBD Unsecured Rate Payers
City of Pismo Beach
Central Coast Blue
Clean Water SRF, USDA,
Prop 1 GWGP Partially secured Rate Payers
City of San Luis Obispo
One Water SLO
SRF Loan, FEMA Grant
(secured), Rate payers Secured Rate Payers
City of San Luis Obispo
Mid Higuera Bypass TBD Unsecured TBD
City of San Luis Obispo
Recycled Water Distribution
System Expansion
TBD Unsecured Rate Payers
City of San Luis Obispo
Meadow Park Stormwater
Capture and Use
TBD Unsecured TBD
Coastal San Luis RCD
Remediation and BMP
Implementation in the Oso
Flaco Watershed
State Parks, SWRCB Partially secured TBD
Coastal San Luis RCD
Livestock and Land Program TBD Unsecured Unknown
County of San Luis Obispo
Oceano 13th St.
Drainage
CalTrans, County, CDBG,
FEMA, others Secured County of SLO
County of San Luis Obispo
Mountain Springs Road
Sediment Control
TBD Unsecured City of Paso Robles
Estrella-El Pomar-Creston
Water District
Huer Huero Recharge Project
TBD Unsecured TBD
Los Osos CSD
8th Street Well Construction Local funds, grants Partially secured Rate Payers
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 10-5
2019 Implementation List Projects Financing Snapshot
Project Sponsor
Project Name
(Alphabetical by
Sponsor)
Implementation
Funding Mechanisms
/ Source
Certainty / Longevity
of Funding, if known.
Source of Operation
& Maintenance
Funding
Morro Bay National Estuary
Program (NEP)
Los Padres CCC Center
Stormwater LID
TBD, grants, other State
funding Unsecured Rate Payers
Morro Bay NEP
Water Conservation
Partnerships in Chorro Valley
Local funds, TBD Unsecured N/A
Morro Bay NEP
Baywood Park 2nd Street
Stormwater Management
TBD Unsecured Rate Payers
Nipomo CSD
Supplemental Water Project,
Final Phase
Rate Payers, Grants Partially secured Rate Payers
Oceano CSD
Oceano LID Project
Oceano CSD reserves,
Grants Partially secured Rate Payers
San Miguel CSD
Wastewater Treatment Plant
Expansion
TBD Unsecured Unknown
San Miguelito Mutual Water
Company
Lower San Luis Obispo Creek
Fish Passage Improvement
and Seawater Intrusion
Barrier
SMMWC Funds, Grants,
TBD Partially secured Rate Payers
San Simeon CSD
Reservoir Expansion Project
USDA Loan, District
funds, grants Unsecured Rate Payers
Upper Salinas-Las Tablas
RCD
Santa Rosa Creek Floodplain
Feasibility Study
TBD Unsecured N/A
Upper Salinas-Las Tablas
RCD
Santa Rosa Creek Streamflow
Enhancement
TBD Unsecured N/A
Upper Salinas-Las Tablas
RCD
SLO County Key Percolation
Zone Study
TBD Unsecured N/A
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 10-6
10.2 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FUNDING
The information presented below identifies potential sources of local funding used for capital
projects and management programs needed to implement the IRWM Plan. This includes
sources of funding that RWMG member agencies will use to meet maintenance and operations
obligations for IRWM projects. It also describes the constraints that local governments face in
generating revenues. Each member that seeks grant funding will need to demonstrate that
maintenance and operations funds are to be committed to the projects. This could include
proof through an adopted capital improvement plan, other engineering feasibility studies and
reports, rate studies, or approved funding programs adopted pursuant to California
requirements.
10.2.1 Integrating Funding Authorities and Sources
Because most grant programs require a local match, integrating local funding authorities and
sources could help the SLO Region pursue grant-funded projects and seek state and federal
funding. Integrating available local funding, supporting an approach, and cost sharing may be
needed to meet local match contributions or to fund project feasibility studies, design and
environmental review. Planning and permitting work often require local investments prior to
obtaining state or federal grants or loans for construction.
Under their general government authority, the cities, County, and District generate local
revenue from a variety of sources including general funds or enterprise funds, water and/or
sewer rates, developer or impact fees, connection fees, property taxes, sales taxes, etc. SLO
County can also generate fees pursuant to County ordinance and state law.
Joint Powers Authorities (JPAs) are often formed to coordinate shared project funding. The
County of SLO and the SLO County Flood Control and Water Conservation District entered into
a joint exercise of powers authority (JPA) by forming the SLO County Financing Authority on
August 22, 2000. This agreement creates a single public agency capable of arranging financing
of the acquisition and improvements for public projects that benefit multiple agencies. This was
done to avoid duplication of effort, inefficiencies in administration, and excessive costs related
to the financing of these projects.
10.2.2 San Luis Obispo County Financing Authority
The SLO County Financing Authority has been instrumental in the efficient financing of several
large wholesale water projects that serve multiple agencies throughout the County. This
includes the Lopez Dam Seismic Remediation Project which serves the City of Arroyo Grande,
City of Pismo Beach, City of Grover Beach, Oceano Community Services District, and County
Service Area 12 directly and many other entities indirectly. The JPA also financed the
Nacimiento Water Pipeline Project currently serving the City of Paso Robles, City of San Luis
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Obispo, Atascadero Mutual Water Company, Templeton Community Services District, and
County Service Area 10.
The SLO County Financing Authority has issued both tax-exempt bonds to serve municipal
agencies and taxable bonds to serve private water companies. Any agency can become an
associate member of the JPA to issue debt specific to their individual needs. For example, the
City of San Luis Obispo became an associate member, so the City could issue Bond Anticipation
Notes to finance preliminary costs for its share of the Nacimiento Water Pipeline Project.
10.2.3 Benefit Assessments
Funding for a large regional project such as a drinking water or recycled water treatment plant,
or large water conveyance systems, is often obtained through benefit assessments. Benefit
assessments are special charges levied on property to pay for public improvements that benefit
property in a predetermined district. Regional drinking water, recycled water, flood control and
storm water, ecosystem management, groundwater storage, and water quality protection are
all project types that have been identified as high priority candidates in the SLO Region.
Benefit assessments link the cost of public improvements to those landowners who specifically
benefit from the improvements. Benefit assessment zones are defined geographically, and
levies are put on all properties within a designated benefit assessment zone. The boundaries of
a benefit assessment district may coincide exactly with those of a city, county, or other existing
special district, or they may cover only part of those jurisdictions.
A comprehensive engineer’s report is needed to form a benefit assessment district. The report
must outline the proposed area, key projects, estimated project costs, annual cost to each
property, and the benefit formula used to determine each property’s share of the cost. It forms
the legal basis for a benefit assessment district and must be formally approved by the
governing body that will administer the district. In November 1996, California voters approved
Proposition 218, the Right to Vote on Taxes Act, which among other constraints (see Section
10.2.4, below), established a strict definition of special benefits and instituted a common
formation and ratification process for all benefit assessment districts.
10.2.4 Local Funding Constraints
The RWMG defines how monies are collected and decisions are made for the IRWM Program.
One aspect of this role is the RWMG’s responsibility to identify stable sources of funding for
shared programs that are determined to provide benefits to member agencies. The RWMG
provides mechanisms for ongoing and stable funding for projects with shared benefits.
Local government funding is required for multiple purposes and the ability for local
governments in the SLO Region is constrained by economic and political realities. Like other
regions of the state, the SLO Region has a limited ability to pay for all necessary improvement
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projects or programs. Grants and loans become important in leveraging the limited local
financing capacity.
Passed in 1978, Proposition 13 created limits on the ability of city and county governments to
raise property taxes. Proposition 218 creates similar constraints for agencies and special
districts, including specific procedural requirements related to generating fees and
assessments. Any efforts to generate new charges and assessments would be subject to
property owner and/or customer approval. Planning or construction of new facilities requires a
full evaluation of benefits and costs and an electoral process, as defined by the proposition and
amendments to state law.
For specific projects to be implemented under the IRWM Plan, it is important to note that one of
the evaluation criteria for project prioritization was the presence of the local cost share, and the
presence of a solid plan to define stable funding for construction and long-term maintenance
and operations of proposed projects.
10.3 GRANTS AND LOANS (STATE AND FEDERAL)
Like other regions of the state, the SLO IRWM Region has a limited ability to pay for further
projects. With numerous areas of the Region designated in the 2010 census as low income (in
addition to state-designated DACs), there is a constrained ability to raise local revenue.
Fortunately, grants and loans are available that can facilitate implementation of IRWM Plan
projects.
Various international, federal, and state agencies provide technical assistance and program
funding for IRWM projects. Additionally, there are often grant programs that are specific to, or
prioritize, DACs. SLO RWMG member organizations have received funding for the following
project types:
Groundwater management
Water recycling
Water quality protection and improvement
Desalination of brackish groundwater
Support for meeting critical water supply treatment, storage, and quality needs of DACs
and other small cities
The number and type of grant or loan programs available to public agencies and utilities in any
given year can vary significantly based on whether the Legislature targets appropriations to the
programs. Many of the grant programs below are on-going with rounds of grant monies
provided upon availability of funding. It should be noted, the cost to prepare a grant application
is typically the responsibility of the benefitting agency/agencies.
The remainder of this section includes descriptions of grant and loan programs relevant to
IRWM projects. This is not a comprehensive list of financing strategies but rather a snapshot of
notable grants and programs at the time of the Plan’s update.
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10.3.1 Proposition 68
The California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection, and Outdoor Access for All
Act of 2018, or Proposition 68 (Prop 68), allocates a total of $4 billion for various projects and
programs outlined in the act. While Prop 68 does not allot funds for an IRWM grant program,
there are several water-related provisions that could provide funding opportunities for projects
within the IRWM Plan. Here are some of the specified allocations that could be relevant to
IRWM projects:
$10 million to DWR for the Urban Streams Restoration Program
$80 million to SWRCB for competitive grants awarded to projects preventing or
reducing groundwater contamination
$35 million for California Ocean Protection Trust Fund grants
$20 million to State Coastal Conservancy for grants for coastal forest watersheds
$30 million to the Department of Fish and Wildlife for the Fisheries Restoration Grant
Program and related projects
$10 to Department of Food and Agriculture for grants that promote agricultural
practices supporting climate change adaptation and mitigation
$60 million to Natural Resources Agency for competitive grants for projects promoting
climate change adaptation and mitigation or support natural, cultural, historic, and
Native American resources
$250 million for projects and programs that provide safe drinking water and improve
water quality
$100 million to the Natural Resources Agency for competitive grants for multi-benefit
projects that address flooding in urban areas
$290 million for investments (some through competitive grants) in drought and
groundwater projects aimed at achieving sustainability
10.3.2 Proposition 1
The Water Quality, Supply, and Infrastructure Improvement Act
of 2014 – also known as Proposition 1 or Prop 1 – is a bond act
authorizing $7.12 billion for California water supply
infrastructure projects. Of this total, $510 million is designated
for IRWM grants administered by DWR. The Prop 1 IRWM Grant
Program is divided into three parts: IRWM Planning, IRWM
Implementation, and Disadvantaged Community Involvement.
Developed by DWR, the 2016 IRWM Grant Program Guidelines
outline how the agency will allocate the Prop 1 funds. The funds
are earmarked by Funding Area with a total of $43 million
allotted to the Central Coast Funding Area.
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10.3.2.1 IRWM Planning Grant
In 2016, DWR awarded 15 applicants with a total of $4.2 million to be used for IRWM Plan
updates or for the development of new IRWM Plans. The SLO Region received $204,183
through this grant to update the IRWM Plan and develop a regional Stormwater Resource Plan
(SWRP) according to the 2016 IRWM Plan Standards. In addition to the SWRP component, most
of the updates to the 2016 Guidelines pertain to evaluation of and preparation for regional
impacts of climate change on water resources and systems.
10.3.2.2 Disadvantaged Community Involvement Program
A minimum of $1 million is required to fund the Disadvantaged Community Involvement (DCI)
Program. This program ensures that disadvantaged communities (DACs), economically
disadvantaged areas (EDAs), and underrepresented communities – collectively referred to as
DACs by DWR – are involved in their region’s IRWM planning process. Along with increasing the
involvement of DACs in IRWM planning, the DCI program aims to identify and comprehend the
water management needs of DACs and promote efforts to address those needs. At least $51
million of the Implementation Grant funds must be awarded to projects directly supporting
DACs.
The official DCI Request for Proposals was released on August 1, 2016. To receive funding, each
IRWM Funding Area was required to submit a single proposal for the entire area. The Central
Coast Funding Area Agreement, signed in February of 2018, awards the area with a total of $4.3
million. The SLO Region was allocated a total of $938,570, which was subdivided as specified in
Table 10-3.
Table 10-3: SLO DCI Grant Awards
Funded Project Project Sponsor Award
IRWM Region DAC Needs Assessment SLO Flood Control District $58,353
Water Resources Reliability Program Phase 2 Oceano CSD $177,750
Turnout Pump Station Design and Water Master Plan
Update City of Grover Beach $177,750
Water Resource Recovery Facility Project Value
Engineering at 60% Design City of San Luis Obispo $78,125
Reservoir Expansion Project Development & Water
Master Plan Update San Simeon CSD $177,750
Wastewater Plant Upgrade Study and Recharge Basin
Study San Miguel CSD $177,750
Funding Administration – Central Coast Funding Area Central Coast Funding
Area Applicant $70,392
Funding Administration – SLO Region SLO Flood Control District $20,700
10.3.2.3 IRWM Implementation Grant
The IRWM Implementation Grant includes two rounds of project solicitation (planned to occur
in 2018 and 2020). DWR plans to release a Proposal Solicitation Package (PSP) for Round 1 of
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the IRWM Implementation Grant in Fall of 2018. To be eligible for implementation grants, a
region’s IRWM Plan must be updated to comply with the 2016 Guidelines. While detailed project
evaluation criteria will be outlined in the PSPs, the Implementation Grant will fund projects that
support the Statewide Priorities for water (described in 2016 IRWM Guidelines):
1. Make conservation a California way of life
2. Increase regional self-reliance and integrated water management across all levels of
government
3. Achieve the co-equal goals for the Delta
4. Protect and restore important ecosystems
5. Manage and prepare for dry periods
6. Expand water storage capacity and improve groundwater management
7. Provide safe water for all communities
8. Increase flood protection
9. Increase operational and regulatory efficiency
10. Identify sustainable and integrated financing opportunities
Once the Round 1 PSP is released, the RWMG will develop a
corresponding grant-specific project list to determine which projects
will be included in the region’s application for Prop 1 Implementation
Grant funds.
10.3.3 Proposition 68
The California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection, and Outdoor Access For All
Act of 2018 – also known as Proposition 68 or Prop 68 – is a bond act authorizing $4.1 billion for
California various public parks/access, ecosystem and water projects. While there are now
specific IRWM funds identified in the bond, numerous funded programs and priorities support
the goals and objectives of state-wide IRWM and San Luis Obispo County. These programs
include:
Ch.7 – California River Recreation, Creek, and Waterway Improvements Program
Ch. 9 – Ocean, Bay, and Coastal Protection
Ch. 10 – Climate Preparedness, Habitat Resiliency, Resource Enhancement and
Innovation
Ch. 11 – Clean Drinking Water and Drought Preparedness
o Ch. 11.1 – Groundwater Sustainability
o Ch. 11.5 – Flood Protection and Repair
o Ch. 11.6 – Regional Sustainability for Drought and Groundwater and water
Recycling
State agencies with Prop 68 programs include the Department of Water Resources, State Water
Resources Control Board, Department of Fish and Wildlife, State Coastal Conservatory, and
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May 2020 10-12
many more. A complete list of programs is available on the California Natural Resources Agency
website.
10.3.4 Proposition 84 and Proposition 1E
The DWR IRWM Grant Program was first created under the Water Security, Clean Drinking
Water, Coastal and Beach Protection Act of 2002 (Proposition 50). Continued funding for the
program was provided by the Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control,
River and Coast Protection Bond Act of 2006 (Proposition 84). Complementary funding was also
provided by the Disaster Preparedness and Flood Prevention Bond Act or 2006 (Proposition 1E)
for the Stormwater Flood Management Grant Program.
Both funding programs are administered by DWR and awarded funds to local public agencies
and non-profit organizations for projects to enhance water supply reliability a
nd improve and protect water quality. DWR developed Program Guidelines that met the
requirements of Proposition 84 and Proposition 1E and required awarded projects and
programs to be consistent with an approved IRWM Plan. The revised Program Guidelines were
adopted and released by DWR in August 2010 and updated in November 2012. The guidelines
included general program requirements, eligibility specifications, proposal selection
information, and the IRWM Plan standards. The guidelines established three grant programs:
IRWM Planning Grant, IRWM Implementation Grant, and Stormwater Grant.
10.3.4.1 Proposition 84 Grant Funding
General obligation bonds totaling $5.388 billion were authorized with Proposition 84 (Prop 84)
to fund safe drinking water, water quality and supply, flood control, waterway and natural
resource protection, water pollution and contamination control, state and local park
improvements, public access to natural resources, and water conservation efforts. Of the total
Prop 84 funds, $823 million were awarded through the IRWM Grant Program.
The SLO Region was awarded a total of $21.427 million through Prop 84 to support IRWM
projects and plans. Figure 10-1 depicts the various projects awarded and their funding
amounts. The four colors represent different Prop 84 funding rounds: green for 2012 planning
grants; orange for 2011 implementation grants; blue for expedited drought grants from 2014;
pink for final round implementation grants.
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Figure 10-1: Proposition 84 Funds Awarded to the SLO Region
10.3.4.2 Proposition 1E Grant Funding
The California State Legislature was authorized to appropriate $300 million for grants via
Proposition 1E (Prop 1E) for Stormwater Flood Management projects. To be eligible, projects
had to be within an approved IRWM region, and special consideration was given to projects with
multiple benefits. Prop 1E Stormwater Flood Management Grant funds were split into two
rounds of funding; during Round 1, one project in the SLO Region was awarded $2.797 million.
10.3.5 State Revolving Funds
10.3.5.1 Clean Water State Revolving Fund
The Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) program, in place since 1987, operates as a
partnership between the US EPA and states. In California, the SWRCB manages the CWSRF
program to finance the protection and improvement of water quality. The program is funded by
federal grants, state funds, and revenue bonds, and offers low interest financing agreements
for eligible projects. Local governments and public agencies, Native American Tribal
$185,138
$198,397
$362,431
$2,956,796
$281,220
$4,382,255
$255,226
$1,404,909
$55,556
$2,200,000
$2,200,000
$5,945,444
$250,000
$200,000
$50,000
$100,000
$200,000
$15,000
$185,000
Grant Administration
Oceano CSD Water Resources Reliability Program
San Simeon CSD Well Head Treatment
Templeton CSD Upper Salinas Conjunctive Use
Grant Administration
Cambria CSD Emergency Water Supply
Heritage Ranch CSD Emergency Turnout
CSA 23-AMWC-Garden Farms Intertie
Grant Administration
Nipomo Supplemental Water Project
Flood Control Zone 1/1A Project
Los Osos Wastewater Project
Watershed Management Planning
Regional Recycled Water Planning
Paso Robles Groundwater Basin Model
Paso Robles Groundwater Basin SNMP
Santa Maria Groundwater Basin Study
Identification of Basins Requiring SNMPs
Update Plan to Meet Standards
SLO Region Prop 84 Awards
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organizations, nonprofits, and National Estuary Programs can receive low-interest financing
agreements in the range of $1 million to $100 million for projects that provide clean drinking
water, reduce water pollution, or protect aquatic habitats.
Applications are accepted on a continuous basis. See the CWSRF Forms and Instructions for
more details.
10.3.5.2 SWRCB Small Community Grant
One of the SWRCB’s financial assistance programs is the Small Community Grant (SCG)
Program, which is administered as part of the CWSRF. This program provides financial
assistance to small DACs for wastewater facility infrastructure projects. The Proposition 1 Water
Bond included a $260 million allocation to the SCG program.
10.3.5.3 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund
The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) was established in 1996 by an amendment to
the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). The EPA provides states with funds for the DWSRF, and
states provide a 20 percent match in funding. States use this money in a revolving fund that
provides low-interest loans to community water systems and nonprofit non-community water
systems for drinking water infrastructure projects.
The California SWRCB oversees this program, and only considers projects included on the
Board’s Comprehensive List of public water systems seeking funds for drinking water
infrastructure projects. This list is updated on a quarterly basis and applications can be
submitted at any time. See the DWSRF Forms and Instructions webpage for more information.
10.3.6 Additional Resources for Small and/or DAC Water Systems
Financial assistance for small and/or DAC water systems can be found through multiple
programs where attention is focused on ensuring assistance is technically and economically
feasible. Some of the notable programs for these communities are summarized in the following
subsections.
In addition to the available funding opportunities, there are many other resources and
organizations targeted at small or disadvantaged water systems, such as those listed below:
Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC)
California Rural Water Association (CRWA)
Expense Reimbursement Grant (ERG), CPS Human Resources Services
California State University Sacramento, Office of Water Programs (CSUS)
American Water Works Association (AWWA), California-Nevada Section
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10.3.6.1 Proposition 1 Technical Assistance
A recent effort aimed at supporting DACs is the Proposition 1 (Prop 1) Technical Assistance (TA)
program overseen by the SWRCB’s Office of Sustainable Water Solutions. The Prop 1 TA
provides project development, legal, and other types of assistance for projects related to
drinking water, wastewater, groundwater, and storm water.
10.3.6.2 USEPA Environment Justice Grants and Funding
The EPA’s Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem-Solving Cooperative Agreement
Program is aimed at helping local nonprofits, tribes, and tribal organizations address
environmental and public health issues. The funding agreements are intended to facilitate
cooperative solutions to local issues. In 2018, ten projects will be selected for a maximum
award of $120,000 over two years.
The Environmental Justice Small Grants Program provides up to $30,000 to projects that
address environmental or public health issues, including those improving water quality or
enhancing aquatic habitats. Organizations that are eligible for these grants are nonprofits, tribal
governments, and tribal organizations.
The award amounts for these programs vary from year to year depending on available funding.
10.3.6.3 HUD Community Development Block Grant Program
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has several opportunities under its
Community Development Block Grants (CDBG). Grant money is given to California, which then
allocates the funds to the chosen cities and communities. The CDBG programs cover an array of
community development needs including grants for public facilities and
infrastructure that support potable water and wastewater systems. The overall
goal of the CDBG programs are to ensure low-income communities have
suitable, affordable housing and access to necessary community services. HUD
CDBG Programs that may be applicable to the IRWM Region include:
Entitlement Program
This program allocates annual grants to larger cities and metropolitan areas to develop
housing, enhance economic opportunities, and provide community services to
populations of low or moderate income.
CDBG State Program
States award grants to local governments for community development activities
benefiting vulnerable communities. Annually, each state develops funding priorities and
criteria for selecting projects.
Section 108 Loan Guarantee Program
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This loan program offers funding for communities to spend on housing, public facilities,
economic development, and other revitalization projects. These can include projects that
enhance community resilience to natural disasters.
10.3.6.4 USDA Rural Development Programs
The USDA Rural Development Water and Environmental Programs (WEP) provides loans, grants,
and loan guarantees for drinking water and wastewater projects in rural areas. WEPs target
rural communities with 10,000 people or fewer, and public agencies, nonprofit organizations,
and Federally-recognized tribes are eligible for funding. The USDA Rural Development
programs are a resource for rural and disadvantaged communities in the SLO Region planning
to develop their water and wastewater facilities. The USDA Rural Utilities Service can assist
communities with preparing projects for other funding sources. Funds can be used for
construction, land acquisition, legal fees, engineering fees, capitalized interest, equipment,
initial operation and maintenance costs, and costs to complete a project.
Through the Emergency Community Water Assistance Grant Program, the USDA provides
funding to rural or tribal communities for projects that support preparation for or recovery
from various emergencies threatening safe and reliable drinking water supplies. Possible
awards include up to $150,000 for repairs or improvements to distribution systems and up to
$500,000 for construction of water supply or treatment facilities. Applications are accepted on a
rolling basis.
The local USDA Rural Development office is in Santa Maria and oversees the administration of
local grants and agreements.
10.3.6.5 Economic Development Administration Grants
The Economic Development Administration (EDA) – a branch of the U.S. Department of
Commerce – oversees Economic Development Assistance Programs that benefit economically
distressed areas in the US. Through the Public Works and Economic Development program, the
EDA awards grants and cooperative agreements for projects that promote economic prosperity
and support job development. Public agencies, tribal organizations, higher education
institutions, and nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply for these investment
opportunities; applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
10.3.7 Recycled Water, Desalination, and Groundwater Funding Programs
The IRWM Plan identifies several projects for recycling of wastewater, desalination of ocean
water, and groundwater banking and/or storage (see Appendix F –Project List) Implementing
such projects will help the Region to live within current and projected water supply limits.
Financial support for recycled water projects is available to the SLO Region through programs
at both the state and federal level.
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10.3.7.1 SWRCB Water Recycling Funding Program (WRFP)
Proposition 1, Proposition 13, and the CWSRF have all contributed funds to the SWRCB’s Water
Recycling Funding Program. The program awards loans and grants for both construction and
planning of water recycling facilities. Local public agencies are eligible for planning grants, and
local public agencies, water utilities, Federal and State Tribes, and mutual water companies can
all apply for financial assistance for construction. Detailed information on the program is
contained in the Water Recycling Funding Program Guidelines.
10.3.7.2 DWR Desalination Grant Funding Program
The Desalination Grant Program is designed to assist local public agencies to enhance local
water supplies through the construction of brackish water and ocean water desalination
projects. Funds from Proposition 1 and Proposition 50 have supported this initiative, which
provides grants for planning, design, construction, and research projects. Four finite funding
rounds have been executed; however, a Continuous Application Process was implemented as
of March 30, 2018.
10.3.7.3 Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act – Title XVI
Title XVI of Public Law 102-575, the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and
Facilities Act, authorizes the federal government to partially fund the capital cost of water
recycling and reuse projects. The Title XVI act directs the Secretary of the Interior to undertake a
program to research and identify opportunities for water reclamation and reuse of wastewaters
and impaired ground and surface waters. The Act also allocated funds to support local agencies
plan, design, and construct water reclamation projects. Overseen by the Bureau of Reclamation,
funding opportunities vary in availability; more information can be found on the Title XVI –
Water Reclamation and Reuse website.
10.3.7.4 Proposition 1 Groundwater Grant Program
Prop 1 included a provision of $900 million to support a Groundwater Sustainability Program. A
total of $800 million in grant funds will be awarded by the SWRCB for the prevention and
cleanup of groundwater contamination. These funds will be awarded to public agencies,
utilities, tribes, and mutual water companies through two rounds of funding. Round 1 grant
agreements will be completed in Fall of 2018, and Round 2 preliminary grant awards will be
announced at the end of 2018.
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10.3.8 EPA Grants
California is part of the EPA Region 9 (shown in the adjacent
image). The EPA maintains a website with information on grants
available to Region 9.
The EPA also has a general EPA Grants website; some of the
grant programs and resources relevant to the IRWM Plan are
listed below:
Beach Grants
Learn about BEACH Act grants awarded to eligible coastal
and Great Lakes states, territories, and tribes to develop and implement beach
monitoring and notification programs.
Clean Water State Revolving Fund
The CWSRF provides attractive, low-cost funding for projects that improve water quality,
renew wastewater infrastructure, and support local economies. See Section 10.3.5.1 for
more information.
Drinking Water State Revolving Fund
The Safe Drinking Water Act, through the DWSRF, makes funds available to drinking water
systems to finance infrastructure improvements. The program also emphasizes providing
funds to small and disadvantaged communities and to programs that encourage pollution
prevention as a tool for ensuring safe drinking water. See Section 10.3.5.3 for more
information.
Fed FUNDS
Federal Funding for Water/Wastewater Utilities in National Disasters (Fed FUNDS) features
federal disaster funding programs for water and/or wastewater utilities to obtain
information on federal disaster funding programs from Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA), EPA, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Housing and Urban
Development (HUD), and Small Business Administration (SBA). Using Fed FUNDS, a utility
can easily identify appropriate funding opportunities, gain insight on the application
process, access customized forms to document costs, download successful utility
applications, and contact utility funding mentors.
Grant Programs for Tribes
The EPA maintains a directory of grants available to Tribes, which includes a section
dedicated to water-related funding opportunities.
Health Watersheds Consortium Grants (HWCG)
The U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities, in partnership with the EPA, oversees
the HWCG. The Program funds the protection of watersheds and freshwater ecosystems
through land management efforts. Nonprofits, for-profit companies, local agencies, water
utilities, and states are all eligible to apply for grants.
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Performance Partnership Grants (PPG)
States, some interstate agencies, and tribes can combine multiple environmental program
grants into one PPG to reduce administrative costs and direct EPA grant funds to priority
environmental problems or program needs.
Section 106 Water Pollution Control Grants
Section 106 of the Clean Water Act authorizes the EPA to provide federal assistance to
states, interstate agencies, and tribes for water pollution control programs.
Watershed Funding
Visit this Web site to find tools, databases, and information about sources of funding to
agencies and organizations that serve to protect watersheds.
Wetlands
Along with a few other opportunities, the EPA provides funding for wetland protection
through the Wetlands Program Development Grants and the 5 Star Wetland and Urban
Waters Restoration Programs.
10.3.9 WaterSMART Grants
Congress recognized the growing stress on water supplies and water resources throughout the
nation and developed the SECURE Water Act of 2010. The Act authorizes federal water and
science agencies to work together with state and local water managers to plan for climate
change and the other threats to water supplies and to take action to secure water resources
and the benefits they provide.
To implement the SECURE Water Act, the WaterSMART (Sustain and Manage America’s
Resources for Tomorrow) program was implemented in February 2010. The U.S. Bureau of
Reclamation (or Reclamation), as the Department of the Interior’s main water management
agency, oversees the WaterSMART program. To implement the WaterSMART Program, the
Reclamation manages grants, scientific studies, technical assistance, and scientific expertise.
Listed below are the various grant and cost-share funding programs within WaterSMART:
Applied Science Grants
Various agencies with water or power authority can submit proposals to receive funding
for the development of tools and information, which will be used to improve water
resources management.
Basin Studies
This program offers cost-sharing for basin studies completed by the Reclamation and
non-Federal partners. The basin studies evaluate water supply and demand and are used
to develop strategies to address imbalances.
Cooperative Watershed Management Program (CWMP)
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The CWMP provides funds to watershed groups to improve stakeholder involvement and
develop local initiatives to solve watershed management issues.
Desalination Construction Program
Through the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act, the Reclamation is
developing a program to fund the construction of desalination projects.
Drought Response Program
Water managers can receive funding through this program to increase drought resiliency
through two routes: by updating or creating a drought plan, or by implementing a project
that increases the community’s drought resiliency.
Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects
Water districts, states, tribes, and local agencies can receive 50/50 cost share funding for
small-scale water efficiency improvement projects, such as installing flow measurement
systems.
Title XVI
Title XVI is the Reclamation’s water recycling and reuse program through which projects
implemented in partnership with local agencies can receive funding. See Section 10.3.7.3
for more information.
Water and Energy Efficiency Grants
Projects that improve water efficiency, generate hydropower, reduce future conflicts over
water, and increase water supply reliability can receive 50/50 cost share funding through
this grant program.
Water Marketing Strategy Grants
States, local governments, and tribes can receive financial support for the planning and
development of water marketing strategies, which will expand water markets or
marketing activities.
10.3.10 Funding Opportunity Resources
Table 10-4 below describes various websites and resources that provide information about
water-related funding opportunities.
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Table 10-4: Funding Opportunity Resources
Resource Description
SWRCB Grants and
Loans Website
The SWRCB Division of Financial Assistance lists the agency’s current
funding opportunities along with links to the details about each
opportunity.
https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/grants_loans/
DWR Grants and
Loans Websites
DWR provides information on its funding opportunities organized by topic
area. This webpage includes a brief overview of each opportunity and a
link to more details about each program.
https://water.ca.gov/Work-With-Us/Grants-And-Loans
CNRA Grants
Website
The California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) Grants webpage includes
links to the Agency’s current grant programs. It also includes a “Funding
Opportunities” link, which directs viewers to a regularly updated
spreadsheet of all the grant programs overseen by the CNRA and its
Departments and details on those programs.
http://resources.ca.gov/grants/
CNRA Statewide
Bonds Oversight
Website
This webpage includes links to program descriptions, balances, and
projects for statewide bonds that have allocated funds to the CNRA.
http://resources.ca.gov/bonds_and_grants/statewide_bonds_oversight/
Grants.gov
Grants.gov is an online database of federal grants that provides detailed
information on the opportunities and instructions for applicants. It can be
searched based on eligible applicant, funding type, topic area, or
supervising agency.
https://www.grants.gov/web/grants
SAM.gov
The U.S. federal government’s official website for listing financial
assistance opportunities. Opportunities can be queried by eligible
applicant types and supervising agency.
https://beta.sam.gov/
10.4 REFERENCES
American Water Works Association. (2018). AWWA. Retrieved from AWWA:
https://www.awwa.org/
California Environmental Protection Agency. (2017). Financial Assistance Programs – Grants and
Loans. Retrieved from CA.gov:
https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/grants_loans/srf/srf_forms.sht
ml
California Environmental Protection Agency. (2017). Water Recycling Funding Program (WRFP).
Retrieved from CA.gov:
https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/grants_loans/water_recycling/
proposition1_funding.shtml
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 10-22
California Legislature. (2018). SB-5 California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection,
and Outdoor Access For All Act of 2018. Retrieved from California Legislative Information:
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billCompareClient.xhtml?bill_id=201720180SB5
California Natural Resources Agency. (2015). Proposition 1E Overview. Retrieved from CA.gov:
http://bondaccountability.resources.ca.gov/p1e.aspx
California Natural Resources Agency. (2015). Proposition 84 Overview. Retrieved from CA.gov:
http://bondaccountability.resources.ca.gov/p84.aspx
California Natural Resources Agency. (2018). Grants Home. Retrieved from CA.gov:
http://resources.ca.gov/grants/
California Natural Resources Agency. (2018). Statewide Bonds Oversight. Retrieved from CA.gov:
http://resources.ca.gov/bonds_and_grants/statewide_bonds_oversight/
California Rural Water Association. (2017). Welcome to California Rural Water Association.
Retrieved from Cal Rural Water: https://calruralwater.org/
CPS HR Consulting. (2018). CPS HR Consulting. Retrieved from CPS HR Consulting:
https://www.cpshr.us/
Department of Water Resources. (2016). 2016 Disadvantaged Community Involvement Request for
Proposals. Retrieved from water.ca.gov: https://water.ca.gov/-/media/DWR-
Website/Web-Pages/Work-With-Us/Grants-And-Loans/IRWM-Grants/Files/Prop-1-
DACI/Files/DAC-Involvement-Request-for-
Proposals.pdf?la=en&hash=7F15F8002B5FF62DDB5FFA50B68D99FE5508C67A
Department of Water Resources. (2016). 2016 Integrated Regional Water Management Grant
Program Guidelines. Retrieved from water.ca.gov:
https://water.ca.gov/LegacyFiles/irwm/grants/docs/p1Guidelines/2016Prop1IRWMGuide
lines_FINAL_07192016.pdf
Department of Water Resources. (2018). DAC Involvement Program. Retrieved from water.ca.gov:
https://water.ca.gov/Work-With-Us/Grants-And-Loans/IRWM-Grant-
Programs/Proposition-1/DAC-Involvement-Program
Department of Water Resources. (2018). Grants and Loans. Retrieved from CA.gov:
https://water.ca.gov/Work-With-Us/Grants-And-Loans
Department of Water Resources. (2018). Water Desalination Grant Program. Retrieved from
CA.gov: https://water.ca.gov/Work-With-Us/Grants-And-Loans/Desalination-Grant-
Program
Grants.gov. (2018). EDAP2018. Retrieved from Grants.gov:
https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=306735
Grants.gov. (2018). Home. Retrieved from Grants.gov: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 10-23
Legislative Analyst's Office. (1996). Understanding Proposition 218. Retrieved from LAO:
https://lao.ca.gov/1996/120196_prop_218/understanding_prop218_1296.html#intro
Rural Community Assistance Corporation. (2018). RCAC. Retrieved from RCAC:
https://www.rcac.org/
Sacramento State Office of Water Programs. (2017). Water Programs Sacramento State. Retrieved
from Sacramento State : http://www.owp.csus.edu/
State Water Resources Control Board. (2015). Water Recycling Funding Program Guidelines.
Retrieved from CA.gov:
https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/grants_loans/water_recycling/
docs/wrfp_guidelines.pdf
State Water Resources Control Board. (2018). DWSRF. Retrieved from CA.gov:
https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/drinking_water/services/funding/SRFForms.html
State Water Resources Control Board. (2018). Financial Assistance Funding – Grants and Loans.
Retrieved from CA.gov:
https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/grants_loans/
State Water Resources Control Board. (2018). Financial Assistance Funding - Grants and Loans -
CWSRF. Retrieved from CA.gov:
https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/grants_loans/srf/
State Water Resources Control Board. (2018). Financial Assistance Programs – Grants and Loans.
Retrieved from CA.gov:
https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/grants_loans/small_communit
y_wastewater_grant/projects.html
State Water Resources Control Board. (2018). Proposition 1 Technical Assistance. Retrieved from
CA.gov:
https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/grants_loans/proposition1/doc
s/prop1_ta_fact_sheet.pdf
US Bureau of Reclamation . (2018). Title XVI – Water Reclamation and Reuse. Retrieved from USBR:
https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/title/index.html
US Bureau of Reclamation. (1992). H.R.429. Retrieved from USBR:
https://www.usbr.gov/lc/socal/PL102-575titlexvi.pdf
US Bureau of Reclamation. (2018). Applied Science Grants. Retrieved from USBR:
https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/appliedscience/index.html
US Bureau of Reclamation. (2018). Cooperative Watershed Management Program. Retrieved from
USBR: https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/cwmp/index.html
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 10-24
US Bureau of Reclamation. (2018). Desalination. Retrieved from USBR:
https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/desalination/index.html
US Bureau of Reclamation. (2018). Drought Response Program. Retrieved from USBR:
https://www.usbr.gov/drought/
US Bureau of Reclamation. (2018). Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects. Retrieved from USBR:
https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/swep/index.html
US Bureau of Reclamation. (2018). Title XVI – Water Reclamation and Reuse. Retrieved from USBR:
https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/title/
US Bureau of Reclamation. (2018). Water Marketing Strategy . Retrieved from USBR:
https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/watermarketing/index.html
US Bureau of Reclamation. (2018). WaterSMART (Sustain and Manage America's Resources for
Tomorrow). Retrieved from USBR: https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/index.html
US Bureau of Reclamation. (2018). WaterSMART Basin Studies. Retrieved from USBR:
https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/bsp/index.html
US Bureau of Reclamation. (2018). WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficiency Grants. Retrieved
from USBR: https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/weeg/index.html
US Department of Agriculture Rural Development. (2017). Emergency Community Water
Assistance Grants . Retrieved from USDA: https://www.rd.usda.gov/files/RD-FactSheet-
RUS-EmergCommWaterAssistance.pdf
US Department of Agriculture Rural Development. (2018). Rural Utilities Service. Retrieved from
USDA: https://www.rd.usda.gov/about-rd/agencies/rural-utilities-service
US Department of Agriculture Rural Development. (2018). Water & Environmental Programs.
Retrieved from USDA: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/all-programs/water-
environmental-programs
US Department of Housing and Urban Development. (2018). Community Development Block
Grant Entitlement Program. Retrieved from HUD Exchange:
https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/cdbg-entitlement/
US Department of Housing and Urban Development. (2018). Community Development Block
Grant Program – CDBG. Retrieved from HUD.gov:
https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/comm_planning/communitydevelopment/progra
ms
US Department of Housing and Urban Development. (2018). Section 108 Loan Guarantee
Program. Retrieved from HUD Exchange:
https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/section-108/
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 10-25
US Department of Housing and Urban Development. (2018). State Community Development Block
Grant Program. Retrieved from HUD Exchange:
https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/cdbg-state/
US Economic Development Administration. (2018). Funding Opportunities. Retrieved from EDA:
https://www.eda.gov/funding-opportunities/
US Environmental Proteciton Agency. (2018). Clean Water State Resolving Fund (CWSRF). Retrieved
from EPA: https://www.epa.gov/cwsrf
US Environmental Protection Agency. (2016). Water Pollution Control (Section 106) Grants.
Retrieved from EPA: https://www.epa.gov/water-pollution-control-section-106-grants
US Environmental Protection Agency. (2017). Environmental Justice Small Grants Program.
Retrieved from EPA: https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/environmental-justice-
small-grants-program
US Environmental Protection Agency. (2017). Grant Programs for Tribes. Retrieved from EPA:
https://www.epa.gov/tribal/grant-programs-tribes
US Environmental Protection Agency. (2017). National Environmental Performance Partnership
System (NEPPS). Retrieved from EPA: https://www.epa.gov/ocir/national-environmental-
performance-partnership-system-nepps
US Environmental Protection Agency. (2018). Beach Grants. Retrieved from EPA:
https://www.epa.gov/beach-tech/beach-grants
US Environmental Protection Agency. (2018). Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF).
Retrieved from EPA: https://www.epa.gov/drinkingwatersrf
US Environmental Protection Agency. (2018). EPA Grants. Retrieved from EPA:
https://www.epa.gov/grants
US Environmental Protection Agency. (2018). Federal Funding for Water and Wastewater Utilities in
National Disasters (Fed FUNDS). Retrieved from EPA: https://www.epa.gov/fedfunds
US Environmental Protection Agency. (2018). Federal Funding for Wetlands. Retrieved from EPA:
https://www.epa.gov/wetlands/federal-funding-wetlands
US Environmental Protection Agency. (2018). Funding Resources for Watershed Protection and
Restoration. Retrieved from EPA: https://www.epa.gov/nps/funding-resources-
watershed-protection-and-restoration
US Environmental Protection Agency. (2018). Grant for you Region: Information that is specific to
EPA Region 9. Retrieved from EPA: https://www.epa.gov/grants/grants-your-region-
information-specific-epa-region-9
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 10-26
US Environmental Protection Agency. (2018). Healthy Watersheds Consortium Grants (HWCG).
Retrieved from EPA: https://www.epa.gov/hwp/healthy-watersheds-consortium-grants-
hwcg
US Environmental Protection Agency. (2018). The Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem –
Solving Cooperative Agreement Program. Retrieved from EPA:
https://www.epa.gov/environmental-justice/environmental-justice-collaborative-
problem-solving-cooperative-agreement-0
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
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11 TABLE OF CONTENTS
11 Technical Analysis .............................................................................................................. 11-1
11.1 Technical Information Sources and Data Used .............................................................. 11-1
11.1.1 Regional Sources ........................................................................................................ 11-2
11.1.2 North Coast Sources .................................................................................................. 11-4
11.1.3 North County .............................................................................................................. 11-6
11.1.4 South County .............................................................................................................. 11-8
11.2 Relating Technical Sources to IRWM Goals ................................................................... 11-12
11.2.1 Relevance of Technical Sources each..................................................................... 11-12
11.2.2 Emphasis of Source Priorities and Data Gaps ...................................................... 11-18
11.3 References ........................................................................................................................ 11-19
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 11-1: Technical Document Breakdown by IRWM Goal.................................................... 11-19
LIST OF TABLES
Table 11-1: Technical Source Information for Defining IRWM Management Needs ............... 11-13
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11 TECHNICAL ANALYSIS
This section provides a discussion of:
The technical information sources and/or data sets used to develop the water
management needs in the IRWM Plan, explaining why this technical information is
representative or adequate for developing the IRWM Plan
How the technical information represents the current conditions, the scope of historic
highs and lows, or the best forecast for future years, etc.
Data gaps where additional monitoring or studies are needed, and how the Plan will
help bridge these data gaps
This section does not include the description of all technical analysis, information, and literature
undertaken and reviewed in the IRWM Plan development, knowing that certain data sets used
in the IRWM Plan are from studies, historical records, monitoring activities, or ongoing
investigations. The distinction is the need for this section to fully develop the technical basis for
its conclusions on the need for water resources management actions, including
implementation of projects and programs.
The 2016 State Guidelines require summary information such as what the particular technical
analysis does to support the required management actions and the level of certainty (or
uncertainty) involved in the analysis. More importantly, any data used in the findings of needed
management actions is required to be current and complete to the maximum extent practical.
Data gaps where additional monitoring or planning studies can further substantiate the need
for management actions are described, where and if possible. In addition, methodologies
utilized for the technical analysis are described within each technical document, where
available. Primary data sources (e.g., rainfall, stream flows, etc.) stemming from data collection
and reporting efforts are described in Section 9 – Data Management.
11.1 TECHNICAL INFORMATION SOURCES AND DATA USED
This section is based on much of the work and presentation of material in other sections of the
IRWM Plan. Most important is the general format of the IRWM Plan and the need to describe
the various sources of technical information by Sub-Region. The Sub-Regions are described in
detail by watershed in Section 3 – Region Description and Section 4 – IRWM Goals and
Objectives. Throughout the IRWM Plan, there are key references to the differentiators that
exist between the Sub-Regions, such as the varied climate change impacts anticipated for each
Sub-Region described in Section 14 – Climate Change.
The organization of technical information sources includes the title of the source, the website
where the source can be located (as of January 2019), the information used from each source,
and where applicable, the Sub-Region benefitting from the source. The sources are separated
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May 2020 11-2
based on their geographical relevance (regional or sub-regional) and then listed in alphabetical
order.
The criterion for selecting each source is its applicability in current-day conditions and the
availability of the source information through the internet to ensure the ease in accessibility to
the reader. In cases where no direct internet link is available, the value of the resource to
describing the management needs of the IRWM plan may outweigh the need for an internet
address. In addition, all hyperlinks are subject to change over time. The resource list will be
updated with each update of the IRWM Plan to maintain a current resource list with active
hyperlinks.
11.1.1 Regional Sources
2014-2016 Biennial Resource Summary Report
Provides information to guide decisions about balancing land development with the
resources necessary to sustain such development
Data collected through the system is used to identify resource problems and
recommending solutions
California's Groundwater: Bulletin 118
Provides a comprehensive overview of statewide groundwater resources
Discusses the need and urgency in conducting groundwater management
Provides the roles of the state and federal agencies in groundwater management
Includes an exhaustive inventory of the state’s groundwater information
Central Coast Groundwater: Seawater Intrusion and Other Issues
GeoTracker
A database which provides data sets in establishing needs related to groundwater
cleanup programs in the IRWM region
Data is found by address and facility type for known contaminant locations
Groundwater Flow Model Conversion and Urban Area Yield Update. Cleath-Harris
Geologists. (2009).
Provides an updated groundwater flow model for use in simulating and
understanding the sustainable yield of groundwater for urban communities reliant
on groundwater as source of drinking water
Identification & Prioritization of Groundwater Basins Requiring a Salt and Nutrient
Management Plan (SNMP) and SNMP Development Resources
On-line Ground Water Level Databasehttp://water.usgs.gov/ogw/data.html
Provides raw data sets for groundwater levels, aquifers, water use, groundwater
quality, local groundwater data, and other sources of water
San Luis Obispo County, Groundwater Monitoring Program Evaluation. Cleath &
Associates. (2008).
Provides the adequacy and level of effort to develop a groundwater monitoring
program for IRWM region
San Luis Obispo County Investigation (Volumes I and II) Bulletin 18
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 11-3
Provides the first estimate of San Luis Obispo groundwater basin storage and safe
yield
SLOC 2014 IRWM Plan
Provides the historical reference (or baseline) for regional water management
Forms much of the backbone of defining the needs of projects and programs
SLOC Agricultural Demand Inventory
SLOC Data Enhancement Plan
SLOC Flood Management Plan
SLOC General Plan.
Policies (i.e., Conservation Element) of the General Plan set goals and requirements
of urban water resources needs and management goals within the SLO County
region
SLOC Master Water Report Volume I
Provides the latest background information on water resources management efforts
taking place by Water Planning Area
Includes a full description of current data collection efforts throughout the county
SLOC Master Water Report Volume II
Provides a detailed description of each groundwater basin by WPA, who is using the
basin, the approximate storage capacity, and ongoing challenges facing the basin,
including groundwater management activities
Overview of surface water supplies, contract types, surface water reservoirs, and
other supply sources such recycled water and desalinization
Creates a detailed accounting of all water supplies and demands for each WPA,
including an understanding of the various water supply agencies and the rural and
ag water sectors. In many cases assumptions had to be made due to insufficient
data and resources to fully study certain water and land use categories
Water quality challenges are described with each WPA
Provides the criteria used to determine whether a supply shortfall exists and how
well the region’s Water Management Strategies address the shortfall
Considers the feasibility of groundwater recharge/banking
SLOC Master Water Report Volume III
Provides an understanding of the relationship for the Master Water Report to
various other water resources planning documents
Challenges in coordinating the Master Water Report with the IRWM planning process
are mentioned including the ability of the District to manage both documents
SLOC Regional Permit Program
SLOC Salt and Nutrient Management and Recycled Water Planning
SLOC Stormwater Resource Plan
Includes mandatory requirements in storm water quality, permitting, and reporting.
Provides potential solutions to the storm water quality management needs in the
SLO IRWM region
Defines methods for selecting Best Management Practices and related
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May 2020 11-4
implementation programs for improving storm water quality
SLOC Watersheds Management Plan
SLO Watershed Project
SLOC Regional Recycled Water Strategic Plan
Water Balance Study for the Northern Cities Area
Establishes a water balance used to define water supply management needs for:
o City of Pismo Beach
o City of Grover Beach
o City of Arroyo Grande
o Oceano Community Services District
Water Quality Conditions in the Central Coast Region Related to Agricultural Discharges
Provides information on nitrate contamination and groundwater basins at risk of
continued contamination from farming activities and private septic disposal systems
Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coast Basin
Provides a source of information regarding how the quality of surface water and
groundwater should be managed
Identifies quantitative water quality standards to meet through programs and other
described actions and an implementation plan
Includes waste discharge permitting and wastewater treatment effluent standards.
Includes identified uses of inland surface waters
Describes regulatory monitoring and assessment programs in the Central Coast
region
Water Quality Data (WQX)
Provides raw data sets for water quality, biological, and physical data
Water Use Estimates for Private Domestic Wells. Cleath-Harris Geologists. (2009).
Provides a method for calculating water demands for the rural areas of the IRWM
region to generate an overall water supply need (i.e., including ag and urban) in the
region
Water Years 2001-02 and 2002-03 Hydrologic Report
Includes a summary of hydrologic conditions for 2001-02 and 2002-03
Provides historical references to hydrologic parameters including rainfall,
evaporation, stream flow, groundwater elevations, and reservoirs, which forms the
basis of resource management conditions
11.1.2 North Coast Sources
2007 Water Management Plan Update
Most recent master plan for the community of Cayucos identifying needed
replacement and rehabilitation of aging capital facilities
Ashurst Well Field Nitrate Study (prepared for the City of Morro Bay).
A study looking at impacts of pumping from coastal groundwater basins and how
contaminants, including salt water, can be drawn in under peak season pumping
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May 2020 11-5
conditions
Cambria CSD 2017 Consumer Confidence Report
Provides water quality data from northernmost water districts using groundwater as
primary source of drinking water supply
Cambria CSD Urban Water Management Plan
The required content of the UWMP makes this resource an extremely useful
document in developing the water supply sustainability and water budget
information for the Cambria region
Cambria CSD Water Master Plan, Program Environmental Impact Report
Provides useful information of the sensitivity of what goes into an Environmental
Impact Report for the North Coast Region in implementing water supply system
improvements, including flooding and local environmental issues
Cayucos – County Service Area 10/10A Water Quality Report
Provides the latest information on the source and quality of the water being served
to the community of Cayucos
City of Morro Bay 2015 Urban Water Management Plan
The required content of the UWMP makes this resource a useful document in
developing the water supply sustainability and water budget information for the City
of Morro Bay region
Los Osos Groundwater Basin Salt and Nutrient Management Plan (2018)
With the construction of the Los Osos Wastewater Treatment Facility, this SNMP
established the framework for how salt and nutrient issues and can monitored and
managed.
Los Osos Basin Management Committee Annual Monitoring Reports
This website is updated annually with the reports.
Includes discussion and analysis of aquifer levels, sea water intrusion status,
recycled water injection, wastewater treatment operations, etc.
Morro Bay Nitrate Study
A study completed to evaluate the impacts of fertilizers, sewer exfiltration, animal
operations, and private septic systems on groundwater aquifers used for drinking
water supply wells
Speaks to the need to implement monitoring and management programs in the
small coastal basins. The main source of nitrate is identified as coming from
vegetable farming operations in the lower Morro Valley
North Coast Groundwater Studies. Cleath-Harris Geologists. (2009).
Much of the current groundwater understanding and references used in
understanding the needs of smaller North Coast groundwater basins stem from
these studies as a source for aquifer descriptions and storage capacity for small
coastal groundwater basins
Task 3 Los Osos Upper Aquifer Water Quality Characterization
Study closely looks at the understanding of drinking water supply aquifers
Updated Basin Plan for the Los Osos Groundwater Basin
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May 2020 11-6
The Los Osos groundwater basin is a good example where both water quality
degradation by nitrate and seawater intrusion are occurring simultaneously,
expressing the urgency in project solutions to sustain the health of the basin
11.1.3 North County
2015 Urban Water Management Plan for the Atascadero Mutual Water Company
Atascadero MWC depends on groundwater resources from the Atascadero Sub-
Basin of the Paso Basin and underflow from the Salinas River (considered as
groundwater)
Includes some consideration for alternative supplies, for example, Lake Nacimiento.
The required content of the UWMP makes this resource an extremely useful
document in developing the water supply sustainability and water budget
information for the City of Atascadero as well as identify the need for additional
supplies
Could not locate a 2010 UWMP
Atascadero Mutual Water Company Annual Water Quality Report
Provides a characterization of the water quality and water conservation programs
Bulletin 199 Basic Geology of the Santa Margarita Area, San Luis Obispo County,
California
Provides a detailed understanding of the hydrogeology of the Santa Margarita Valley
groundwater basin and Rinconada earthquake fault
Camp Roberts Joint Land Use Study (prepared for SLOC)
Provides a comprehensive evaluation of water resources, environmental and climate
change variables for the Camp Roberts area
City of Atascadero Adopted Sphere of Influence Update Municipal Service Review
Provides comprehensive background for City of Atascadero water and wastewater
resources and current and future capacity to meet water and wastewater demands
City of Paso Robles 2015 Urban Water Management Plan
City of Paso Robles depends on groundwater resources including Salinas River
underdrains
Recycled water supplies are included in their planned facilities along with
improvements to the wastewater treatment plant to reduce salt loading
City is progressing with a surface water treatment plant using 4,000 AFY of
Nacimiento water
The required content of the UWMP makes this resource an extremely useful
document in developing the water supply sustainability and water budget
information for the City of Paso Robles as well as identify the need for additional
supplies
City of Paso Robles Annual Water Quality Report
Provides a comprehensive understanding of the City of Paso Robles groundwater
supplies, including Salinas River underdrains
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
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Identifies groundwater issues and need for supplemental water supplies
Lists contaminants that may be present in water supplies
Heritage Ranch Community Services District Website
Provides a summary of the current conditions of the small water systems reliant on
Lake Nacimiento, the only source of supply
Paso Robles Groundwater Basin Management Plan
Provides comprehensive hydrogeologic understanding of the Paso Basin and Basin
Management Objectives to ensure the needs of the basin are addressed and
monitored over time
First website includes important additional studies related to the Paso Basin
Paso Robles Groundwater Basin Model Update
Paso Robles Groundwater Subbasin Water Banking Feasibility Study, Final Report
(prepared for SLOC Flood Control and Water Conservation District).
Provides a study which stems from the 2007 SLO IRWM Plan to consider
opportunities for banking of groundwater in the Paso Robles basin
Includes a comprehensive investigation of banking alternatives and management
actions
Resource Investigation of Low- and Moderate-Temperature Areas in Paso Robles, San
Luis Obispo County, California
Describes initial scientific investigations of the Paso Robles Formation and aquifer
boundaries
Salt/Nutrient Management Plan for the Paso Robles Groundwater Basin
San Miguel CSD 2016 Water Quality Report
Provides supply quality from a small groundwater system in Paso Robles
Groundwater Basin
Includes operations and inspections of water system, and needed improvements for
fireflows
San Miguel Water and Wastewater Master Plan Update (2017)
Provides water and wastewater utilities assessment for existing and planned growth
Associates land use with increases in water resources utilities
Santa Margarita Ranch Agricultural Residential Cluster Subdivision Water Supply Study
San Luis Obispo County,
Californiahttp://www.slocounty.ca.gov/Assets/PL/Draft+EIR+Notice+of+Availability/2008/
Santa+Margarita+Ranch+-+Comments+due+03-28-08.pdf
Provides a characterization of an Ag-Res development project and describes
environmental considerations
Report is an update to an initial EIR and address water and wastewater impacts from
the Ag-Res private septic and well systems
Includes vineyards and associated water demands as part of the development plan
Santa Margarita Water Master Plan
Provides a good source of needed upgrades to a small 40-year-old groundwater
system with under sized pipes and insufficient fire flows
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 11-8
Consideration for supplemental water supply solution including the Nacimiento
Project and tank renovation
Shandon Community Plan
Provides an environmental discussion of the protection of natural and cultural
resources and energy conservation
SunPower - California Valley Solar Ranch Website
Provides a website to public information on the construction of the 250-megawatt
photovoltaic solar power plant on the Carrizo Plain
Includes the final EIR and latest monitoring reports
Technical Memorandum: Groundwater Resources of CSA 23 – Santa Margarita
Provides a comprehensive understanding of CSA 23, the small town of Santa
Margarita
Includes hydrogeology, water demands and supplies, and impacts from the
proposed Santa Margarita Ranch development
Provides recommendations for monitoring of data from test wells designed for
conversion to production wells
Templeton CSD 2016 Consumer Confidence Report
Provides supply quality from a small groundwater system
Includes a source assessment summary for each groundwater well
Topaz Solar Farm (First Solar) Website
Provides a website to public information on the construction of the 550-megawatt
photovoltaic solar power plant on the Carrizo Plain
Includes the final EIR and latest monitoring reports
Water Quality Report 2016 County Service Area 16 - Shandon
Provides supply quality from a small groundwater system in the Paso Robles
Groundwater Basin
Includes operations and inspections of water system
Updated reports including further solutions to reducing groundwater use not found
Water Quality Report County of SLO CSA 23 - Santa Margarita
Provides supply quality from a small groundwater system in the Santa Margarita
Groundwater Basin
Includes operations and inspections of water system
11.1.4 South County
2015 Urban Water Management Plan for the City of Arroyo Grande
City of Arroyo Grande depends on local surface water and groundwater resources
and implements active groundwater recharge projects
The required content of the UWMP makes this resource an extremely useful
document in developing the water supply sustainability and water budget
information for the City of Arroyo Grande as well as identify the need for additional
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 11-9
supplies
2015 Urban Water Management Plan for the City of Pismo Beach
City of Pismo Beach depends on local surface water, groundwater, and State Water
resources and implements active groundwater recharge projects
The city continues to seek supplement water supplies in the region, including
recycled water, cloud seeding, and desalinized water
The required content of the UWMP makes this resource an extremely useful
document in developing the water supply sustainability and water budget
information for the City of Pismo Beach as well as identify the need for additional
supplies
Avila Beach Community Services District 2017 Consumer Confidence Report
Provides water quality data from southern water districts using local and State
surface water supplies as primary source of drinking water supply
Reports are not available on-line with US EPA
Bulletin No. 63-3 Sea-Water Intrusion: Pismo-Guadalupe Area
Initially believed to be sea-water intrusion, this study concluded that natural salinity
of the geologic environment was the cause
Did conclude that additional groundwater pumping could bring subsurface saline
water inland
Created first sentry monitoring wells for assessing the movement of sea water
intrusion
Cal Poly Master Plan Update
Provides principles and guidelines for the physical development of Cal Poly so that
the University can sustain its distinctive mission as a polytechnic university into the
21st century
Chapter 5 – Infrastructure and Phasing, Spanish Springs Specific Plan
Provides the utility needs for expansion of development in Price Canyon
Quantifies overall demands and supplies for both domestic and agricultural
irrigation, as well as wastewater collection, treatment and disposal
City of Arroyo Grande 2017 Water Quality Report
Provides water quality data for small drinking water supply system receiving local
surface water (Lopez Lake) and groundwater supplies through local wells
City of Grover Beach 2010 Urban Water Management Plan
City of Grover Beach depends on local surface and groundwater resources.
Recycled water supplies are included in their planned facilities
Downstream releases are considered to maintain stream flows and groundwater
recharge downstream
The required content of the UWMP makes this resource an extremely useful
document in developing the water supply sustainability and water budget
information for the City of Grover Beach as well as identify the need for additional
supplies
City of Pismo Beach Ten-Year Capital Improvement Plan and Major Expenditures for FY
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 11-10
2017-18 through FY 2026-27
Provides 10-year outlook on solutions to water resources challenges facing the City
of Pismo Beach
Includes costs of capital projects
Development of a Numerical Ground-Water Flow Model and Assessment of Ground-
Water Basin Yield Santa Maria Valley Ground-Water Basin. Luhdorrf & Scalmanini
Consulting Engineers. (2000).
Provides the geologic conditions, full description and condition of the Santa Maria
Groundwater Basin
Includes the 2011 Annual Report of Hydrogeologic Conditions, Water Requirements,
Supplies and Disposition for the Santa Maria Valley Management Area
Golden State Water Company Edna Road Water System Consumer Confidence Report
for 2017
Provides water quality data for small drinking water supply system receiving
groundwater supplies through local wells
Golden State Water Company Nipomo Water System Consumer Confidence Report for
2016
Provides water quality data for small drinking water supply system receiving
groundwater supplies through local wells
Groundwater Flow Analysis, Regional Groundwater Sustainability Project, Arroyo
Grande/Tri-Cities Mesa Area. Cleath-Harris Geologists
Model analysis of a proposed injection well system into the Arroyo Grande/Tri-Cities
Mesa area of the Santa Maria Groundwater Basin.
Grover Beach (City of) Public Works
Documentshttp://www.grover.org/index.aspx?NID=215
A website providing various source documents on water and wastewater in the
community of City of Grover
Nipomo CSD 2015 Urban Water Management Plan
Nipomo CSD depends on entirely on local groundwater supplies from the
adjudicated Santa Maria groundwater basin
The County has declared a Level of Severity III for Nipomo CSD’s water supply,
meaning demands exceed supply and water supplies are not sustainable
The required content of the UWMP makes this resource an extremely useful
document in developing the water supply sustainability and water budget
information for the Nipomo CSD as well as identify the need for additional supplies
Nipomo CSD Adopted Sphere of Influence Update Municipal Service Review
Provides information Nipomo CSD’s service capabilities in the context of being able
to serve the Sphere of Influence of its jurisdiction
Includes similar information as UWMP with additional focus on growth and services
for growth
Nipomo Mesa Management Area 7th Annual Report & 9th Annual Report
Provides an annual assessment and baseline of the hydrologic condition for the
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 11-11
NMMA based on an analysis of data monitoring program accruing and interpreted
each year
Goal of each management area is to promote monitoring and management
practices so that present and future water demands are satisfied without causing
long-term damage to the underlying groundwater resource
Data management programs needs are well documented along with the sources of
data from outside agencies and interested stakeholders
Addresses past and newly developed recommendations along with the
implementation schedule based on future budgets, feasibility, and priority
Nipomo Water Resources Reports Website
Provides an abundance of factual master planning and groundwater data for
establishing water resource management needs in the Nipomo region
Nipomo Waterline Intertie Project
Documents how a community, under California State Superior Court Order,
implemented a management action to reduce reliance on groundwater by
constructing a waterline project to ensure that the annual average recharge of the
groundwater basin exceeds annual consumption
Northern Cities Management Area (NCMA) 2017 Annual Report
Provides Cities of Arroyo Grande, Grover Beach and Pismo Beach, and the Oceano
Community Services District reporting on water supply and demands
Current and future management activities in groundwater resources
Defines needs through hydrologic setting and political relationships
Resource Capacity Study Water Supply in the Nipomo Mesa Area
Provides the estimated groundwater capacity beneath Nipomo Mesa, a groundwater
basin in overdraft
Findings indicate Level of Severity III-existing demand equals or exceeds the
dependable supply
Pismo Creek/Edna Area Watershed Management Plan
Provides a detailed characterization of the hydrogeologic processes in the Pismo
Creek watershed and where fish and other aquatic species may be affected by these
processes.
San Luis-Edna Valley Groundwater Basin Study Report (2018)
Provides hydrogeologic description of San Luis-Edna Valley area.
Santa Maria Groundwater Basin Characterization and Planning Activities Study
Santa Maria Groundwater Basin Characterization Planning Study (2018)
Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) [prepared by Avila Beach CSD]
Provides the regulatory background and requirements for the CSD’s collection,
treatment, and disposal of wastewater
Includes rehabilitation and replacement plans as future projects to improve their
water quality effluent discharges
USGS Evaluation of Ground-water Quality in the Santa Maria Valley, California
Provides initial hydrogeologic evaluation of Santa Maria Valley
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 11-12
USGS Pumpage and Ground-Water Storage Depletion in Cuyama Valley, California 1947-
66
Provides an early study of water level declines in the Cuyama Valley groundwater
basin
Urban Water Management Plan 2015 Update Zone 3
Zone 3 provides water to 5 urban service areas in the South County region. The
required content of the UWMP makes this resource an extremely useful document
in developing the water supply sustainability and water budget information for the
Zone 3 region
Water and Sewer Master Plan Update (prepared for Nipomo CSD)
Provides a regional study and Water Supply Alternatives Analysis for the Southland
Wastewater Treatment Facility Master Plan and the Sanitary Sewer Overflow
Regulations
Includes a wide-ranging list of project ideas and concepts from water recycling to
desalinization, water tank mixing, and conversion of well motors from electric to
natural gas
Water Resources of the Arroyo Grande-Nipomo Mesa Area
Provide information on the water resources of the Arroyo Grande-Nipomo area
DWR conducted this study under an agreement with SLO County
Woodlands Mutual Water Company 2017 Consumer Confidence Report
Provides water quality data for small drinking water supply system receiving
groundwater supplies through local wells
11.2 RELATING TECHNICAL SOURCES TO IRWM GOALS
The bulleted description statements are provided to speak to how the technical source helps in
defining the management needs of the IRWM region (i.e., not how the source was used in
developing the IRWM Plan).
A table is used as a means of relating each source with the five IRWM Plan Goals by identifying
which Goals are addressed by each source document and to what degree of adequacy. Each of
the listed sources includes a green or yellow dot signifying a high or low degree of adequacy,
respectively.
11.2.1 Relevance of Technical Sources each
Table 11-1 includes each of the technical source titles and provides the relevance of the
document to each of the IRWM Goals. The relevance is measured by how the technical
information contained in the source document (or website) represents and characterizes the
IRWM region’s needs. The following Relevance Factors are used as a basis for why the source is
used in the IRWM Plan:
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 11-13
Current conditions
Historic highs and lows
Forecasts for future years
Public involvement and visibility
Scientific methods and models
Responses to direct Goal-related concerns (e.g., UWMPs)
The value listed in the table is based on which of the IRWM Goals the source best characterizes
to allow for a conclusion of need, as defined in the IRWM Plan. In some cases, the value relates
to the usefulness of the information, or approach to presenting information to an IRWM Goal.
For example, a water district’s Water Quality Consumer Confidence Report is a means of
understanding the current conditions of water supply and its treated water quality for a
community. The fact that this information is sent to each of the water district’s customers, in a
format to be read by the layperson, and includes educational material, makes it applicable to
both the Water Supply Goal and the Water Resources Management and Communications Goal.
If the water district is also reporting on groundwater conditions in the report, the Groundwater
Management Goal is also included.
For purposes of the IRWM Plan, the values inform the reader of the sources containing one or
more of the above listed Relevance Factors. The value 1 indicates a single factor is included for
the goal, and the value 2 represents more than one factor is included. An “x” indicates that
there is a level of uncertainty as to its relationship with the goal, and a closer examination of
the source material is needed.
Table 11-1: Technical Source Information for Defining IRWM Management Needs
Report Name
IRWM Goals Water Supply Ecosystem and Watershed Restoration Groundwater Monitoring & Management Flood Management Water Resources Management & Communications REGIONAL
SLOC Master Water Report Volume I 2 2 1
SLOC Master Water Report Volume II 2 1 2 1 1
SLOC Master Water Report Volume III 1 2
SLOC Investigation (Volumes I and II)
Bulletin 18 x
California’s Groundwater: Bulletin 118 1 1 2 1
SLOC, Groundwater Monitoring
Program Evaluation 2
Groundwater Flow Model Conversion
and Urban Area Yield Update 2
Water Use Estimates for Private
Domestic Wells 2
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 11-14
Report Name
IRWM Goals Water Supply Ecosystem and Watershed Restoration Groundwater Monitoring & Management Flood Management Water Resources Management & Communications 2014–2016 Biennial Resource
Summary Report 2 1 2 2
Water Quality Conditions in the
Central Coast Region Related to
Agricultural Discharges
1 1 2 1
Water Quality Control Plan for the
Central Coast Basin 1 2 1 1
Water Years 2001-02 and 2002-03
Hydrologic Report 1 2 1 2 1
SLOC 2014 IRWM Plan 2 2 1 1 1
SLOC General Plan 1 1 1 1 1
SLOC Salt and Nutrient Management
and Recycled Water Planning 1 1 2 1
SLOC Agricultural Demand Inventory 2
SLOC Data Enhancement Plan 1 1 1 1 1
SLOC Flood Management Plan 2
SLOC Regional Permit Program x
SLOC Stormwater Resource Plan 2 1
GeoTracker 1 2
Water Balance Study for the Northern
Cities Area 2
Water Quality Data (WQX) 1 2
On-line Ground Water Level Database 2
Identification & Prioritization of
Groundwater Basins Requiring a SNMP
and SNMP Development Resources
2 1
SLOC Regional Recycled Water
Strategic Plan 2 1
SLOC Watersheds Management Plan 2 1
Central Coast Groundwater: Seawater
Intrusion and Other Issues 1 2
SLO Watershed Project 2 2
NORTH COAST
Morro Bay Nitrate Study 2 2
Cayucos Area Water Organization,
2007 Water Management Plan Update 2 1
Cambria CSD, Water Master Plan EIR 2 1 1
North Coast Groundwater Studies 2
Cambria CSD 2015 UWMP 2 2 2
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 11-15
Report Name
IRWM Goals Water Supply Ecosystem and Watershed Restoration Groundwater Monitoring & Management Flood Management Water Resources Management & Communications Cambria CSD 2017 Consumer
Confidence Report 2 2
Cayucos - County Service Area 10/10A
Water Quality Report 2 2
Los Osos Basin Salt and Nutrient
Management Plan 2 2 1
City of Morro Bay 2015 UWMP 2 2 2
Updated Basin Plan for the Los Osos
Groundwater Basin 1 2 1
Ashurst Well Field Nitrate Study 1 2
Task 3 Los Osos Upper Aquifer Water
Quality Characterization 1 2
Los Osos Basin Management
Committee Annual Report 1 2
NORTH COUNTY
Paso Robles Groundwater Basin Water
Balance Review and Update 2 1
2015 UWMP for the Atascadero MWC 2 2 2
City of Atascadero Adopted Sphere of
Influence Update Municipal Service
Review
2 1 1
Camp Roberts Joint Land Use Study 1 1 1 1
Water Quality Report 2016 County
Service Area 16 - Shandon 2 1 2
Water Quality Report CSA 23 – Santa
Margarita 2 1 1
Paso Robles Groundwater Subbasin
Water Banking Feasibility Study, Final
Report
2 2
Shandon Community Plan 1 1 1 1 1
San Miguel CSD 2016 Water Quality
Report 2 1 2
Templeton CSD 2016 Consumer
Confidence Report 2 1 2
City of Paso Robles Annual Water
Quality Report 2 1 2
City of Paso Robles 2015 UWMP 2 2 2
Paso Robles Groundwater Basin
Management Plan 1 2 2
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 11-16
Report Name
IRWM Goals Water Supply Ecosystem and Watershed Restoration Groundwater Monitoring & Management Flood Management Water Resources Management & Communications San Miguel Water and Wastewater
Master Plan Update (2017) 2 2 1
Santa Margarita Water Master Plan 2 1
Heritage Ranch Community Services
District Website 2 2
Resource Investigation of Low and
Moderate-Temperature Areas in Paso
Robles, San Luis Obispo County,
California
x
Bulletin 199 Basic Geology of the Santa
Margarita Area, San Luis Obispo,
California
2
Atascadero Mutual Water Company
Annual Water Quality Report 2 1 2
Santa Margarita Ranch Agricultural
Residential Cluster Subdivision Water
Supply Study San Luis Obispo County,
California
1 1 1
SunPower - California Valley Solar
Ranch Website 1 1
Technical Memorandum: Groundwater
Resources of CSA 23 – Santa Margarita 1 2
Topaz Solar Farm (First Solar) Website 1 1
Paso Robles Groundwater Basin
Model Update 1 2
Salt/Nutrient Management Plan for
the Paso Robles Groundwater Basin 1 2
SOUTH COUNTY
Avila Beach Community Services
District 2017 Consumer Confidence
Report
2 1 2
NCMA 2017 Annual Report 2 2 2
Nipomo Waterline Intertie Project 1
2015 UWMP for the City of Arroyo
Grande 2 2 2
2015 UWMP for the City of Pismo
Beach 2 2 2
Nipomo CSD 2015 UWMP 2 2 2
City of Grover Beach Public Works
Documents 2 2 2 2
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 11-17
Report Name
IRWM Goals Water Supply Ecosystem and Watershed Restoration Groundwater Monitoring & Management Flood Management Water Resources Management & Communications Chapter 5 - Infrastructure and Phasing,
Spanish Springs Specific Plan 1
NMMA 7th Annual Report & 9th Annual
Report 2 2 2
Woodlands Mutual Water Company
2017 Consumer Confidence Report 2 1 2
City of Grover Beach 2010 UWMP 2 2 2
Sewer System Management Plan
(SSMP) prepared for Avila Beach CSD 1 1
Cal Poly Master Plan Update 2 1 1
Nipomo CSD Adopted Sphere of
Influence Update Municipal Service
Review
1 1 1 1
Nipomo Water Resource Related
Reports Website 2 2 2 2
Pismo Creek/Edna Area Watershed
Management Plan 2 2 1
Bulletin No. 63-3 Sea-Water Intrusion:
Pismo-Guadalupe Area 1 2
Water Resources of the Arroyo
Grande-Nipomo Mesa Area 1 2
Water and Sewer Master Plan Update
prepared for Nipomo CSD 2 2
City of Arroyo Grande 2017 Water
Quality Report 2 1 2
City of Pismo Beach Ten-Year Capital
Improvement Plan and Major
Expenditures for FY 2017-18 through
FY 2026-27
2
San Luis-Edna Valley Groundwater
Basin Study Draft Report 2
Golden State Water Company Edna
Road Water System Consumer
Confidence Report for 2017
1 1 1
Golden State Water Company Nipomo
Water System Consumer Confidence
Report for 2016
2 1 2
USGS Evaluation of Ground-water
Quality in the Santa Maria Valley,
California
2 1 2
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 11-18
Report Name
IRWM Goals Water Supply Ecosystem and Watershed Restoration Groundwater Monitoring & Management Flood Management Water Resources Management & Communications Development of a Numerical Ground-
Water Flow Model and Assessment of
Ground-Water Basin Yield Santa Maria
Valley Ground-Water Basin
2
Resource Capacity Study Water Supply
in the Nipomo Mesa Area 2 2
USGS Pumpage and Ground-Water
Storage Depletion in Cuyama Valley,
California 1947-66
2
UWMP 2015 Update Zone 3 2 2 2
Groundwater Flow Analysis, Regional
Groundwater Sustainability Project,
Arroyo Grande/Tri-Cities Mesa Area
2 2
Santa Maria Groundwater Basin
Characterization and Planning
Activities Study
1 2
11.2.2 Emphasis of Source Priorities and Data Gaps
From Table 11-1 the Water Supply and Groundwater Management Goals visually appear (see
Figure 11-1 to have the highest number of source documents, with the Ecosystem and
Restoration and Flood Management Goals with the least number. The reason for this imbalance
is two-fold. The former is because water supply and groundwater management are tied
together for the majority of SLO communities and have historically had the highest priority in
terms of concerns in the past, present, and future.
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 11-19
Figure 11-1: Technical Document Breakdown by IRWM Goal
The second reason is because the latter set of goals does not have the regional scale of the
former. Flood Management and Ecosystem Restoration concerns center mostly along the
coastal regions creating a higher degree of concern and importance than in the inland areas.
To improve and fill any data gaps in the latter, the IRWM Plan’s described needs for monitoring
and reporting in Section 8 – Plan Performance and Monitoring and Section 9 – Data
Management target improved monitoring of hydrology, climate change, and improvements
based on implementation of Ecosystem Restoration and Flood Management projects or
programs.
11.3 REFERENCES
AECOM. (2009). Nipomo Waterline Intertie Project. Retrieved from Nipomo CSD:
http://ncsd.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/documents/supplemental-water-
project/Volume%201%20of%203.pdf
Atascadero Mutual Water Company. (2018). Annual Water Quality Report 2017. Retrieved from
AMWC: https://web.amwc.us/resources/CCR.pdf
Water Supply
Ecosystem and
Watershed
RestorationGroundwater
Monitoring and
Management
Flood Management
Water Resources
Management and
Communications
Relevance of Technical Documents to IRWM Goals
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 11-20
Avila Beach Community Services District. (2017). 2016 Consumer Confidence Report. Retrieved
from Avila Beach CSD:
https://www.avilabeachcsd.org/files/1894a8622/CCR+2016+5.5.17.pdf
Boyle Engineering Corporation. (2009). 2007 Water Management Plan Update. Retrieved from
slocounty.ca.gov: https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/Departments/Public-Works/Forms-
Documents/Committees-Programs/County-Service-Areas/CSA-10-10A-Cayucos.aspx
Cal Poly Master Plan Professional Team. (2017). Cal Poly Master Plan Comprehensive. Retrieved
from CalPoly.edu: http://masterplan.calpoly.edu/wp-
content/uploads/2017/11/comprehensive-document-november-2017-11-2-17.pdf
California Department of Conservation. (1976). Basic Geology of the Santa Margarita Area, San
Luis Obispo County, California. Retrieved from Archive.org:
https://archive.org/details/margaritalogyofs00hartrich
California Department of Conservation. (1983). Resource Investigation of Low- and Moderate-
Temperature Geothermal Areas in Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County, California. Retrieved
from State Geothermal Data:
http://repository.stategeothermaldata.org/metadata/record/98ddf901b9782a25982e01
af3b06fb20/file/ofr_83-11_report_8plates.pdf
California Department of Water Resources. (1958). San Luis Obispo County Investigation (Volumes
I and II) Bulletin 18.
California Department of Water Resources. (1970). Bulletin No. 63-3 Sea Water Intrusion: Pismo-
Guadalupe Area. Retrieved from CA.gov:
http://wdl.water.ca.gov/waterdatalibrary/docs/historic/Bulletins/Bulletin_63/Bulletin_63_
_1970.pdf
California Department of Water Resources. (1997). San Luis-Edna Valley Groundwater Basin Study.
Retrieved from slocounty.ca.gov: https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/Departments/Public-
Works/Forms-Documents/Committees-Programs/Sustainable-Groundwater-
Management-Act-(SGMA)/San-Luis-Obispo-Valley-Groundwater-Basin.aspx
California Department of Water Resources. (2002). Water Resources of the Arroyo Grande –
Nipomo Mesa Area. Retrieved from CA.gov: https://water.ca.gov/-/media/DWR-
Website/Web-Pages/Programs/Groundwater-Management/Data-and-
Tools/Files/Regional-Reports/Arroyo-Grande---Nipomo-Mesa-Area---DWR-SRO-Report-
2002.pdf
California Department of Water Resources. (2018). California's Groundwater: Bulletin 118.
Retrieved from CA.gov:
http://wdl.water.ca.gov/groundwater/bulletin118/centralcoast.cfm
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 11-21
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. (2017). Draft Environmental Impact
Report, Master Plan 2035. Retrieved from CalPoly.edu: http://masterplan.calpoly.edu/wp-
content/uploads/2017/11/01_Cal-Poly-Master-Plan-2035-Draft-EIR_November-2017.pdf
California Water Foundation. (2014). Central Coast Groundwater: Seawater Intrusion and Other
Issues. Retrieved from CA.gov:
https://water.ca.gov/LegacyFiles/waterplan/docs/cwpu2013/Final/vol4/groundwater/11C
entral_Coast_Groundwater_Seawater_Intrusion.pdf
Cambria Community Services District. (2018). 2017 Consumer Confidence Report. Retrieved from
Cambria CSD: https://www.cambriacsd.org/annual-consumer-confidence-report
Cannon. (2014). San Luis Obispo County Regional Recycled Water Strategic Plan. Retrieved from
slocounty.ca.gov: https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/getattachment/9c3e7ac5-2326-4673-
80fd-595bb523292f/Reigonal-Recycled-Water-Strategic-Plan.aspx
Cannon Associates. (2007). Water and Sewer Master Plan Update Prepared for Nipomo Community
Services District. Retrieved from Nipomo CSD: https://ncsd.ca.gov/wp-
content/uploads/documents/wsmp/FINAL%20REPORT.pdf
Carollo. (2012). San Luis Obispo County Master Water Report. Retrieved from slocounty.ca.gov:
https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/Departments/Public-Works/Forms-Documents/Water-
Resources/Master-Water-Report.aspx
Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. (2011). Water Quality Conditions in the
Central Coast Region Related to Agricultural Discharges. Retrieved from CA.gov:
https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/centralcoast/board_info/agendas/2011/march/Item_14
/14_att7.pdf
City of Arroyo Grande. (2018). 2017 Water Quality Report. Retrieved from Arroyo Grande:
https://www.arroyogrande.org/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/621
City of Grover Beach. (2018). Public Works Documents, Forms & Resources. Retrieved from Grover
Beach: http://www.grover.org/index.aspx?NID=215
City of Paso Robles. (2011). Annual Monitoring Report for Calendar Year 2009. Retrieved from City
of Paso Robles:
http://www.prcity.com/government/departments/publicworks/water/pdf/BasinAnnualM
onitoringRPT2009.pdf
City of Paso Robles. (2018). City of Paso Robles Annual Water Quality Report. Retrieved from City
of Paso Robles: http://www.prcity.com/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/178
City of Pismo Beach . (2013). Chapter 5 – Infrastructure and Phasing, Spanish Springs Specific Plan.
Retrieved from Pismo Beach:
http://www.pismobeach.org/DocumentCenter/View/9324/Chapter-5---Phasing-and-
Infrastructure
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 11-22
City of Pismo Beach. (2017). City of Pismo Beach Ten-Year Capital Improvement Plan and Major
Expenditures for FY 2017-18 through FY 2026-27. Retrieved from Pismo Beach: http://ca-
pismobeach.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/185/Capital-Improvement-Program
Cleath & Associates . (2008). San Luis Obispo County, Groundwater Monitoring Program.
Cleath & Associates. (2006). Los Osos Upper Aquifer Water Quallity Characterization. Retrieved
from Los Osos CSD:
https://www.losososcsd.org/files/d57f619e9/Upper%20Aquifer%20Characterization%20
6-2006.pdf
Cleath & Associates. (2007). Morro Basin Nitrate Study. Retrieved from Morro Bay:
https://www.morro-bay.ca.us/DocumentCenter/View/450/Morro-Basin-Nitrate-Study
Cleath-Harris Geologists. (2009). Groundwater Flow Model Conversion and Urban Area Yield
Update.
Cleath-Harris Geologists. (2009). North Coast Groundwater Studies.
Cleath-Harris Geologists. (2009). Water Use Estimates for Private Domestic Wells.
Cleath-Harris Geologists. (2016). Los Osos Basin Plan Groundwater Monitoring Program 2015
Annual Monitoring Report. Retrieved from slocounty.ca.gov:
https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/Departments/Public-Works/Forms-
Documents/Committees-Programs/Los-Osos-Basin-Management-Committee-
(BMC)/Annual-Reports.aspxf
Cleath-Harris Geologists, Inc. (2009). Ashurst Well Field Nitrate Study. Retrieved from Morro Bay:
https://www.morro-bay.ca.us/DocumentCenter/View/7466/Ashurst-Well-Field-Nitrate-
Study
County of San Luis Obispo . (2014). San Luis Obispo County 2014 Integrated Regional Water
Management Plan. Retrieved from slocounty.ca.gov
https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/Departments/Public-Works/Forms-
Documents/Committees-Programs/Integrated-Regional-Water-Management-
(IRWM)/IRWM-Plan/2014-IRWM-Plan.aspx
County of San Luis Obispo. (2007). San Luis Obispo Coutny General Plan. Retrieved from County
of San Luis Obispo: http://www.slocounty.ca.gov/Departments/Planning-Building/Forms-
Documents/Plans/General-Plan.aspx
County of San Luis Obispo. (2012). Shandon Community Plan. Retrieved from slocounty.ca.gov:
https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/getattachment/61d51766-0f8e-4386-88ec-
58278e71daa5/Shandon-Community-Plan.aspx
County of San Luis Obispo. (2015). Updated Basin Plan for the Los Osos Groundwater Basin.
Retrieved from slocounty.ca.gov:
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 11-23
https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/getattachment/776935c2-756a-4dbe-a4fc-
69447d2912d2/2015-01-Los-Osos-Groundwater-Basin-Plan.aspx
County of San Luis Obispo Planning Department. (2017). 2014–2016 Resource Summary Report .
Retrieved from County of San Luis Obispo:
https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/Departments/Planning-Building/Forms-
Documents/Informational/Planning-Informational-Documents/Resource-Summary-
Report.aspx
County of San Luis Obispo Public Works Department. (2004). County Service Area 23 Santa
Margarita, California Water System Master Plan 2003. Retrieved from slocounty.ca.gov:
https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/Departments/Public-Works/Forms-
Documents/Committees-Programs/County-Service-Areas/CSA-23-Santa-Margarita/2003-
Santa-Margarita-Water-System-Master-Plan.aspx
County of San Luis Obispo Public Works Department. (2008). Regional Permit Plan. Retrieved
from slocounty.ca.gov: https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/getattachment/564f1e92-b78d-
4e09-b3c5-cd7925b2dbe1/2008-12-01-Regional-Permitting-Program-Complete.aspxf
County of San Luis Obispo Public Works Department. (2014). Identification & Prioritization of
Groundwater Basins Requiring a Salt and Nutrient Management Plan (SNMP) and SNMP
Develoopment Resources. Retrieved from slocounty.ca.gov:
https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/getattachment/2247bc56-1eb0-4545-a1f4-
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Water Quality for 2016. Retrieved from GS Water: http://www.gswater.com/wp-
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Management Plan.
Matrix Design Group. (2013). Camp Roberts Joint Land Use Study. Retrieved from slocounty.ca.gov
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a60dbbdaa25f/Camp-Roberts-Joint-Land-Use-Study.aspx
MKN & Associates. (2016). 2015 Urban Water Management Plan for the Atascadero Mutual Water
Company. Retrieved from
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MKN & Associates. (2016). Nipomo Community Services District 2015 Urban Water Management
Plan. Retrieved from Nipomo CSD: https://ncsd.ca.gov/wp-
content/uploads/2016/06/MKN-NCSD-2015-UWMP-Final-June-2016.pdf
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Morro Bay: https://www.morro-bay.ca.us/DocumentCenter/View/9696/2015-UWMP-
FINAL
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CSD: https://ncsd.ca.gov/resources/reports-by-subject/#water-resource-reports
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 11-25
NMMA Technical Group. (2015). Nipomo Mesa Management Area 7th Annual Report. Retrieved
from Nipomo CSD: https://ncsd.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/2014-Annual-
Report-w-App.pdf
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from Nipomo CSD: https://ncsd.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/9th-Annual-Report-
Calendar-Year-2016.pdf
RBF Consulting. (2008). Cambria Community Services District Water Master Plan Program
Environmental Impact Report. Retrieved from Cambria CSD:
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Resource Conservation Districts of San Luis Obispo County. (2014). San Luis Obispo County
Watersheds Management Plan. Retrieved from slocounty.ca.gov:
https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/Departments/Public-Works/Forms-
Documents/Committees-Programs/Integrated-Regional-Water-Management-
(IRWM)/Grant-Funded-Planning-Documents/Watershed-Management-Project.aspx
RMC Water and Environment. (2015). Salt/Nutrient Management Plan for the Paso Robles
Groundwater Basin. Retrieved from City of Paso Robles:
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Nutrient-Management-Plan.pdf
San Luis Obispo County Department of Planning and Building. (2004). Resource Capacity Study
Water Supply in the Nipomo Mesa Area. Retrieved from slocounty.ca.gov:
https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/Departments/Public-Works/Forms-
Documents/Committees-Programs/Sustainable-Groundwater-Management-Act-
(SGMA)/Santa-Maria-River-Valley-Groundwater-Basin.aspx
San Luis Obispo County Flood Control and Water Conservation District. (2008). Data
Enhancement Plan. Retrieved from slocounty.ca.gov:
https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/getattachment/b24ce81f-0910-48df-a42d-
853314f28288/2008-12-01-Data-Enhancement-Plan.aspx
San Luis Obispo County Flood Control and Water Conservation District. (2008). Paso Robles
Groundwater Subbasin Water Banking Feasiblity Study. Retrieved from City of Paso Robles:
http://www.prcity.com/government/departments/publicworks/water/pdf/GBMP/reports
/WaterBankingFeasibilityStudyApr08.pdf
San Luis Obispo County Flood Control and Water Conservation District. (2009). Guide to
Implementing Flood Control Projects. Retrieved from slocounty.ca.gov:
https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/getattachment/464e2853-16b7-4656-aedf-
2e8c0f70a90b/2012-08-30-SLO-Flood-Management-Report-Complete.aspx
San Luis Obispo Local Agency Formation Commission. (2011). City of Atascadero Adopted Sphere
of Influence Update Municipal Service Review. Retrieved from
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
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http://nebula.wsimg.com/0da22cdedcbebeebe9c0fb88b3f21518?AccessKeyId=242F22EF
FFFDE4B18755&disposition=0&alloworigin=1
San Luis Obispo Local Agency Formation Commission. (2018). Nipomo Community Services
District Adopted Sphere of Influence Update Municipal Service Review. Retrieved from
Nipomo CSD: https://ncsd.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/MSR-FINAL.pdf
San Miguel Community Services District. (2017). 2016 Water Quality Report for San Miguel CSD.
Retrieved from San Miguel CSD:
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df+preview+2-24-17.pdf
State Water Resources Control Board. (2015). GeoTracker GAMA. Retrieved from
waterboards.ca.gov: http://geotracker.waterboards.ca.gov/gama/gamamap/public/
State Water Resources Control Board. (2018). Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal
Baisn (Basin Plan). Retrieved from CA.gov:
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dex.html
Sunpower. (2018). California Valley Solar Ranch Fact Sheet. Retrieved from Sunpower:
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Templeton Community Services District. (2017). 2016 Consumer Confidence Report. Retrieved
from Templeton CSD: https://www.templetoncsd.org/DocumentCenter/View/414/2016-
Consumer-Confidence-Report
TODD Engineers. (2004). Technical Memorandum Groundwater Resources of CSA 23 - Santa
Margarita. Retrieved from slocounty.ca.gov:
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17ea52398c4f/2004-Tech-Memo-Groundwater-Resources-of-CSA-23.aspx
TODD Engineers. (2007). Water Balance Study for the Northern Cities Area. Retrieved from Pismo
Beach : http://www.pismobeach.org/DocumentCenter/View/249/Water-Balance-Study-
TODD Groundwater. (2016). City of Paso Robles 2015 Urban Water Management Plan. Retrieved
from City of Paso Robles:
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Final.pdf
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Works/Forms-Documents/Committees-Programs/Sustainable-Groundwater-
Management-Act-(SGMA)/Paso-Robles-Groundwater-Basin/Computer-Modeling.aspx
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San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 11-27
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https://www.epa.gov/waterdata/water-quality-data-wqx
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California, 1947-66. Retrieved from USGS: https://pubs.usgs.gov/of/1970/0304/report.pdf
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California. Retrieved from USGS: https://pubs.er.usgs.gov/publication/wri76128
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https://www.avilabeachcsd.org/files/1ff81067a/2014-04-24+ABCSD+Final+SSMP+RPT-
Rev+3.pdf
Wallace Group. (2016). Zone 3 Urban Water Management Plan 2015 Update. Retrieved from
slocounty.ca.gov: https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/Departments/Public-Works/Forms-
Documents/Committees-Programs/Flood-Control-Zones/Zone-3-Lopez-Project/Plans-
Reports/2015-Urban-Water-Management-Plan.aspx
Water Systems Consulting, Inc. (2016). 2015 Urban Water Management Plan for the City of Pismo
Beach. Retrieved from Pismo Beach:
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Water Systems Consulting, Inc. (2017). 2015 Urban Water Management Plan for the City of Arroyo
Grande. Retrieved from Arroyo Grande:
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Water-Management-Plan
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Woodlands MWC: http://woodlandsmwc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/2017-
Woodlands-CCR.pdf
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 12-i
12 TABLE OF CONTENTS
12 Relation to Local Water and Land Use Planning ............................................................. 12-1
12.1 IRWM Plan Relationship to Planning Documents ........................................................... 12-2
12.2 Plan Linkages with Local Water and Land Use Planning Studies ................................ 12-14
12.2.1 Linkages with General Plans ................................................................................... 12-14
12.2.2 Linkages with Senate Bill 610 and 221 ................................................................... 12-15
12.2.3 Linkages with Local Government Coordination and Water Resources Policies 12-15
12.2.4 Linkages with Urban Water Management Plans ................................................... 12-16
12.3 Examples of Local Needs Incorporated in the IRWM Planning Goals ........................ 12-16
12.4 Planning Documents Addressing Data Gaps in the IRWM Plan .................................. 12-17
12.4.1 Proposition 50 Studies ............................................................................................. 12-17
12.4.2 Proposition 84 Studies ............................................................................................. 12-18
12.4.3 Stormwater Resource Plan ...................................................................................... 12-18
12.4.4 Groundwater Sustainability Plans (GSPs) .............................................................. 12-19
12.4.5 Other Plans ............................................................................................................... 12-21
12.5 Coordination with Land Use Decision Makers .............................................................. 12-22
12.6 IRWM Dynamics with Local Planning and Land Use Agencies .................................... 12-23
12.6.1 Consensus with Local Stakeholders and Existing Planning Documents ............ 12-24
12.6.2 Issues and Relationships between Local Land Use Planning Entities and Water
Management Entities in the Context of IRWMP .................................................................... 12-24
12.6.3 How the RWMG will Coordinate its Water Management Planning Activities .... 12-26
12.7 References ........................................................................................................................ 12-28
LIST OF TABLES
Table 12-1: Major Planning Documents Utilized for IRWM Planning .......................................... 12-3
Table 12-2: IRWM Plan Resource Management Strategies Contained in Planning Documents 12-
8
Table 12-3: SLO IRWM Region Basins with SGMA Efforts ........................................................... 12-19
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 12-1
12 RELATION TO LOCAL WATER AND LAND USE PLANNING
Water and land use are inextricably linked. The IRWM Plan integrates land use planning
strategies into the strategic mix for water resource management and relies on close
collaboration and coordination with the region’s land use planning agencies. The IRWM Plan
reflects and embraces many of the Ahwahnee Water Principles for Efficient Land Use developed
by the Local Government Commission. These principles offer suggestions for additional water
resource management strategies that local governments and water/wastewater resource
managers can structure within their ongoing strategies to improve the sustainability of the
region’s water resources.
The cities, counties, water and wastewater agencies, and other stakeholders in the region have
been involved in many planning efforts to develop goals and plans related to land use and
water management issues. The planning documents created from these efforts serve as an
important foundation for the IRWM Plan. The IRWM Plan has integrated the goals, objectives,
and programs contained in these documents to ensure that it is consistent with local issues and
needs. Also, as local plans are updated, or new plans are developed, the District participates in
a review capacity to ensure incorporation of the IRWM Plan into the planning documents.
This section focuses on how the IRWM Plan relates to planning documents and programs
established by local agencies. The following chapters are included:
12.1 IRWM Plan Relationship to Planning Documents – includes a comprehensive list
of the most current local water and land use plans referenced in the IRWM Plan
development and provides a qualitative description of the relationship between the
local planning documents and the IRWM Goals and Objectives, and Water Management
Strategies.
12.2 Plan Linkages with Local Water and Land Use Planning Studies – includes a
discussion of linkages between the IRWM Plan and local planning documents, state
senate bills, and state required Urban Water Management Plans.
12.3 Examples of Local Needs Incorporated in the IRWM Planning Goals – includes
examples where local planning documents and policies satisfy the IRWM Planning Goals.
12.4 Planning Documents Addressing Data Gaps in the IRWM Plan – includes
existing and proposed planning documents prepared by others and presented through
the WRAC to specifically address data gaps found in the IRWM Plan throughout its
implementation.
12.5 Coordination with Land Use Decision Makers – includes the relationship
between the IRWM Plan and its consistency with local land use plans and its support
through local decisions.
12.6 IRWM Dynamics with Local Planning and Land Use Agencies – describes the
IRWM Plan as an extension to local land use plans in an effort to resolve potential
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 12-2
conflicts through consensus-based solutions between RWMG and local water planning
leaders.
12.7 Issues and Relationships between Local Land Use Planning Entities and Water
Management in the Context of IRWM Plan – describes where greater collaboration
can take place using the IRWM Plan as a means to create a more holistic approach to
managing water resources in the San Luis Obispo County Region.
12.1 IRWM PLAN RELATIONSHIP TO PLANNING DOCUMENTS
The IRWM Plan was developed in coordination with local agencies and the planning documents
produced for the region in setting water and land use policies. These include General Plans,
Urban Water Management Plans, Water and Wastewater Master Plans, Groundwater Studies
and Plans, Flood Management/Drainage Studies and Plans, and Storm Water Management
Plans covering a number of areas such as land use planning, recycled water, groundwater
management, water resources, and environmental enhancement. The relevance of each
document to the IRWM Plan is discussed below and summarized in Table 12-1. Coordination
and collaboration occurred through meetings, workshops, and personal communications (See
Section 2 – Governance) with agencies and entities identified in this table to understand their
various efforts, planning goals and objectives, and proposed water management strategies. The
IRWM Plan is inclusive of local planning efforts to ensure the capture of documents, efforts, and
projects to be included in the Plan’s implementation. One of the notable considerations in this
process is the review of climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies included in local
planning documents, such as the UWMPs. The presence of these strategies and other relevant
resource management strategies within local plans is summarized in Table 12-2 (i.e., checked
strategies imply how the document relates to the IRWM Plan and may not be fully
comprehensive of the listed document).
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 12-3
Table 12-1: Major Planning Documents Utilized for IRWM Planning
Document Title/Description Pub.
Date
Agency/
Entity Relation to IRWM Plan
General and Community Plans
City of San Luis Obispo General Plan Annual
Report 2015
City of San
Luis
Obispo
Provides list of Cities’ policies, goals
and actions for water and land use,
water conservation, recycled water,
flood control, habitat protection and
open space preservation
City of Pismo Beach General Plan and Local
Coastal Plan 2014
City of
Pismo
Beach
City of Paso Robles, General Plan 2003
City of
Paso
Robles
City of Atascadero General Plan 2016
City of
Atasca-
dero
City of Arroyo Grande General Plan 2016
City of
Arroyo
Grande
City of Morro Bay General Plan and Local Coastal
Plan 1988 City of
Morro Bay
City of Grover Beach General Plan, Housing
Element 2010
City of
Grover
Beach
County of SLO Area Plans 2014
County of
San Luis
Obispo
Provides list of Counties’ policies,
goals and actions for land use,
water conservation, water
reclamation, flood control, habitat
protection and open space
preservation; includes community
and special planning studies.
County of SLO Agriculture Element 2010
County of SLO Coastal Plan Policies 2006
County of SLO Conservation and Open Space
Element 2010
San Miguel Community Plan 2016
Oceano Revitalization Plan 2013
Templeton Community Plan 2014
Urban Water Management Plans
City of Arroyo Grande UWMP 2015
City of
Arroyo
Grande
Provides understanding of Arroyo
Grande urban water needs,
management, and planning
objectives
City of Paso Robles UWMP 2015
City of
Paso
Robles
Provides understanding of Paso
Robles urban water needs,
management, and planning
objectives
City of Grover Beach UWMP 2010
City of
Grover
Beach
Provides understanding of Grover
Beach urban water needs,
management, and planning
objectives
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 12-4
Document Title/Description Pub.
Date
Agency/
Entity Relation to IRWM Plan
City of Morro Bay UWMP 2015 City of
Morro Bay
Provides understanding of Morro
Bay urban water needs,
management, and planning
objectives
City of Pismo Beach UWMP 2015
City of
Pismo
Beach
Provides understanding of Pismo
Beach urban water needs,
management, and planning
objectives
City of San Luis Obispo UWMP 2015
City of San
Luis
Obispo
Provides understanding San Luis
Obispo urban water needs,
management, and planning
objectives
County of SLO Flood Control and Water
Conservation, Zone 3, UWMP 2015
County of
San Luis
Obispo
Provides understanding of San Luis
Obispo County water needs and
management strategies
Los Osos CSD UWMP 2000 Los Osos
CSD
Provides understanding of Los Osos
urban water needs, management,
and planning objectives
Water and Wastewater Master Plans
San Luis Obispo County Master Water Report 2012
County of
San Luis
Obispo
Provides comprehensive
understanding of the water supply
needs of the county and an
implementation plan for meeting
those needs
City of Arroyo Grande Water System Master Plan 2013
City of
Arroyo
Grande
Provides understanding of the
water supply needs of the Arroyo
Grande and an implementation plan
for meeting those needs. Link to
summary only.
City of Arroyo Grande Wastewater System
Master Plan 2013
City of
Arroyo
Grande
Provides plan for wastewater
treatment, effluent management
and recycled water for City of
Arroyo Grande.
CSA 10A Cayucos Water System Master Plan 2003 CSA 10A
Provides understanding of the
water supply needs of CSA 10A and
an implementation plan for meeting
those needs
Santa Margarita CSA 23 Water System Master
Plan 2003 CSA 23
Provides understanding of the
water supply needs of CSA 23 and
an implementation plan for meeting
those needs
Los Osos Water Master Plan 2002 Los Osos
CSD
Provides understanding of the
water supply needs of Los Osos and
an implementation plan for meeting
those needs
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 12-5
Document Title/Description Pub.
Date
Agency/
Entity Relation to IRWM Plan
Atascadero Water System Master Plan Final
Report 1993
Atasca-
dero
Mutual
Water
Company
Provides understanding of the
water supply needs of Atascadero
and an implementation plan for
meeting those needs
City of Paso Robles Water Resources Plan
Integration and Capital Improvement Program 2007
City of
Paso
Robles
Provides understanding of the
water supply needs of Paso Robles
and an implementation plan for
meeting those needs
City of Pismo Beach Water Master Plan 2004
City of
Pismo
Beach
Provides understanding of the
water supply needs of Pismo Beach
and an implementation plan for
meeting those needs
City of Pismo Beach Wastewater Collection
System Master Plan 2000
City of
Pismo
Beach
Provides understanding of the
collection system conditions, needs
and an implementation plan for
meeting those needs for Pismo
Beach
City of Pismo Beach Wastewater Treatment
Plant Master Plan 2000
City of
Pismo
Beach
Provides plan for wastewater
treatment, effluent management
and recycled water for the Pismo
Beach.
Groundwater Studies and Plans
North Coast Groundwater, 2009 Cleath-Harris
Geologists Groundwater Studies 2009
City of San
Luis
Obispo
Provides understanding of small
north coast groundwater basin and
basin yields.
Paso Robles 2010 Groundwater Basin Water
Balance Review and Update 2010
City of
Paso
Robles
Provides the water balance for the
Paso Robles Groundwater Basin and
the Atascadero Subbasin from 1998
to 2009. Projected water balance
provides forecasting from 2010 to
2025. Provides definitions to
overdraft conditions and natural
processes taking place.
Paso Robles Groundwater Subbasin Water
Banking Feasibility Study 2008 District
Explored the feasibility of banking
water in the Paso Robles
Groundwater Basin for the benefit
of County residents
Nipomo Mesa Resource Capacity Study 2004 Nipomo
CSD
Provides understanding of Nipomo
Mesa groundwater sub-basin issues
and management plans for the
groundwater basin
Sea Water Intrusion Assessment and Lower
Aquifer Source Investigation of the Los Osos
Valley Ground Water Basin
2005 Los Osos
CSD
Provides understanding of Los Osos
groundwater issues related to sea
water intrusion in the groundwater
basin
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 12-6
Document Title/Description Pub.
Date
Agency/
Entity Relation to IRWM Plan
Updated Basin Plan for the Los Osos
Groundwater Basin 2015 Los Osos
CSD
Provides understanding of Los Osos
groundwater basin
Paso Robles Groundwater Basin Management
Plan 2011
City of
Paso
Robles
Provides understanding and Basin
Management Objectives of Paso
Robles groundwater basin
Santa Margarita Technical Memorandum,
Groundwater Resources of CSA 23 2004 CSA 23
Provides a comprehensive
understanding of CSA 23, the small
town of Santa Margarita, and
includes hydrogeology, water
demands and supplies, and impacts
from the proposed Santa Margarita
Ranch development.
Flood Management/Drainage Studies and Plans
San Luis Obispo County Drainage Community
Studies 2007 District
Primary website for County
drainage studies (may be duplicative
of below studies)
Cambria Drainage and Flood Control Study 2004 Cambria
CSD
Provides understanding of the flood
and drainage conditions in the
Cambria area
Cayucos Drainage and Flood Control Study 2004 Cayucos
CSA
Provides understanding of the flood
and drainage conditions in the
Cayucos area
Nipomo Drainage and Flood Control Study 2004 Nipomo
CSD
Provides understanding of the flood
and drainage conditions in the
Nipomo area
San Miguel Drainage and Flood Control Study 2003
San
Miguel
CSD
Provides understanding of the flood
and drainage conditions in the San
Miguel area
Santa Margarita Drainage and Flood Control
Study 2004
Santa
Margarita
CSA
Provides understanding of the flood
and drainage conditions in the
Santa Margarita area
Los Osos Drainage Study 1997 Los Osos
CSD
Provides understanding of the flood
and drainage conditions in the Los
Osos area
Oceano Drainage Study 2004 Oceano
CSD
Provides understanding of the flood
and drainage conditions in the
Oceano area
City of Pismo Beach Drainage Master Plan, Draft 2002
City of
Pismo
Beach
Provides understanding of the flood
and drainage conditions in the
Pismo Beach area
Storm Water Management Plans
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 12-7
Document Title/Description Pub.
Date
Agency/
Entity Relation to IRWM Plan
County of San Luis Obispo Storm Water
Management Program, National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System Phase II
2006
County of
San Luis
Obispo
Provides comprehensive
understanding of compliance
measures to meet Environmental
Protection Agency waste discharge
requirements, associating land use
with runoff, storm water conditions,
and management options in the
County
San Luis Obispo Guide to Implementing Flood
Control Projects 2009 District
Provides guidance in the process of
implementing methods and
strategies to address the IRWM
region’s flooding problems
City of Paso Robles Storm Water
Management Program 2014
City of
Paso
Robles
Provides understanding of the
storm water management program
and resources for public outreach
and guidance in the City of Paso
Robles
City of San Luis Obispo Storm Water
Management Program 2014
City of San
Luis
Obispo
Provides understanding of the
storm water management program
and resources for public outreach
and guidance in the City of San Luis
Obispo
City of Atascadero Storm Water Management
Program 2017
City of
Atasca-
dero
Provides understanding of the
storm water management program
and resources for public outreach
and guidance in the City of
Atascadero
City of Morro Bay Storm Water Management
Program 2013 City of
Morro Bay
Provides understanding of the
storm water management program
and resources for public outreach
and guidance in the City of Morro
Bay
City of Arroyo Grande Storm Water
Management Program 2013
City of
Arroyo
Grande
Provides understanding of the
storm water management program
and resources for public outreach
and guidance in the City of Arroyo
Grande
City of Pismo Beach Storm Water
Management Program 2016
City of
Pismo
Beach
Provides understanding of the
storm water management program
and resources for public outreach
and guidance in the City of Pismo
Beach
Other Studies
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 12-8
Document Title/Description Pub.
Date
Agency/
Entity Relation to IRWM Plan
Data Enhancement Plan 2008 District
A regional water monitoring
program designed to provide data
for water supply and land use
planning, design of infrastructure,
and operations for flood control and
water supply
Regional Permitting Plan 2008 District
Developed an approach to
managing the multitude of permits
from different agencies at different
levels of government required by
the County for carrying out each of
its projects
SLOC Regional Watershed Planning 2013 District
Known areas of impairment and
data gaps are identified and serve
as the starting point for the future
WMP: Phase II (watershed
management plan development and
implementation)
Regional Recycled Water Strategic Planning 2014 District
Provides an inventory and strategic
feasibility evaluation for water reuse
in San Luis Obispo County.
San Antonio and Nacimiento Rivers
Watershed Management Plan 2008
SWRCB
and
Monterey
County
Developed as a watershed
management plan, provides
methods to ensure high quality
water draining into Nacimiento
Reservoir treated and used as
drinking water in SLO County.
Table 12-2: IRWM Plan Resource Management Strategies Contained in Planning Documents
Planning
Document Title
and Website
(if applicable) Ecosystem Restoration Habitat Protection Water Supply Reliability Flood Management Groundwater Management Recreation & Public Access Storm Water Management Water Conservation Water Quality Protection Salt and Salinity Management Water Recycling Wetlands Enhancement Conjunctive Use Desalination Imported Water Land Use Planning NPS Pollution Control Surface Storage Watershed Planning Water and Wastewater Treatment Water Transfers/Exchanges Water System Optimization Addresses Climate Change General Plans
City of San Luis
Obispo General
Plan Annual Report
City of Pismo
Beach General
Plan and Local
Coastal Plan
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 12-9
Planning
Document Title
and Website
(if applicable) Ecosystem Restoration Habitat Protection Water Supply Reliability Flood Management Groundwater Management Recreation & Public Access Storm Water Management Water Conservation Water Quality Protection Salt and Salinity Management Water Recycling Wetlands Enhancement Conjunctive Use Desalination Imported Water Land Use Planning NPS Pollution Control Surface Storage Watershed Planning Water and Wastewater Treatment Water Transfers/Exchanges Water System Optimization Addresses Climate Change City of Paso
Robles, General
Plan
City of Atascadero
General Plan
City of Arroyo
Grande General
Plan
City of Morro Bay
General Plan and
Local Coastal Plan
City of Grover
Beach General
Plan, Housing
Element
County of SLO
General Plan -
Inland
County of SLO
Agriculture
Element
County of SLO
Coastal Plan
Policies and Open
Space Element
County of San Luis
Obispo
Conservation and
Open Space
Element
Urban Water Management Plans
City of Arroyo
Grande UWMP
City of Paso Robles
UWMP
City of Grover
Beach UWMP
City of Morro Bay
UWMP
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 12-10
Planning
Document Title
and Website
(if applicable) Ecosystem Restoration Habitat Protection Water Supply Reliability Flood Management Groundwater Management Recreation & Public Access Storm Water Management Water Conservation Water Quality Protection Salt and Salinity Management Water Recycling Wetlands Enhancement Conjunctive Use Desalination Imported Water Land Use Planning NPS Pollution Control Surface Storage Watershed Planning Water and Wastewater Treatment Water Transfers/Exchanges Water System Optimization Addresses Climate Change City of Pismo
Beach UWMP
City of San Luis
Obispo UWMP
County of San Luis
Obispo Flood
Control and Water
Conservation,
Zone 3, UWMP
Los Osos CSD
UWMP
Water and Wastewater Master Plans
San Luis Obispo
County Master
Water Report
City of Arroyo
Grande Water
System Master
Plan
City of Arroyo
Grande
Wastewater
System Master
Plan
CSA 10A Cayucos
Water System
Master Plan
Santa Margarita
CSA 23 Water
System Master
Plan
Los Osos Water
Master Plan
Atascadero Water
System Master
Plan Final Report
City of Paso Robles
Water Resources
Plan Integration
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 12-11
Planning
Document Title
and Website
(if applicable) Ecosystem Restoration Habitat Protection Water Supply Reliability Flood Management Groundwater Management Recreation & Public Access Storm Water Management Water Conservation Water Quality Protection Salt and Salinity Management Water Recycling Wetlands Enhancement Conjunctive Use Desalination Imported Water Land Use Planning NPS Pollution Control Surface Storage Watershed Planning Water and Wastewater Treatment Water Transfers/Exchanges Water System Optimization Addresses Climate Change and Capital
Improvement
Program
City of Pismo
Beach Water
Master Plan
City of Pismo
Beach Wastewater
Collection System
Master Plan
City of Pismo
Beach Wastewater
Treatment Plant
Master Plan
Groundwater Studies and Plans
2009 North Coast
Groundwater
Studies
Paso Robles 2010
Groundwater
Basin Water
Balance Review
and Update
Nipomo Mesa
Resource Capacity
Study
Sea Water
Intrusion
Assessment and
Lower Aquifer
Source
Investigation of the
Los Osos Valley
Ground Water
Basin
Updated Review
Basin Plan for the
Los Osos
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 12-12
Planning
Document Title
and Website
(if applicable) Ecosystem Restoration Habitat Protection Water Supply Reliability Flood Management Groundwater Management Recreation & Public Access Storm Water Management Water Conservation Water Quality Protection Salt and Salinity Management Water Recycling Wetlands Enhancement Conjunctive Use Desalination Imported Water Land Use Planning NPS Pollution Control Surface Storage Watershed Planning Water and Wastewater Treatment Water Transfers/Exchanges Water System Optimization Addresses Climate Change Groundwater
Basin
Paso Robles
Groundwater
Basin Management
Plan
Paso Robles
Groundwater
Subbasin Water
Banking Feasibility
Study
Paso Robles
Groundwater
Subbasin Water
Banking Feasibility
Study
Technical
Memorandum
Groundwater
Resources of CSA
23 – Santa
Margarita
Flood Management/Drainage Studies and Plans
Cambria Drainage
and Flood Control
Study
Cayucos Drainage
and Flood Control
Study
Oceano Drainage
and Flood Control
Study
Nipomo Drainage
and Flood Control
Study
San Miguel
Drainage and
Flood Control
Study
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 12-13
Planning
Document Title
and Website
(if applicable) Ecosystem Restoration Habitat Protection Water Supply Reliability Flood Management Groundwater Management Recreation & Public Access Storm Water Management Water Conservation Water Quality Protection Salt and Salinity Management Water Recycling Wetlands Enhancement Conjunctive Use Desalination Imported Water Land Use Planning NPS Pollution Control Surface Storage Watershed Planning Water and Wastewater Treatment Water Transfers/Exchanges Water System Optimization Addresses Climate Change Santa Margarita
Drainage and
Flood Control
Study
Los Osos Drainage
Study
City of Pismo
Beach Drainage
Master Plan
Storm Water Management Plans
County of San Luis
Obispo Storm
Water
Management Plan
San Luis Obispo
Guide to
Implementing
Flood Control
Projects
City of Paso Robles
Storm Water
Management
Program,
City of San Luis
Obispo Storm
Water
Management
Program
City of Atascadero
Storm Water
Management
Program
City of Morro Bay
Storm Water
Management
Program, Draft
City of Arroyo
Grande Storm
Water
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 12-14
Planning
Document Title
and Website
(if applicable) Ecosystem Restoration Habitat Protection Water Supply Reliability Flood Management Groundwater Management Recreation & Public Access Storm Water Management Water Conservation Water Quality Protection Salt and Salinity Management Water Recycling Wetlands Enhancement Conjunctive Use Desalination Imported Water Land Use Planning NPS Pollution Control Surface Storage Watershed Planning Water and Wastewater Treatment Water Transfers/Exchanges Water System Optimization Addresses Climate Change Management
Program
County of San Luis
Obispo Storm
Water
Management Plan
Other Studies
SLOC Data
Enhancement Plan
SLOC Regional
Permitting Plan
SLOC Regional
Watershed
Planning
Regional Recycled
Water Strategic
Planning
San Antonio and
Nacimiento Rivers
Watershed
Management Plan
12.2 PLAN LINKAGES WITH LOCAL WATER AND LAND USE PLANNING STUDIES
12.2.1 Linkages with General Plans
The County of San Luis Obispo and the incorporated cities of Paso Robles, Atascadero, Morro
Bay, San Luis Obispo, Pismo Beach, Arroyo Grande, and Grover Beach each maintain General
Plans as required by State planning and zoning law. The County’s General Plan addresses all
unincorporated communities in the County, including the urbanized areas of Cambria, Cayucos,
Los Osos, San Miguel, Templeton, Creston, Santa Margarita, Shandon, Oceano, and Nipomo.
Within County-controlled areas, the County General Plan relies on the Resource Management
System (RMS) to determine the appropriate timing and location for new development. While all
development must be consistent with General Plan policies, the RMS provides further guidance
and control over new land uses from the perspective of resource availability. The RMS tracks
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 12-15
the availability of water, the status of water delivery systems, and the condition of wastewater
systems and availability of wastewater treatment.
12.2.2 Linkages with Senate Bill 610 and 221
Within the incorporated cities, the availability of water, the condition of water supply systems,
and the condition of wastewater treatment systems is generally tracked separately by the
various utility departments. Similar to the County, all new development of a certain size (don’t
be general – specify the exact size) is required to comply with Senate Bill (SB) 610 and SB 221.
Water Supply Assessments completed under SB 610 must be furnished to local governments
for inclusion in any environmental documentation for certain projects (as defined in California
Water Code 10912 [a]) subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). In many
cases, Water Supply Assessments reference the IRWM Plan as a resource document for
determination of water supply sustainability. Under the same code, a separate action, SB 221,
requires an affirmative written verification of sufficient water supply (water supply verification),
in addition to local jurisdiction “will serve” letter permitting programs.
“SB 610 and SB 221 are companion measures which seek to promote more
collaborative planning between local water suppliers and cities and counties.”
(State Water Code 10912)
SB 221 is intended to ensure that collaboration on finding needed water supplies to serve a
new subdivision of 500 units or more occurs when it should, before construction begins. On a
long-term planning basis, most jurisdictions have based their future plans on identified sources
for water and wastewater service. For example, the City of Morro Bay has incorporated water
supply issues into the General Plan process by adopting their Water Management Plan (WMP)
as a component of the Local Coastal Plan. No development can proceed without being first
accommodated in the Water Management Plan.
12.2.3 Linkages with Local Government Coordination and Water Resources Policies
The IRWM Plan has been coordinated with local government General Plans and through the
stakeholder involvement of the cities and others represented within the WRAC and the RWMG.
General Plans provide land use, environmental, and economic information associated with the
use, need, quantity, quality, and management of water resources within each city (or
community). General Plans also project and plan for growth and estimate the demand for
additional water resources to accommodate the growth. The water supply elements of local
planning documents listed above have been considered and have helped to shape the water
resources management needs identified in this IRWM Plan for the cities and communities of the
IRWM planning region.
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May 2020 12-16
12.2.4 Linkages with Urban Water Management Plans
The IRWM Plan has been coordinated with various Urban Water Management Plans (UWMPs)
that have been developed by cities and communities in the San Luis Obispo County region
consistent with State of California requirements. UWMPs consider city and county population
growth projections developed at the local level and link these directly to the assessment of
water supply needs. The UWMPs rely in part on other planning documents such as General
Plans and land use plans to provide these projections. The projected water demands from the
UWMPs are utilized in the IRWM Plan to determine regional water supply needs. UWMPs also
consider local conservation and recycled water planning and provide a greater understanding
of water needs and issues faced by local water agencies and communities. Recent UWMP
updates include descriptions of anticipated climate change impacts and the local adaptation
and mitigation strategies being implemented in response. These discussions help inform the
update to the IRWM Plan’s climate change section and other related plan elements.
Because of the UWMP’s importance, updates to the IRWM Plan take place in parallel with the
mandatory five-year update requirement of the UWMP. This provides consistency, accuracy and
commensurate sharing of the region’s changing demographics, water use, and changing
hydrology and groundwater conditions.
12.3 EXAMPLES OF LOCAL NEEDS INCORPORATED IN THE IRWM PLANNING GOALS
To assist in development of the IRWM Plan, the General Plans of the region were reviewed. The
IRWM Plan goals: 1) Water Supply; 2) Ecosystem, and Watershed Restoration; 3) Groundwater
Monitoring and Management; 4) Flood Management; and 5) Water Resources Management and
Communications are consistent with the local planning and policy needs expressed in the
General Plans as discussed below.
Water Supply Goal
The IRWM Plan Water Supply goal contains objectives of maximizing the use of existing
resources through interagency coordination, meeting future water demand through water
recycling and desalination, improving water system elements, and promoting water
conservation. These objectives are consistent with many planning goals included in the General
Plans. All General Plans are required to describe plans for future growth and recognize the
need for a reliable water supply to support the projected growth. Water conservation is
emphasized in all of the General Plans as an important strategy for meeting water supply.
Ecosystem and Watershed Restoration Goal
The IRWM Plan objectives under the ecosystem goal are consistent with provisions listed in all
of the General Plans regarding habitat restoration and open space. Other General Plans call for
actions consistent with IRWM Plan projects such as wetland restoration programs and removal
of non-native plants.
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May 2020 12-17
Groundwater Monitoring and Management Goal
The IRWM Plan objectives of developing management plans and monitoring groundwater
basins in the region and evaluating and considering groundwater banking programs have
already been satisfied for many areas in the San Luis Obispo County Region as demonstrated
by the groundwater plans listed in Table 12-1.
Flood Management Goal
Flood Management is recognized as a high priority item by several General Plans consistent
with the IRWM Plan objectives. Goals, actions, and policies consistent with other IRWM Plan
Flood Protection objectives such as integrating ecosystem enhancement, drainage control, and
natural recharge into development projects can be found in all sections of the General Plans
that discuss flood control.
Water Resources Management and Communications
As General Plans and resource planning documents are updated in the future, alignment with
the IRWM Plan becomes mandatory by the DWR to participate in IRWM grant programs and to
participate in the WRAC and RWMG regional policy discussions distilled in the IRWM Plan under
each of the IRWM Goals and Objectives. Public outreach and disadvantaged community
participation (this website describes EJ to help give context to its use in this explanation) takes
place at every level of the decision-making process leading up to the IRWM Plan’s adoption.
12.4 PLANNING DOCUMENTS ADDRESSING DATA GAPS IN THE IRWM PLAN
12.4.1 Proposition 50 Studies
The four studies listed below completed in 2008 with funding through the Proposition 50 water
bond measure, specifically addressed regional data gaps identified in the 2007 IRWM Plan and
supported the overall SLO County Region IRWM Plan goals, objectives, and strategies, to
improve the IRWM Plan in its current update.
Data Enhancement Plan
Flood Management Plan
Groundwater Banking Plan
Regional Permitting Plan
Each of these plans considered local government input through the WRAC and through
outreach to region stakeholders.
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 12-18
12.4.2 Proposition 84 Studies
Through the Proposition 84 Round 2 Planning Grant, five studies pertaining to water resource
management in the San Luis Obispo Region were funded and completed. These studies, listed
below, present information critical to advancing the Plan Objectives:
Paso Robles Groundwater Basin Salt and Nutrient Management Plan
Paso Robles Groundwater Basin Model
Santa Maria Valley Groundwater Basin Conceptual Model
Regional Recycled Water Strategic Plan
Watershed Management Plan
12.4.3 Stormwater Resource Plan
In response to the State Water Resources Control Board’s Stormwater Grant Program (SWGP),
created by Proposition 1, development of Stormwater Resource Plans (SRP) began around the
County. The City of San Luis Obispo and agencies within the Arroyo Grande Creek watershed
individually explored creating SRPs to be eligible for SWRCB funding. The District proposed
unifying these efforts to have one comprehensive countywide SRP. By taking the countywide
approach, the SRP and the IRWM plan now cover the same region, as the IRWM and SRP
Region’s boundaries are equivalent to the political boundary of San Luis Obispo County.
Upon receiving a Prop 1 Planning Grant award from DWR, a Project Management Team (PMT)
began to unify the work that had already taken place and then prepare the regional plan. This
team included:
San Luis Obispo County Flood Control and Water Conservation District (Lead Agency)
County of San Luis Obispo
Coastal San Luis Resource Conservation District (lead consultant for SRP development)
Upper Salinas-Las Tablas Resource Conservation District
City of Arroyo Grande
City of San Luis Obispo
The Project Management Team was supported by a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC). This
TAC was formed by vote of the RWMG on 12/06/2017 and met throughout 2018 to provide
feedback, data, and review to the PMT and technical consultants for the development of the
countywide SRP.
After a 30-day public comment period and SWRCB review, the final SRP was submitted to the
SWRCB on February 28th, 2019.
Upon concurrence by the SWRCB of the SRP, the RWMG will vore to officially incorporate the
SRP into the IRWM region and plan. The RWMG will form a standing Working Group to
implement the SRP and develop applications for SWGP opportunities, maintain, and update the
plan as necessary. The SRP will added as Appendix I at that time.
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 12-19
12.4.4 Groundwater Sustainability Plans (GSPs)
In response to the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act of 2014 (SGMA), groundwater
basins and subbasins (collectively, basins) identified by the California Department of Water
Resources (DWR) as high or medium priority must be sustainability managed in accordance
with State requirements. Eligible agencies in DWR’s high or medium priority basins formed
groundwater sustainability agencies (GSAs) for the purposes of developing and implementing
groundwater sustainability plan (GSPs).
Basins that are prioritized as low or very low are not subject to the requirements of SGMA.
There were changes to some of the basin boundaries and prioritizations since the GSAs were
initially established, and as a result, there are GSAs that continue to remain within those low or
very low priority basins.
A summary of County basins with ongoing SGMA efforts is provided in Table 12-3.
Table 12-3: SLO IRWM Region Basins with SGMA Efforts
Basin Name Basin ID DWR Prioritization
& Designation1
GSA(s) and/or groundwater management
authorities2
Salinas Valley -
Paso Robles Area 3-004.06
High priority basin
subject to critical
conditions of
overdraft
There are four agencies that are individually
GSAs within the basin: City of Paso Robles, San
Miguel Community Services District, Shandon-
San Juan Water District, and County of San Luis
Obispo.
Salinas Valley -
Atascadero Area 3-004.11 Very low priority
basin
The Atascadero Basin GSA was formed by four
agencies within the basin: City of Atascadero,
City of Paso Robles, Templeton Community
Services District, and County of San Luis
Obispo.
Los Osos Valley -
Los Osos Area 3-008.01
Very low priority
basin subject to
critical conditions
of overdraft
The adjudicated areas of the Los Osos Basin
are managed by the Los Osos Basin
Management Committee, whose members
include the following: Los Osos Community
Services District, Golden State Water Company,
S&T Mutual Water Company, and County of
San Luis Obispo. The County of San Luis
Obispo is the GSA for a minor fringe area
outside the adjudicated area.
Los Osos Valley -
Warden Creek 3-008.02 Very low priority
basin
The County of San Luis Obispo is the sole GSA
within the basin.
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 12-20
Basin Name Basin ID DWR Prioritization
& Designation1
GSA(s) and/or groundwater management
authorities2
San Luis Obispo
Valley 3-009 High priority basin
There are two agencies that are individually
GSAs within the basin: County of San Luis
Obispo and City of San Luis Obispo.
Santa Maria River
Valley - Santa Maria 3-012.01 Very low priority
basin
The adjudicated areas of the Santa Maria Basin
are managed by the Northern Cities
Management Area, Nipomo Mesa
Management Area, and Santa Maria Valley
Management Area. The County of San Luis
Obispo is the GSA for a minor fringe area
outside the adjudicated area.
Santa Maria River
Valley - Arroyo
Grande
3-012.02 Very low priority
basin
There are two agencies that are individually
GSAs within the basin: County of San Luis
Obispo and City of Arroyo Grande.
Cuyama Valley 3-013
High priority basin
subject to critical
conditions of
overdraft
The Cuyama Basin GSA was formed by a joint
powers agreement (JPA) and is an independent
agency governed by a Board of Directors,
whose members include the following: County
of San Luis Obispo, County of Kern, County of
Ventura, Santa Barbara County Water Agency,
Cuyama Basin Water District, and Cuyama
Community Services District.
1. Groundwater basins are identified (and as appropriate, designated as subject to critical conditions of overdraft) in
DWR’s Bulletin 118, Interim Update 2016 and prioritized in DWR’s release of the SGMA 2019 Basin Prioritization
Process and Results. https://water.ca.gov/Programs/Groundwater-Management/Basin-Prioritization
2. SGMA does not apply to the portions of adjudicated areas provided that certain requirements are met (Water Code
§10720.8)
As the GSA(s) adopt and submit the GSP(s) for approval by DWR, the RWMG will need to
incorporate by reference these GSPs. In addition, the Plan will need to be updated to reflect the
priorities, projects, data, monitoring, etc. of each GSP. One such update will be to ensure that
projects submitted to IRWM for scoring and grant funding are consistent with their GSP as
applicable. The RWMG will need to consider updates to the IRWM Plan objectives and region’s
critical needs in response to these GSPs. Climate Change resiliency and adaptation strategies
included in the GSPs as well should be incorporated into the IRWM plan as well.
As the development of GSPs is on-going, future updates to the IRWM Plan will rely on and
coordinate heavily with GSAs as they move from the GSP development phase to the GSP
implementation phase. For the most up-to-date information regarding SGMA planning and
implementation in San Luis Obispo County, see the County’s SGMA website:
www.slocounty.ca.gov/sgma
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 12-21
12.4.5 Other Plans
Other plans in the San Luis Obispo County region consist of plans to address water systems,
wastewater systems, storm water, groundwater, and flood protection. Some of these plans
have already taken steps to consolidate local planning efforts and address specific issues such
as water supply, groundwater, wastewater, and habitat restoration on a sub-regional basis. In
most cases, these are multi-agency efforts that involve the participation of a number of local
and regional stakeholders; thus, these sub-regional plans have achieved certain levels of
integration and stakeholder consensus and provide an important foundation for development
of the IRWM Plan. Projects recommended in sub-regional plans have already been coordinated
at the sub-regional level and can be considered excellent candidates for implementation of the
IRWM Plan.
Substantial and prominently known areas within the IRWM Region are managed by the State of
California, listed as follows:
State Parks (Oceano Dunes State Vehicle Recreation Area, Pismo Beach, Montana de
Oro, Morro Strand, and San Simeon state parks)
California Department of Corrections (California Men’s Colony)
California Department of Mental Health (Atascadero State Hospital)
State University (California Polytechnic State University)
State Local College (Cuesta - both the main campus, and the North County campus)
State DWR (land holdings and easements in the County associated with the SWP)
California National Guard including Camp San Luis and Camp Roberts (under control of
the CA National Guard, albeit it is owned by the US Army Corps of Engineers and
managed under the US National Guard Bureau)
Within State-managed lands, water issues are handled differently depending on the size,
location, and level of use associated with facility. The largest State facilities, in terms of water
service and wastewater disposal needs, are the California Men’s Colony and Cal Poly. Both are
partners in the Whale Rock Commission, an agency formed (with the City of San Luis Obispo) to
build and operate the Whale Rock Project, a water reservoir and water supply pipeline. Other
State facilities purchase service from adjacent cities (such as Morro Bay State Parks) or operate
small local systems. Operational plans, master plans, expansion plans (etc.) are generally not
well-coordinated with City and County General Plans, unless the City, County, or other public
agency provides services to the State-managed land/facility.
The federal government owns and/or manages several thousand acres within the region,
including military land, the Los Padres National Forest, the Carrizo Plain Natural Area (Bureau of
Land Management), and the Salinas Dam and Reservoir (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers).
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 12-22
12.5 COORDINATION WITH LAND USE DECISION MAKERS
Development of the IRWM Plan was accomplished by coordinating its development efforts and
final adoption through the County’s WRAC. The purpose of the WRAC is to advise the County
Board of Supervisors concerning all policy decisions relating to the water resources of the
District, to recommend specific water resource programs, and to recommend methods of
financing water resource programs. The WRAC consists of members representing every public
water supply system in the region, plus members representing the public at large, agricultural
interests, and environmental interests, and each Supervisor appoints a member to represent
their supervisorial district. Members are appointed by the District’s Board of Supervisors, with
the WRAC serving as the formal water issue advisors to the Board. Map 12-1 at the end of this
section details these Supervisorial Districts as well as incorporated cities and unincorporated
communities.
There are seven incorporated cities and fifteen unincorporated communities in the San Luis
IRWM Plan region as shown in Table 12-4 below. Map 12-1 at the end of this section details
these Supervisorial Districts, incorporated cities and unincorporated communities. Most of the
cities and communities participate directly in the WRAC as noted in the table. Those
communities that do not participate directly have representation from other groups like the
County Farm Bureau, agricultural and environmental stakeholders, and District staff. Through
participation and representation in the WRAC, the cities’ and communities’ interests are well
represented in the IRWM planning process.
The IRWM Plan will be used by local water resource planners and managers to inform planners
and decision makers about regional plans and issues. The availability, or non-availability, of
resources now and in the future is documented on a regional basis, to the degree that the
information can be used as a foundation for General Plan development.
As IRWM Plan review and update cycles proceed, land use planning agencies can be engaged at
ever more specific levels. It is envisioned that the IRWM Plan will continue to evolve as more
information is generated, and as more agencies begin to take advantage of its regional
approach to these issues.
Land use decision maker coordination and involvement with the IRWM Plan will ensure that
regional priorities and efforts developed by the IRWM Plan are 1) consistent with local land use
plans, and 2) will be supported through local decisions and updates to General Plans and
Community Plans.
Table 12-4: San Luis Obispo Cities, Communities, and Supervisorial Districts
City and Community
Names
Type of Entity
City Community Supervisorial
District
WRAC
Participation
1. Templeton
2. Nipomo
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 12-23
City and Community
Names
Type of Entity
City Community Supervisorial
District
WRAC
Participation
3. Rural El Pomar
4. Rural Adelaida
5. Paso Robles
6. Pismo Beach
7. Rural S. County
8. San Miguel
9. Heritage Ranch
10. Cambria
11. Arroyo Grande
12. Atascadero
13. Rural Las Pilitas
14. Rural Salinas
15. Morro Bay
16. Grover Beach
17. Oceano
18. Rural Nacimiento
19. Cayucos
20. San Luis Obispo
21. Santa Margarita
22. Los Osos
23. District 1
24. District 2
25. District 3
26. District 4
27. District 5
12.6 IRWM DYNAMICS WITH LOCAL PLANNING AND LAND USE AGENCIES
The San Luis Obispo County IRWM Plan has been designed to combine and build upon the
strategies and recommendations of local planning documents. As demonstrated by the
consistency of the IRWM Plan with local plans and the implementation of projects that help
achieve local objectives, the IRWM Plan has been developed as an extension to and integration
of, rather than a substitution for, local planning efforts.
To avoid conflict with local efforts, stakeholder involvement has been and will continue to be an
integral part of the IRWM planning process. Sub-Region stakeholder workshops provide a
forum for interaction and collaboration and to allow the IRWM Plan to interface with local land
use and water planning leaders. Such stakeholder involvement and participation ensures that
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 12-24
local agency planning (and their respective goals and objectives) are represented and
considered in the IRWM planning process. Local planning strategies are at the heart of this
IRWM Plan and have played a dynamic role in its development.
12.6.1 Consensus with Local Stakeholders and Existing Planning Documents
The consensus-based approach used in the development of the San Luis Obispo County IRWM
Plan Goals and Objectives is explained in Section 4 – IRWM Goals and Objectives. As
summarized in Table 12-1, the IRWM Plan has been built upon a number of previously
completed planning documents with the role of the IRWM Plan being the consolidation of
projects and programs within these documents at the Sub-Region level, which allows projects
to be considered at a regional level through the stakeholder process and public RWMG
workshops. In future updates to local plans an accounting takes place for the IRWM process
and local impacts and benefits of regional project implementation.
Because of current levels of knowledge concerning the relationship between growth and water
supply exhibited by local agencies, their planning staffs, and the public at large in the region,
efforts to refine and strengthen existing General Plan growth and resource linkages to water
resources management will continue. By providing a regional perspective on water supply, and
also linking water quality, flood management, and environmental water needs to water
planning efforts, the IRWM Plan functions as the foundational source for land use plans well
into the foreseeable future.
As the focus shifts from developing new sources of water supply to consideration of
groundwater monitoring and management, water quality, conjunctive use, conservation, and
water reuse, the IRWM Plan will provide the regional perspective needed to avoid conflict and
enhance sustainability of water in the region.
The projects included in the IRWM Plan programs effectively implement many of the local plans
that are the projects’ foundation. The IRWM Plan projects also implement many actions called
for in the cities’ and county’s General Plans, such as reduction of groundwater overdraft, water
conservation, water recycling, flood protection, habitat restoration, and open space creation.
The local plans serving as the source document(s) for the IRWM Plan Final Project List are
identified in Table 12-1. The cited planning documents are also listed in Table 12-1.
12.6.2 Issues and Relationships between Local Land Use Planning Entities and Water
Management Entities in the Context of IRWMP
There are several areas in which greater collaboration and communication between and among
water and land use planning entities can be facilitated through the established IRWM process.
As there are a vast number of overlapping organizations and stakeholders that are currently
engaged in the IRWM program and process, leveraging the extensive network and the
information prepared in various IRWM plans and applications to create a more holistic and
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 12-25
accurate picture of water and land in the region. Most obviously, the issues that rise to the
greatest priority include those which are regulatory:
AB 857 (2002) establishes three priorities that encourage all state agencies to promote
infill development within existing communities, protect the state's most valuable
environmental and agricultural resources, and encourage efficient development
patterns overall;
AB 32 (2006), Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, establishes a target to reduce
statewide carbon emissions to 1990 by the year 2020.
AB 162 (2007) was passed as part of a package of six bills addressing flood risk
management and flood protection in California. This bill specifically requires additional
consideration of flood risk in local land use planning throughout California and named
the Department of Water Resources (DWR) as a source for floodplain information and
technical data that local governments will need to comply with AB 162.
SB 375 (2008), Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection Act of 2008, sets
emission reduction targets and incentives for local governments to support sustainable
growth patterns;
SB 732 (2008) provides a statutory framework to implement new programs under
Proposition 84 and establishes the Strategic Growth Council to coordinate the program
aimed at improved air, water and transportation;
State Water Board’s 2009 Recycled Water Policy Update which was aimed at increasing
the use of recycled water and implements state and federal water quality laws. The
Recycled Water Policy requires that Salt and Nutrient Management Plans are completed
by 2014 to facilitate basin-wide management of salts and nutrients from all sources in a
manner that optimizes recycled water use while ensuring protection of groundwater
supply and beneficial uses, agricultural beneficial uses, and human health. The Recycled
Water Policy requires stakeholders to develop implementation plans to meet these
objectives for salts and nutrients.
The IRWM has a role to play not only by providing a forum for dialogue, but also for solutions
and solutions that are collectively oriented and beneficial for a number of agencies and
stakeholders, if that makes sense. IRWM Plans, in an of themselves are tools that can be
consulted for both educational purposes and/or implemented to ameliorate challenges in and
around land and water use issues and/or conflicts. It is therefore, the intent of the IRWM Region
to be more proactive with the region wide land use planning agencies and water use agencies
to annually revisit the state of land use/water use nexus and document progress made to the
land use/water use goals of strengthening relationships between land use and water use
entities region wide by holding at least one land use/water use forum region wide on an annual
basis. As the obstacles that we face in California become more interdependent and interwoven,
so too will our solutions to challenges need to be more interwoven and collaborative. In
addition, the goal of the region is to increase land use manager and or agent participation
among stakeholders and also within the Cooperating Partners. By communicating more
frequently and in a more nuanced way with the land use and water use managers region wide,
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 12-26
better and potentially more sustainable solutions will be developed and implemented to reach
the Region’s IRWM Water Management Goals as well as the Plan Objectives and Sub-Region
Priorities.
12.6.3 How the RWMG will Coordinate its Water Management Planning Activities
Since the first IRWM Plan in 2005, the need for clear concise communication between the
RWMG and the local agencies and stakeholders is the foremost challenge of the IRWM Plan’s
update every 5 years. With constantly changing hydrology, growth, and water resource issues,
with some changes resulting in local, state and/or federal legislation, each of the local
agencies/stakeholders are being asked to make changes in their planning policies and heighten
the importance of their technical reporting requirements to adhere to local, state, and federal
policies and requirements; especially, those reporting requirement related to the IRWM Plan’s
success.
A short list of the IRWM Plan’s needs and the methods of communication are presented in
Table 12-5. The needs are based on the IRWM Plan’s content and it Goals and Objectives. The
data monitoring and reporting measures being requested at the local level as part of the IRWM
updates is a requirement of the IRWM Plan’s implementation which cannot go ignored. This
information becomes critical to the accurate reporting of benefits/impacts in the region, using
the metrics described in the Section 8 – Plan Performance and Monitoring.
Table 12-5: List of Standardized Needs and Methods
Needs How Communicated Methodologies Used
Watershed Information
The 2014 IRWM Plan was the first
to include data at the watershed
level (See Section 3 – Region
Description, and Appendix H –
San Luis Obispo County
Watershed Management
Planning Project Report). As
such, improvements in data
collection and presentation are
planned to occur over time,
striving to make the subsequent
updates more useful to the IRWM
Plan’s implementation.
The present study (Appendix H)
was a significant effort completed
by the Coastal San Luis and the
Upper Salinas-Las Tablas Resource
Conservation Districts.
The RWMG is seeking
opportunities to address supply or
ecosystem data gaps and updating
of time sensitive data content.
Updating needs to occur at the
local level through electronic
updates to tables provided by the
District on behalf of the RWMG.
Filling data gaps and updating
changing information is a critical
task for correct understanding of
the region and constraints within
each watershed.
Sub-Region water leaders share in
the responsibility of data
collection, management, and
reporting. Most specifically, some
data fields are set up to track and
record changes in the watershed
on an annual basis. The Watershed
DMS presents the data versus time
relationship to show physical
benefits.
Current reporting is generated by
the DMS for select DMS fields.
Fields containing updated
information populate with each
plan update.
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May 2020 12-27
Water Demand and Supply Data
The state UWMP requirement of
five-year updates for applicable
water agencies provides the best
means of transferring updated
demand and supply information,
both past, present, and future.
Agencies exempt from the UWMP
requirement are also needed and
pose difficult challenges to obtain
this information.
Agencies exempt from the UWMP
requirement need to respond to
data requests every five years
when demand and supply data is
collected by the District. Reaching
out to the smaller agencies has
historically been difficult due to
small staffing sizes of the agencies.
Tabular data included in the DWR
Approved UWMPs will be extracted
from DWRs website copy of the
UWMP. For requested data, update
information should be clear and
concise.
Demand and Supply data is
incorporated in Appendix E –
Supply and Demand. The tables
are electronically generated using
inputs to the IRWM DMS. QA/QC of
the data should be done by the
local agencies when the IRWM Plan
Public Draft review period takes
place.
District staff, or its consultants,
may interpolate and/or extrapolate
values, if not provided.
Updating Sub-Region Priorities
Sub-Region stakeholder outreach
is planned to occur at a minimum
of once every two years. At these
outreach meeting, Sub-Region
Priorities will be revisited to ensure
that they reflect current water
resource issues facing the region.
Sub-Region Priorities can be
updated without re-adoption so
long as they adhere to the IRWM
Objectives. Workshop settings
with a questionnaire on the most
pressing water resource concerns
worked for the 2014 IRWM Plan
Update and will likely be used in
subsequent updates.
Sub-Region Priorities are listed
based on the satisfying Objectives
as shown in Section 4 – Goals and
Objectives. The Priority Project
List will be compared to the Sub-
Region Priorities when a formal
“call for projects” is made by the
RWMG.
Coordination on Basin and/or
Watershed Management Plans
This includes Groundwater
Sustainability Plans and Watershed
Management Plans which have
gone through a public process and
are adopted by local land use
agencies for local implementation.
Upon successful completion and
adoption of a Groundwater
Sustainability Plan or Watershed
Management Plan, the region is to
provide an electronic copy of the
adopted document, with scanned
resolution(s) of adoption, to the
RWMG for inclusion in the
watershed and region DMS and
IRWM library of reference
documents.
Groundwater basin information
will be extracted and included with
the groundwater basin
descriptions and quantified annual
yields and storage potential
included in Section 3 – Region
Description and Appendix G –
Groundwater Basin Descriptions.
The overall health of the basin and
watershed will be monitored over
time as reporting on the
management plans take place.
Coordinating on Monitoring and
Reporting Objectives
IRWM Plan monitoring and
performance reporting on the
IRWM Plan’s implementation of
policies, projects, and programs is
an essential piece of the IRWM
program requiring a significant
effort for the region.
The RWMG is seeking coordination
in the accurate reporting of project
implementation and IRWM related
activities occurring each year. The
RWMG may provide assignments
to local agencies for procuring the
information in a timely manner to
ensure compliance with the state
IRWM reporting requirements.
All information will be compiled in
the DMS with report features for
tracking project implementation
and program execution.
Quantitative data showing physical
benefits will be illustrated as part
of the IRWM Plan’s Performance
Report.
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May 2020 12-28
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San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 13-i
13 TABLE OF CONTENTS
13 Planning Coordination .......................................................................................................... 13-1
13.1 Coordinate Water Management Activities to Avoid Conflict ......................................... 13-1
13.1.1 Water Resources Management Responsibilities of Two Primary State Agencies 13-2
13.1.2 Agricultural Organizations ........................................................................................ 13-2
13.1.3 Environmental Organizations ................................................................................... 13-3
13.1.4 Native American Tribal Communities ...................................................................... 13-3
13.1.5 Pre-Project Coordination Efforts .............................................................................. 13-3
13.1.6 Minimizing Conflict through Coordination Efforts ................................................. 13-4
13.2 Activity Coordination Strategy with Central Coast Funding Area and Adjacent Regions
13-4
13.2.1 Central Coast Funding Area ...................................................................................... 13-4
13.2.2 Sub-Regional Coordination with Adjacent IRWM Regions ..................................... 13-6
13.3 Coordination with State and Federal Agencies ............................................................... 13-7
13.3.1 State and Federal Agencies Approval .................................................................... 13-10
13.4 Project Coordination with Federal and State Agencies ................................................ 13-11
13.5 Water Service Cooperative Agreement and Other Coordination Efforts ................... 13-12
13.5.1 Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs) ........................................................ 13-13
13.5.2 Whale Rock Reservoir Water Supply ...................................................................... 13-13
13.5.3 City of Morro Bay/Whale Rock Commission.......................................................... 13-13
13.5.4 Chorro Valley Water System ................................................................................... 13-14
13.5.5 Los Osos Interlocutory Stipulated Judgment (ISJ) ................................................. 13-14
13.5.6 Santa Margarita Lake/Salinas Reservoir ................................................................ 13-14
13.5.7 Groundwater Management Agreement/Northern Cities Management Area ... 13-14
13.5.8 Lopez Lake Zone 3 Water Supply Project .............................................................. 13-15
13.5.9 Nipomo Mesa Management Area .......................................................................... 13-15
13.5.10 Nacimiento Water Supply Project .......................................................................... 13-16
13.6 References ........................................................................................................................ 13-17
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 13-ii
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 13-1: Regions Adjacent to San Luis Obispo County ........................................................... 13-5
LIST OF TABLES
Table 13-1: Federal and State Agencies .......................................................................................... 13-8
Table 13-2: Potential Permits and/or Approvals for IRWMP Implementation Projects .......... 13-11
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 13-1
13 PLANNING COORDINATION
The purpose of this section is to ensure an appropriate level of coordination with local, State,
and federal agencies and stakeholders to minimize conflict within the region and to optimize
the utilization of the region’s water resources. In addition, the RWMG is ultimately responsible
for representing the IRWM Plan to adjacent IRWM regions and in coordinating regional efforts
that could have far-reaching benefits. As a resource document, the section includes a complete
list of all public agencies representing the IRWM Region, and where they need to be included in
any RWMG coordination effort. The end of the section contains existing agreements and
coordination efforts taking place on a Water Planning Area level. Much of this information is
summarized from the 2012 Master Water Report.
13.1 COORDINATE WATER MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES TO AVOID CONFLICT
This section discusses and recognizes non-purveyor type entities (i.e. State agencies,
agricultural groups, and environmental groups) that have a stake or role in water resources
management/issues, such as the following (not listed in any order of importance) list of the
more visible water resources related agencies and stakeholders:
Individual Rural and Agricultural Residents/Water Users
Resource Conservation Districts (RCDs)
Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board (Region 3)
State Water Resources Control Board
State Department of Water Resources (DWR)
Morro Bay Estuary Program
Central Coast Vineyard Team
San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau
Water Resources Advisory Committee (WRAC)
Subcommittees and Working Groups of WRAC and RWMG
Advisory Committees for our Wholesale Operations and Flood Control Zones
Advisory Groups to the Board of Supervisors
Morro Bay National Estuary Program Implementation committee,
Arroyo Grande Creek MOU Group
Santa Maria Basin Technical Groups
Native American Tribal Communities
Others (that exist and may form over time)
It is important to understand their influence and involvement on water resources management
efforts within the County. These groups have either contributed to the development of this
IRWM Plan or should be included in the future to better understand the conditions in different
water planning areas and the benefits and impacts of proposed water management strategies.
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May 2020 13-2
The RWMG works toward bringing interested agencies and stakeholders to the project
implementation process at an early stage when their involvement is beneficial and educational
for both sides. Additionally, efforts under the purview of the IRWM Plan need to be able to
show a direct benefit to the IRWM Plan’s Goals and Objectives, and ultimately meet one or
more of the Water Management Strategies used in this plan to measure and report success.
Depending on the level of engagement with an agency, the outcome is to be recorded for
reporting in the IRWM Plan Monitoring and Performance Report.
State and federal agencies have an important regulatory responsibility to the people of the
state and country, respectively. Two of the more visible agencies and their responsibilities – the
State Department of Water Resources and the State Water Resources Control Board – are
summarized below as well as other agricultural and environmental agencies. These agencies
are also discussed in later sections related to specific coordination efforts.
13.1.1 Water Resources Management Responsibilities of Two Primary State Agencies
The DWR mission statement is “To manage the water resources of California in cooperation
with other agencies, to benefit the State’s people, and to protect, restore, and enhance the
natural and human environments.” DWR programs and roles include development and
implementation of the California Water Plan, grant program administration, conservation and
urban water management planning regulation, groundwater basin and watershed
planning/management, State Water Project ownership and operation, and a number of other
functions. Excerpts from the California Water Plan are utilized in the Water Management
Strategies discussion of this MWR.
The State Water Resources Control Board’s (SWRCB) mission is to preserve, enhance and
restore the quality of California’s water resources, and ensure their proper allocation and
efficient use for the benefit of present and future generations. The various regional Water
Boards regulate wastewater discharges to surface water (rivers, ocean, etc.) and to
groundwater (via land). The regional Water Boards also regulate storm water discharges from
construction, industrial, and municipal activities; discharges from irrigated agriculture; dredge
and fill activities; the alteration of any federal water body under the 401 certification program;
and a number of other activities with practices that could degrade water quality. Their
programs also address water rights, grant program administration, and guidance to assist with
these efforts. From the State Board web site; programs offered by the State and Regional Board
include biosolids, dredge/fill (401) wetlands, irrigated lands, land disposal (landfills, waste piles),
waste discharge requirements (non-Subchapter 15), NPDES Surface Water, recycled water,
sanitary sewer overflows, stormwater, and timber harvest activities.
13.1.2 Agricultural Organizations
Some of the key agricultural organizations in the region include, among others, the San Luis
Obispo Coastal and Upper Salinas-Las Tablas RCDs, University of California Davis Cooperative
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May 2020 13-3
Extension, San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau, San Luis Obispo Cattlemen’s Association, Paso
Robles Wine Country Alliance, Central Coast Vineyard Team and entities representing particular
crop types. Each of these organizations has a variety of roles which may include conservation
and water quality efforts, data collection, special studies, policy review, and overall stakeholder
review of issues.
13.1.3 Environmental Organizations
Some prominent environmental organizations in the region include Central Coast Salmon
Enhancement, Sierra Club, Morro Bay National Estuary Program, Surfrider Foundation, Coast
Keepers, and many others. These groups have a variety of roles, which may include
conservation and water quality efforts, data collection, special studies, policy review, and overall
stakeholder review of issues.
13.1.4 Native American Tribal Communities
While there are no official Tribal lands are currently present in San Luis Obispo County, there
are many communities located in San Luis Obispo County. In addition, many Tribal
communities in neighboring counties have members living in San Luis Obispo County. Our
standard outreach, communication and project coordination involves the following entities:
Northern Chumash Tribal Council
Salinan Tribe of San Luis Obispo Monterey & San Benito Counties
Salinan Tribe of San Luis Obispo, Monterey and San Benito Counties
yak tityu tityu – Northern Chumash Tribe
Xolon Salinan Tribe
Santa Ynez Band of Mission Indians
Coastal Band of the Chumash Nation
Barbareno/Ventureno Band of Mission Indians
For specific IRWM outreach activities to Tribal communities, see Section 2.3.4 – Native
American Tribes Outreach.
13.1.5 Pre-Project Coordination Efforts
The pre-project coordination effort takes the concept of early engagement with interested
agencies and stakeholders to the point where the same agencies are involved in the project
development and scoping phase. Early agency contact and awareness of the concept, project,
or program provides improved consistency in the regulatory and environmental challenges of
each.
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May 2020 13-4
13.1.6 Minimizing Conflict through Coordination Efforts
Achieving the proper timing in coordination is not always possible due to constraints, conflicts,
and timing of precursor efforts (e.g., local agency decisions, formation of interest groups or
management agencies, etc.) taking place in the region. Other efforts in coordination where the
RWMG is aware of the need for coordination, but the timing to engage with certain agencies or
interest groups is later instead of sooner. In these cases, the IRWM Plan’s existing outreach
program is the best means of keeping agencies and interest groups informed throughout the
planning process leading up to the decision of implementation; typically occurring upon
funding of the project or program.
13.2 ACTIVITY COORDINATION STRATEGY WITH CENTRAL COAST FUNDING AREA
AND ADJACENT REGIONS
13.2.1 Central Coast Funding Area
As depicted in Map 3-1, located at the end of Section 3 – Region Description, the Central Coast
Funding Area consists of 6 Regions:
Santa Cruz
Pajaro River Watershed
Monterey Peninsula
Greater Monterey County
San Luis Obispo County
Santa Barbara County
With the passage of Proposition 1 (2014), the members of the CCFA entered into a
Memorandum of Agreement, with “the primary intent of the six Parties (Regions) to this MOA is
to share future Proposition 1 funding for the IRWM grant program among the six Parties in a
fair and equitable manner”.
Working as a Funding Area for the non-competitive DAC-Involvement program has successfully
laid the groundwork for future cooperation for the implementation grant process. The DAC-
Involvement program administration and information sharing regarding the region-wide needs
assessments has all funding area members in consistent communication and partnership.
As shown in Figure 13-1, San Luis Obispo County is surrounded on three sides by active IRWM
regions, including Greater Monterey County to the north, Santa Barbara County to the south,
and Kern County to the east. The regions have regularly scheduled meetings and/or ad hoc
meetings, depending on the subject matter. The RWMG is typically represented by the District
in coordinating activities with neighboring IRWM regions and stakeholders.
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May 2020 13-5
Figure 13-1: Regions Adjacent to San Luis Obispo County
Intra-Regional coordination occurred as early as 2005 within the funding area and included
intra-regional conference calls and meetings to discuss water issues on a large hydrological
scale as well as programmatic concerns and water issues. In 2009, a series of meetings and
conference calls occurred between SLO and Santa Barbara County Regions. The purpose of
these meetings was to discuss the successes and challenges Regions were having, to share
resources and to talk about collaboration on potential projects in shared watersheds and
groundwater basins. In 2010, the SLO County IRWM participated in a Central Coast Funding
Area meeting that included all the Central Coast IRWM Regions as well as DWR. Regional
Representatives attended and discussed funding for Prop 84 Round 1 and potential projects
that Regions had. Subsequently, the Funding Area representatives had conference calls at semi-
regular intervals to discuss IRWM Program developments, project progress and to share ideas
on collaboration. SLO County is engaged with the Santa Barbara IRWM. SLO IRWM
representatives are on Santa Barbara IRWM Region’s stakeholder list and receive updates about
IRWM programs and developments in their region and a Santa Barbara IRWM representative is
also on the SLO Stakeholder list. San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura IRWM Regions
coordinated on the nexus between IRWM & Water Planning & Land Use Issues. There was an
IRWM Region Key
11) Greater Monterey
County
14) Kaweah River Basin
15) Kern County
20) Monterey Penisula
23) Pajaro River
Watershed
24) Poso Creek
28) San Luis Obispo
30) Santa Barbara
County
31) Santa Cruz County
35) Tule
38) Kings Basin Water
Authority
43) Watersheds
Coalition of
Ventura County
44) Westside – San
Joaquin
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May 2020 13-6
Interregional Presentation to the Channel Counties AEP (Association of Environmental Planners)
Board.
The San Luis Obispo region is participating and coordinating with other IRWM Plan efforts to
ensure that overlapping resources and projects are understood and coordinated and to
maximize the opportunity for regional and integrated implementation across boundaries, when
appropriate.
13.2.2 Sub-Regional Coordination with Adjacent IRWM Regions
In response to the State’s definition of the Central Coast as a funding area for future IRWM
grant programs, all six IRWM planning regions within the Central Coast began discussions
regarding regional cooperation within the framework of the IRWM process pursuant to
Propositions 50, 84 and most recently, 1 (2014).
Some of these sub-regions have common, overlapping water interests, but most water issues
are effectively managed within the six geographic sub-regions. Water management interest that
may be coordinated across the Central Coast funding area include, but are not limited to, water
conservation, water quality monitoring and improvements, fisheries restoration, drought
protection, and coastal watershed planning.
Along with the coordination throughout the Central Coast, the San Luis Obispo region has
focused coordination efforts with the Salinas River Watershed to the north, Santa Barbara
County to the South, and Kern County to the east. San Luis Obispo is committed to continued
coordination with these IRWM Plan efforts and their associated agencies. These coordination
efforts are further described below.
Northern Region
The Paso Robles Groundwater Basin is scientifically defined as a hydrogeologically
distinct sub-basin of the Salinas Groundwater Basin. At the Northern most edge of the
Paso Basin, just south of San Ardo, the basin narrows to less than 3 miles wide. There is
a natural bedrock high there that shallows up the basin to just a few hundred feet thick.
The impact of activity in San Luis Obispo County’s portion of the Paso Robles
Groundwater Basin is minimal on the northern Salinas Basin and Monterey County’s
portion of the Paso Basin. The most significant influence on the northern Salinas Basin,
and Monterey County’s portion of the Paso Basin, is generated from Lake Nacimiento
releases, which is operated by Monterey County.
San Luis Obispo County and Monterey County coordinate on the Nacimiento Lake
watershed:
o The Nacimiento Agreement
o The Nacimiento Watershed Management Group Agreement
o Monterey County participation on the District’s Paso Robles Groundwater Basin
Advisory Committee
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o District participation on Monterey County Water Resources Agency’s Reservoir
Operations Committee
o Coordination on Invasive Mussel prevention efforts
Southern Region
Coordinated planning due to adjudication of the Santa Maria groundwater basin
Two water management groups are in San Luis Obispo County and one is in Santa
Barbara County and all three report to one Water Master.
Physical solutions must be coordinated between the water management groups and in
accordance with Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo County land use authority.
Coordination with Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties for the Cuyama Groundwater
Basin
Eastern Region
Due to the proximity of full State Water allocation delivery capacity to the Eastern
boundary of San Luis Obispo County and existing infrastructure, opportunities exist for
coordinating with both Kern and Santa Barbara Counties on State Water issues.
13.3 COORDINATION WITH STATE AND FEDERAL AGENCIES
Each of the projects and plan components in the IRWM Plan includes a significant amount of
coordination with federal and State agencies. It is critical to the success of this IRWM Plan effort
that the appropriate federal and State regulatory and jurisdictional agencies be actively
involved as project implementation moves forward. Traditionally, participation of these
agencies occurs on a project-specific basis, depending on the requirements and needs of each
effort. In the integrated planning process however, the role of these agencies is now identified
proactively, well prior to project design or implementation, and the potential involvement of
each agency is determined, and the agency notified of the relationship with the project.
The first form of involvement is to help coordinate and/or communicate the IRWM Plan to other
stakeholders within the region. Another form of involvement is to assist in implementation of
the IRWM Plan through facilitation or active project involvement. The final form of involvement
is through granting of necessary regulatory approvals. In many cases, a given agency can
become involved in IRWM Plan implementation in all three interactive forms of involvement.
This section describes the State and federal agencies active in the San Luis Obispo County
region and identifies opportunities for their involvement and assistance in IRWM Plan
implementation through coordination, communication, project implementation, and regulatory
approval.
Table 13-1 identifies State and federal agencies that are central to implementing the IRWM
Plan. The table describes the jurisdictional authority or interest of each agency as well as
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May 2020 13-8
coordination efforts either completed or planned. Coordination and involvement of these
agencies with the IRWM Plan effort is imperative to the successful implementation of the plan.
Table 13-1: Federal and State Agencies
Agency Jurisdiction/Interest Coordination/Interaction
Federal
U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers (USACE)
Protection, preservation, and
enhancement of waters of the U.S.
Potential technical resource on the Flood
Management Plan and Wetland and Vernal
Pool Mapping Project; potential federal
sponsor of the Zones 1/1A and 9 Flood
Projects; and manage Salinas Dam and
Reservoir. Potential grants for Los Osos
Wastewater Project.
NOAA National
Marine Fisheries
Service
Protection, preservation, and
enhancement of fisheries, endangered
species and habitat
Participation through Morro Bay Estuary
Comprehensive Conservation and
Management Plan and permitting
authority for projects discharging to Morro
Bay.
U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service
Protection, preservation, and
enhancement of fisheries, endangered
species and habitat
Permitting authority for projects
discharging to creeks or impacting
fisheries
U.S. Bureau of
Reclamation (USBR)
Manage, develop, and protect water and
related resources in an environmentally
and economically sound manner.
Potential funding source for the
Desalination Study and the Morro Bay
Desalination Facility Upgrade
U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency
Responsible for protecting human health
and the environment. Develops and
enforces regulations, provides funding
assistance, and performs environmental
research and education. Manages
Superfund program and cleanup of
contaminated sites.
Permitting authority over the Reclaimed
Mines project.
30-year extended funding for SRF
program.
United States
Department of
Agriculture Natural
Resources
Conservation
Service (NRCS)
Manage natural resource conservation
programs that provide environmental,
societal, financial, and technical benefits.
Provide assistance to private landowners
and managers. (Non-regulatory agency)
Potential technical resource for the
Agriculture and Open Space Element and
potential funding source for soil erosion
projects.
United States
Bureau of Land
Management
Administers America’s public lands Manages the region’s Carizzo Plain Natural
Area and potential technical resource on
the Agriculture and Open Element and
Conservation Element Projects
United States Army Primary responsibility for land-based U.S.
military operations.
Camp Roberts is managed by the
California National Guard
United States
Forest Service
Manages the national forests. Manages the Los Padres National Forest
and potential technical resource on the
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Agency Jurisdiction/Interest Coordination/Interaction
Agriculture and Open Element and
Conservation Element Projects
United States
Geologic Society
A scientific agency of the United States
government. The scientists of the USGS
study the landscape of the United States,
its natural resources, and the natural
hazards that threaten it.
Potential technical resource for IRWMP
implementation and prepared the IRWMP
reference document - Hydrogeology,
Water Quality, Water Budgets, and
Simulated Responses to Hydrologic
Changes in Santa Rosa and San Simeon
Creek Ground-Water Basins, USGS Report
98-4061
State
California State
Water Resources
Control Board
Preserve, enhance and restore the
quality of California's water resources,
and ensure their proper allocation and
efficient use for the benefit of present
and future generations
Planned collaboration on SWAMP and
GAMA, permitting and financing
coordination. Existing permitting
coordination, Low-Interest loan on the Los
Osos Project, and IRWM grants
California
Department of
Water Resources
Manages the water resources of
California in cooperation with other
agencies to benefit the State's people,
and to protect, restore, and enhance the
natural and human environments.
Operates and maintains the State Water
Project, including the California
Aqueduct; provides dam safety and flood
control services, assists local water
districts in water management and
conservation activities, promotes
recreational opportunities, and plans for
future statewide water needs.
Coordination through Proposition 50
Planning Grant
Central Coast
RWQCB
Protection and management of surface
water and groundwater.
Regulatory oversight of the TMDL and
CCAMP programs and permitting agency
for all IRWMP implementation projects
that could impact surface water and
groundwater
California Coastal
Commission
Protection, preservation, and
management of the California Coast and
resources.
Regulatory oversight of Coastal Zone
development issues and permitting agency
for all IRWMP implementation projects
located within the Coastal Zone, including
the Los Osos Wastewater Project
California
Department of Fish
and Wildlife
Protection, preservation, and
enhancement of endangered species and
habitat.
Permitting of IRWMP implementation
projects potentially impacting streambeds,
including Zone 1/1A and 9 Flood Control
Projects
California
Department of Parks
& Recreation
Protection, preservation, and
management of the State’s parks.
Potential technical resource on the
Agriculture and Open Element and
Conservation Element Projects and
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May 2020 13-10
Agency Jurisdiction/Interest Coordination/Interaction
management of regional State Parks
(Oceano Dunes State Vehicle Recreation
Area, Pismo Beach, Montana de Oro,
Morro Strand, and San Simeon State
Parks)
California
Department of
Corrections &
Rehabilitation
Management of the State’s correctional
facilities.
Management of the region’s State
correctional facilities (California Men’s
Colony and El Paso de Robles); agency
responsible for implementation of the
IRWMP Project - California Men’s Colony
wastewater treatment plant; and partner
in the Whale Rock Project
California
Department of
Mental Health
Management of the State’s Mental Health
facilities.
Management of the region’s mental health
facility – Atascadero State Hospital
California State
Universities
Management of the State’s University
System.
Management of the region’s State
university - California Polytechnic State
University); technical resource for water
use and water resource planning;
prepared the Water Uses and Alternatives
for San Luis Obispo County, City and
Regional Planning Department; and
partner in the Whale Rock Project
California National
Guard
Manages Camp Roberts and Camp San
Luis Obispo
13.3.1 State and Federal Agencies Approval
Most of the IRWM implementation projects will require some State and/or federal regulatory
approval or oversight. Participation by these regulatory agencies at an early stage helps to
streamline the process. Several actions can be taken to streamline regulatory and permitting
processes for the IRWM projects. These may include preliminary consultations with regulatory
agencies and joint workshops between the appropriate regulatory representatives and the
project sponsors. Such coordination facilitates the permitting and regulatory decision process
by identifying action items to be addressed by project sponsors. Such involvement by federal,
State, and local agencies assist the IRWMP implementation to be more efficient.
Table 13-2 lists the State and federal permits and approvals that will be required for the high-
ranking implementation projects. Several of the project sponsors are already working with the
appropriate regulatory agencies and working through the permitting process. As demonstrated
in the table, these water-related projects must satisfy significant regulatory permitting
requirements. The two flood projects, Zone 1/1A and Zone 9 Projects, and the Los Osos
Wastewater Project have the most numerous permits required from both federal and State
agencies. These projects could benefit the most from early consultations with regulatory
agencies. Such coordination would facilitate the permitting and regulatory decision process by
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identifying action items to be addressed by project sponsors and will assist the implementation
of high priority IRWMP projects.
13.4 PROJECT COORDINATION WITH FEDERAL AND STATE AGENCIES
Table 13-2 identifies areas where federal and state agency (or other agencies) may be able to
assist in communication or cooperation, or implementation of projects and programs, or where
state or federal regulatory decisions are required before implementing the projects or
programs. As discussed above, agency coordination should take place at all levels in the initial
phases of each project to establish the role of each agency and heighten the awareness of the
project’s purpose, benefits, and potential impacts. A conservative schedule of meetings with the
respective agencies should be incorporated into the overall project schedule during initial
planning, design, and final project completion. Local contact information for each agency can
be obtained on-line or provided by the District.
Table 13-2: Potential Permits and/or Approvals for IRWMP Implementation Projects
Agency/Organization Permit or Approval Action Requiring
Permit/Consultation
U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers
Federal Clean Water Act
Section 404 Permit
Impacts to wetlands and/or waters of the
United States
U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service; National Marine
Fisheries Service
Consultation and Coordination
under Federal Endangered
Species Act; Biological Opinion
and Incidental Take Permit
Construction where federally listed
species may be present, operations of
some facilities
California Coastal
Commission
Coastal Development Permits Projects within California Coastal Zone
California Department of
Fish and Wildlife
1602 Streambed Alteration
Agreement
Substantial alteration of bed, bank or
channel of a river, stream or lake
California Department of
Health Services
Title 22 Report Approval Recycled Water treatment and delivery,
Wellhead treatment; Desalination
California OSHA Mining
and Tunneling Unit
Mining and Tunneling Permit Trenches or excavations deeper than 5
feet
Caltrans Encroachment Permits Construction under California State
Highways
Central Coast Regional
Water Quality Control
Board
401 Certification or Waiver;
Low Threat Discharge Permit;
Title 22 Report Approval;
Report of Waste Discharge
Potential for water quality impairment
from sediment discharge to waterways
during construction, dewatering, and
disposal at construction sites;
consultation with DHS on Title 22 Report,
water recycling, desalination
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Agency/Organization Permit or Approval Action Requiring
Permit/Consultation
State Water Resources
Control Board
NPDES General Construction
Stormwater Permit; water
rights permitting.
Construction and grading of areas
greater than 1 acre and authorization to
divert surface waters.
In 2008, the San Luis Obispo County Flood Control and Water Conservation District produced a
Regional Permit Program utilizing funded provided by proposition 50 (Planning Grant
Agreement No. 4600004505). The Regional Permit Program (RPP) sets out an approach to
managing the multitude of Federal, State, and local regulatory permits required for carrying out
IRWM projects. The RPP consists of two parts: an Environmental Management System (EMS),
and a Regional Permit Plan. The EMS is an internal organization mechanism for managing
individual local implementing agencies. Through the implementation of accepted
environmental standards, the local agency can maintain a high level of environmental
responsibility. The system defines how information is managed and communicated both
internally and externally. The EMS tells the agency how to behave. This behavior sets the stage
for improving the efficiency of project development, regulatory permitting, project
implementation, and project operation.
The Regional Permit Plan begins with an orderly establishment of uniform conditions for
projects in order to reduce processing time and increase consistency and effectiveness. It
progresses towards a self-monitored permit using internet access for permitting agencies to
monitor the compliance by the Department. Eventually, and this would likely require special
legislation, the Plan would provide for approved agencies to issue its own “permits”, subject to
auditing by the agencies normally entrusted with the permitting authority.
In summary, the RPP envisions a regulatory compliance approach that requires the local agency
to meet an acceptable environmental performance standard and, in turn, environmental
regulatory agencies move to an oversight/monitoring role, through individual permits
authorizing the RPP, or through inter-agency permits/agreements that place a single agency in
the oversight role. If the RPP approach were to be implemented by State and Federal agencies,
it would greatly assist in the efficient implementation of more IRWM Plan projects.
13.5 WATER SERVICE COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT AND OTHER COORDINATION
EFFORTS
This section discusses the various cooperative agreements and other inter-agency coordination
efforts related to water supply throughout the IRWM region. A brief overview of these
agreements and efforts is provided, grouped by geographic region.
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May 2020 13-13
13.5.1 Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs)
In response to the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (2014), Groundwater
Sustainability Agencies have formed across the Region to address their groundwater basins. As
Groundwater Sustainability Plans (GSPs) are developed and adopted by the GSAs, the issue of
how IRWM and SGMA will, not only coexist, but work together for the benefit of the Region will
be determined as SGMA moves from the planning phase to the implementation phase. Section
12.4.4 - Groundwater Sustainability Plans discusses this future of IRWM and GSPs and how
the RWMG may flex to this new normal.
13.5.2 Whale Rock Reservoir Water Supply
Whale Rock Reservoir is located on Old Creek Road approximately one-half mile east of the
community of Cayucos. The project was planned, designed, and constructed under the
supervision of the State Department of Water Resources. Construction took place between
October 1958 and April 1961. The reservoir is jointly owned by the City of San Luis Obispo, the
California Men's Colony (CMC), and Cal Poly. These three agencies, with the addition of a
representative from the DWR, form the Whale Rock Commission, which is responsible for
operational policy and administration of the reservoir and related facilities. Day-to-day
operation is provided by the City of San Luis Obispo.
Several agreements establish policy for the operation of the Whale Rock system and actions of
the member agencies. These agreements cover aspects such as distribution of capital costs for
the project construction, operations and apportionment of operations costs, downstream water
rights, fish and wildlife protection, and other items.
In April 1996, the downstream water rights agreement was amended and replaced with a new
agreement, establishing water entitlements for adjacent and downstream water users. The
downstream water users (Cayucos Area Water Organization or CAWO) affected by this
agreement consist of three public water purveyors and the cemetery, plus two other
rural/agricultural users, all in the Cayucos area. These agencies are the Paso Robles Beach
Water Association, Morro Rock Mutual Water Company, County Service Area 10A, and Cayucos-
Morro Bay Cemetery District.
13.5.3 City of Morro Bay/Whale Rock Commission
A mutual aid agreement exists between the Whale Rock Commission and the City of Morro Bay,
dated 2000, relative to water resources in the event of an emergency. The SWP shuts down for
annual maintenance activities each fall/winter during which the City has used its alternative
supplies. In 2008, the SWP shutdown took place also when groundwater quality issues were
limiting the City’s use of well water. The shortfall was made up for through this agreement with
CMC to provide Morro Bay with water during that period. Treated Whale Rock water from CMC
water treatment plant is conveyed to Morro Bay via the Chorro Valley Pipeline.
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13.5.4 Chorro Valley Water System
The Chorro Valley Water System includes these entities: CMC, Camp San Luis Obispo, Cuesta
College, and San Luis Obispo County Operations Center/Office of Education. CMC operates a
water treatment plant to provide potable water to CMC facilities and wheels water to Camp San
Luis Obispo, Cuesta College, County Operations Center (which includes Fleet Services, Water
Quality Lab, Juvenile Detention Center, County Jail, Office of Emergency Services), and County
Office of Education. These entities have several inter- entity agreements relating to entitlements
to their shared water supplies, which include Whale Rock Water, Chorro Reservoir, and State
Water. Camp San Luis Obispo also has first rights to one on-site well (County Well No. 1).
13.5.5 Los Osos Interlocutory Stipulated Judgment (ISJ)
The following three water purveyors serve the community of Los Osos:
Los Osos Community Services District (Los Osos CSD)
S & T Mutual Water Company (S&T MWC)
Golden State Water Company (GSWC)
These three water agencies and overlying water users utilize the same groundwater basin in
the Los Osos Valley. The three local water purveyors, along with the County of San Luis Obispo,
are currently preparing a Basin Management Plan under a court-approved Interlocutory
Stipulated Judgment (ISJ).
13.5.6 Santa Margarita Lake/Salinas Reservoir
The Salinas Dam was built in 1941 by the War Department to supply water to Camp San Luis
Obispo and, secondarily, to meet the water needs of the City of San Luis Obispo. The Salinas
Reservoir (Santa Margarita Lake) captures water from a 112 square mile watershed and can
currently store up to 23,843 acre-feet (AF). In 1947, the Salinas Dam and delivery system was
transferred from the regular Army to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Since 1965, the District
has operated this water supply for the City under a lease from the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers. Water from the reservoir is pumped through the Cuesta Tunnel (a one-mile long
tunnel through the mountains of the Cuesta Ridge) and then flows by gravity to the City’s Water
Treatment Plant on Stenner Creek Road.
13.5.7 Groundwater Management Agreement/Northern Cities Management Area
The Northern Cities (including the cities of Arroyo Grande, Grover Beach, and Pismo Beach, and
the Oceano Community Services District) have a long history of cooperatively managing the
groundwater underlying the Northern Cities area. The 1983 “Gentlemen’s Agreement,” as
amended, was reaffirmed in a 2002 Agreement Regarding the Management of the Arroyo
Grande Groundwater Basin (“2002 Groundwater Management Agreement”). The 2002
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Groundwater Management Agreement was incorporated into the 2005 Stipulation, which was
ultimately affirmed by the Court within the 2008 Judgment.
The 2002 Groundwater Management Agreement established a safe yield for the Arroyo Grande
Groundwater Basin of 9,500 AFY. The safe yield included subdivisions for agricultural irrigation
(5,300 AFY), subsurface flow to the ocean (200 AFY) and urban uses (4,000 AFY). It also provided
that urban groundwater allocations can be increased when land within the incorporated
boundaries is converted from agricultural uses to urban uses, referred to as an agricultural
conversion credit, or “ag credit.” Accordingly, the Cities of Arroyo Grande and Grover Beach
have increased their groundwater allocations through the conversion of agricultural uses to
urban uses within their service areas.
In addition to the monitoring and reporting requirements described in the Stipulation,
representatives from the NCMA frequently meet and coordinate with representatives from the
Nipomo Mesa Management Area and the Santa Maria Valley Management Area (SMVMA)
through the SMVMA’s Technical Subcommittee.
13.5.8 Lopez Lake Zone 3 Water Supply Project
The District completed the Lopez Dam in 1968 to provide a reliable water supply for agricultural
and municipal needs as well as flood protection for coastal communities. Allocations for Lopez
water are based on a percentage of the safe yield of the reservoir, 8,730 AFY. Of that amount,
4,530 AFY are for pipeline deliveries and 4,200 AFY are reserved for downstream releases. The
dam, terminal reservoir, treatment and conveyance facilities are a part of Flood Control Zone 3.
There are two reports under development that relate to Zone 3 operations and water supply
management. The Arroyo Grande Habitat Conservation Plan addresses downstream releases
and coordination of reservoir storage operations with ecosystem needs and water rights.
Additionally, a study is being conducted to consider the feasibility of modifying the dam to
augment capacity of the reservoir.
The agencies that contract for Lopez water in Zone 3 include the communities of Oceano,
Grover Beach, Pismo Beach, Arroyo Grande, and County Service Area (CSA) 12 (including the
Avila Beach area).
13.5.9 Nipomo Mesa Management Area
The Nipomo Mesa Management Area (NMMA) is part of the Santa Maria Valley groundwater
basin adjudicated area. Basin groundwater users in the NMMA include Golden State Water
Company, Rural Water Company, Woodlands, ConocoPhillips, Nipomo Community Services
District, Lucia Mar Unified School District, small public water systems (serving residential,
industrial and nursery/greenhouse operations), and commercial, agricultural and residential
overlying users.
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The Nipomo Mesa area is currently in a certified Level of Severity III for water supply (resource
capacity has been met or exceeded), as defined by San Luis Obispo County. The County’s Level
of Severity III led to the preparation of a water conservation ordinance (SLO County Code, Title 8
Chapter 8.92 became effective September 25, 2008).
The NMMA Technical Group has established a groundwater monitoring plan that uses coastal
and inland key wells to assess the condition of the basin. The 2008 Annual Report indicates that
a potentially severe water shortage condition exists. This condition calls for voluntary actions
under a response plan, with recommendations to draft a Well Management Plan and a
conceptual plan to identify specific actions to be taken (NMMA Technical Group, 2009). Efforts
to better understand groundwater conditions in the NMMA continue, and in addition to the
monitoring and reporting requirements described in the Stipulation, representatives from the
NMMA frequently meet and coordinate with representatives from the Northern Cities
Management Area and the SMVMA through the SMVMA’s Technical Subcommittee.
13.5.10 Nacimiento Water Supply Project
The Nacimiento Dam was constructed in 1957 by Monterey County Flood Control and Water
Conservation District (now known as the Monterey County Water Resources Agency (MCWRA)).
The dam and reservoir continue to be operated by MCWRA. The lake has a capacity of 377,900
acre feet and a surface area of 5,727 acres. Water is collected from a 324 square mile
watershed that is comprised of grazing lands and rugged wilderness.
In 1959, the District secured the rights to 17,500 AFY from Lake Nacimiento, with 1,750 AFY
reserved for lakeside users and the Heritage Ranch Community Services District (CSD). After a
long series of studies and negotiations, the Nacimiento Water Project (NWP) was initiated. The
NWP is the single largest project that the District has ever undertaken. The total project cost,
including design, construction, construction management, environmental permitting, and right-
of-way, is approximately $176 million. Raw water deliveries recently began in 2010, with the City
of San Luis Obispo taking first water deliveries at the Stenner Creek WTP.
Current NWP subscribers have contracted for a total of 9,655 AFY of the available
15,750 AFY, and include:
CSA 10A (via exchange)
City of San Luis Obispo
Templeton CSD, Atascadero MWC
City of Paso Robles
Heritage Ranch CSD’s allocation of Nacimiento Reservoir water of 1,100 AFY is part of the 1,750
AFY reserved for County residents in the Lake Nacimiento area. It is sufficient to provide water
for build-out demand, but the configuration of the delivery system (drawing from the river
downstream of the Nacimiento Dam) leaves the Heritage Ranch CSD vulnerable to a cut off of
its water supply in an extreme drought. Heritage Ranch CSD, under mandate by California
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Department of Public Health, is currently in the process of developing an emergency water
supply project.
The County of San Luis Obispo and County of Monterey are currently in the process of
reviewing water rights and operational issues of Nacimiento Dam under such drought
conditions when the lake levels reach dead pool elevation (elevation at which water no longer
can be released by gravity through the dam).
13.6 REFERENCES
California Department of Water Resources. (2015). Integrated Regional Water Management 48
IRWM Planning Regions. Retrieved from CA.gov:
https://water.ca.gov/LegacyFiles/irwm/grants/docs/rap/IRWM_E_48_Regions_Merged_Te
mplate_Dec_2015_Revised_Lahontan.pdf
California Legislature. (2000). Local Groundwater Management Assistance Act of 2000. Retrieved
from California Legislature Information:
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=WAT&division
=6.&title=&part=2.78.&chapter=&article=
County of San Luis Obispo. (2008). Plumbing Fixtures Upon Sale in the Nipomo Mesa Water
Conservation Area. Retrieved from Municode:
https://library.municode.com/ca/san_luis_obispo_county/codes/county_code?nodeId=TI
T8HESA_CH8.92PLFIUPSANIMEWACOAR
San Luis Obispo County Flood Control and Water Conservation District. (2009). Guide to
Implementing Flood Control Projects. Retrieved from slocounty.ca.gov:
https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/getattachment/464e2853-16b7-4656-aedf-
2e8c0f70a90b/2012-08-30-SLO-Flood-Management-Report-Complete.aspx
San Luis Obispo County Flood Control and Water Conservation District. (2016). Memorandum of
Agreement for Integrated Regional Water Management Planning and Funding in the Central
Coast Funding Area. Retrieved from slocounty.ca.gov.
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14 TABLE OF CONTENTS
14 Climate Change .................................................................................................................. 14-1
14.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 14-1
14.1.1 IRWM Plan Climate Change Outline ......................................................................... 14-1
14.2 Climate Change Projections .............................................................................................. 14-2
14.2.1 Emissions Scenarios ................................................................................................... 14-2
14.3 Climate Change Models .................................................................................................... 14-5
14.3.1 Selected Model for Climate Change Analysis .......................................................... 14-5
14.3.2 Applying Global Models to SLO IRWM Region ........................................................ 14-5
14.4 Approach to Climate Change Analysis for Sub-Regions ................................................ 14-6
14.4.1 Metrics for Measuring Climate Change ................................................................... 14-6
14.4.2 Monthly Time Series Metrics ..................................................................................... 14-6
14.4.3 Daily Time Series Metrics .......................................................................................... 14-7
14.4.4 Conceptual Model Setup and Analysis .................................................................... 14-7
14.5 Climate Change Analysis Results .................................................................................... 14-10
14.5.1 Precipitation Changes .............................................................................................. 14-11
14.5.2 Temperature Changes ............................................................................................. 14-12
14.5.3 Evapotranspiration Changes ................................................................................... 14-13
14.5.4 Runoff Changes ........................................................................................................ 14-14
14.5.5 Daily Climate Change Results Expressed as Degree Days and Precipitation .... 14-15
14.5.6 Changes in Growing Degree Days .......................................................................... 14-16
14.5.7 Overall Sub-Region Findings for Climate Change Analysis .................................. 14-16
14.6 Sea-level Rise .................................................................................................................... 14-19
14.7 Flooding due to Climate Change and Extreme Precipitation Events .......................... 14-20
14.8 Overview of Regional Climate Change Impacts ............................................................ 14-21
14.9 Vulnerability Assessment ................................................................................................ 14-23
14.9.1 Water Demand ......................................................................................................... 14-23
14.9.2 Water Supply ............................................................................................................ 14-24
14.9.3 Water Quality ............................................................................................................ 14-24
14.9.4 Sea Level Rise ........................................................................................................... 14-24
14.9.5 Flooding ..................................................................................................................... 14-25
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14.9.6 Ecosystems and Habitats ........................................................................................ 14-25
14.9.7 Hydropower .............................................................................................................. 14-25
14.9.8 Housing and Development ..................................................................................... 14-25
14.10 Vulnerability Prioritization ........................................................................................... 14-26
14.10.1 RWMG Feasibility ...................................................................................................... 14-28
14.11 Adaptation and Mitigation Strategies ........................................................................ 14-30
14.12 Future Data Gathering and Analysis .......................................................................... 14-35
14.12.1 Water Demands ....................................................................................................... 14-36
14.12.2 Water Supplies .......................................................................................................... 14-36
14.12.3 Water Quality ............................................................................................................ 14-37
14.12.4 Ecosystem and Habitat Vulnerability ..................................................................... 14-37
14.12.5 Sea-level Rise ............................................................................................................ 14-37
14.12.6 Increased Flooding ................................................................................................... 14-38
14.12.7 Annual Climate Change Update ............................................................................. 14-38
14.13 Project Ratings based on Climate Change ................................................................ 14-38
14.13.1 Adaptation Analysis ................................................................................................. 14-39
14.13.2 Mitigation Analysis ................................................................................................... 14-39
14.14 References .................................................................................................................... 14-39
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 14-1: Results of SRES Climate Change Scenarios .............................................................. 14-4
Figure 14-2: A1 Storyline Scenarios ................................................................................................ 14-4
Figure 14-3: Downscaled Region Model Grid Data Request for IRWM Region .......................... 14-6
Figure 14-4: Analysis Flow Diagram ................................................................................................ 14-8
Figure 14-5: Differences in Average Monthly Precipitation ........................................................ 14-12
Figure 14-6: Differences in Average Monthly Maximum Temperatures................................... 14-13
Figure 14-7: Differences in Average Monthly Minimum Temperatures ................................... 14-13
Figure 14-8: Differences in Monthly Evapotranspiration ........................................................... 14-14
Figure 14-9: Differences in Average Monthly Runoff .................................................................. 14-15
Figure 14-10: Plot of Average Daily Temperatures ..................................................................... 14-16
Figure 14-11: Current FEMA 100-Year Floodplain in the Morro Bay Region ............................ 14-21
Figure 14-12: Climate Change Data and IRWM ............................................................................ 14-35
LIST OF TABLES
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Table 14-1: IRWM Plan Climate Change Outline ............................................................................ 14-2
Table 14-2: Socio-Economic and Water Resources Considerations by Sub-Region .................. 14-9
Table 14-3: Projected Changes in Monthly Climate Metrics by Mid-Century (2050) ............... 14-11
Table 14-4: Projected Changes in Daily Climate Metrics by Mid-Century (2050) ..................... 14-15
Table 14-5: Summary of Climate Change Findings as Related to Changes in Regional Water
Resources ......................................................................................................................................... 14-17
Table 14-6: Sea-level Rise Literature Search Results ................................................................... 14-19
Table 14-7: Climate Change Vulnerability Prioritization ............................................................. 14-27
Table 14-8: RWMG Feasibility to Address Climate Change Vulnerabilities ............................... 14-28
Table 14-9: Plan Objectives Related to Very High Vulnerabilities .............................................. 14-31
Table 14-10: Plan Objectives Related to Climate Change Requirements ................................. 14-32
Table 14-11: Resource Management Strategies Related to Climate Change Vulnerabilities . 14-33
Table 14-12: Resource Management Strategies Related to Mitigation Strategies ................... 14-34
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14 CLIMATE CHANGE
14.1 INTRODUCTION
Consistent with California state guidelines for Integrated Regional Water Management (IRWM)
planning, climate change analysis is considered a critical component in the planning and
implementation of water resources management projects and programs. The IRWM Guidelines
require that IRWM Plans address both adaptation to the effects of climate change and
mitigation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions related to water systems. The IRWM Plan must
also include discussion of the potential effects of climate change on the IRWM region and an
assessment of the region’s climate change vulnerabilities. Each IRWM Region is required
develop a list of prioritized vulnerabilities and incorporate a consideration of regional climate
change effects into the appropriate sections of their IRWM Plan.
The purpose of this section is to:
1. Educate the reader on the contributing factors and measurements of climate
change – a brief introduction to define the terminology used in the section and how
each contributes to the understanding of climate change
2. Summarize how Climate Change Analysis is performed – a discussion of the global
models and downscaled data used in the analysis performed in the section’s Climate
Change Analysis
3. Describe the Climate Change Analysis results – a summary of the Climate Change
Analysis results breaking down the differences between the three Sub-Regions of the
SLO IRWM Region
4. Present the results of the vulnerability assessment for the IRWM Region – a
synopsis of the vulnerability assessment, presentation of the prioritized list of
vulnerabilities, and explanation of how vulnerabilities were evaluated
5. Discuss how the SLO RWMG plans to address climate change – a description of the
RWMG’s feasibility to address vulnerabilities and summary of how climate change
considerations impact the IRWM Plan as a whole
The scientific study for this section is derived from Appendix J – Climate Change Analysis for
San Luis Obispo IRWM Region and various climate change related websites referred to in the
appendix and in this section.
14.1.1 IRWM Plan Climate Change Outline
While this section includes a comprehensive depiction of how climate change is addressed by
the IRWM Plan, climate change considerations are weaved into various other sections of the
Plan. Table 14-1 below lists the other sections of the Plan in which climate change is addressed
and an overview of the climate change-related information contained in those sections.
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Table 14-1: IRWM Plan Climate Change Outline
Section Summary
Section 3.13 An overview of the regional, anticipated climate change effects is
supplemented by thorough descriptions of the climate change effects
expected within each sub-region.
Section 4.3.1 This subsection describes how the Plan Objectives were reviewed to ensure
they adequately reflect the region’s top prioritized climate change
vulnerabilities and incorporate climate change adaptation and mitigation
strategies.
Section 5.2.3 A brief summary of how the Plan’s RMS have been evaluated to ensure they
encompass adaptation and mitigation strategies.
Section 6 The project evaluation criteria include a consideration of how proposed
projects address the region’s prioritized climate change vulnerability and
incorporate strategies for climate change adaptation and mitigation.
Section 9.4.3 The RWMG anticipates new information and tools related to climate change
to arise in the future, and this Section includes a summary of the RWMG’s
plan for incorporating such developments into the IRWM Plan.
14.2 CLIMATE CHANGE PROJECTIONS
Climate change is often described as a significant and lasting change in the weather patterns
over extended periods of time ranging from decades to millions of years.
14.2.1 Emissions Scenarios
Emission scenarios are alternative “storylines” of how the future
might unfold based on driving forces such as population growth, land
use change, technology, and industry and how those forces influence
future emissions of GHG. The storylines help define future
concentrations of GHG in the atmosphere and how GHG impacts
temperature and climate. Unfortunately, as with any forecast
modeling, the possibility that any single emissions path will occur as
described by the scenarios is highly uncertain, so multiple scenarios
with differing characteristics have been developed.
In the early 1990s, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
(IPCC) developed long-term emissions scenarios that have been widely used in the analysis of
climate change and its impacts. In 1996, the IPCC made the decision to update the emission
scenarios to account for the carbon intensity of the world’s energy supply, to represent the
significance of the income gap between developed and developing countries, and to include
sulfur emissions as a climate changing variable. In 2000, the emission scenarios were updated
again to identify regions acknowledging agreement in the direction of future climate change as
well as regions where projected changes were thought to be more uncertain. Information on
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the statistical significance of projected changes in relation to modeled natural climate variability
was included.
The IPCC’s Special Report on Emissions Scenarios (SRES) includes four primary storylines of how
the world may move forward with corresponding changes in climate. The preferred storyline
and scenario family utilized for this analysis is the A1 storyline. In contrast to the use of the A2
storyline by a 2010 study on future conditions in San Luis Obispo County, this decision reflects a
more optimistic growth scenario for the economy and a world which brings to bear
technological solutions to reduce GHG emissions starting mid-Century (2050).
Figure 14-1 is from IPCC’s Third Assessment Report, and it illustrates the differences in future
emissions and related conditions between six scenarios derived from the IPCC’s four storylines.
Plots are briefly described as follows: (a) the CO2 emissions of the six SRES scenarios; (b)
projected CO2 concentrations; (c) anthropogenic SO2 emissions; (d) the projected temperature
change; (e) sea-level rise projections.
Focusing on the (a) plot and following the A1B line (solid red line), the trace shows a relatively
steep increase in carbon emissions in the first half the century to the mid-century mark (2050)
and then a slow gradual decrease to 2100. Intuitively, this reflects the continued use of carbon
fuels until green energy technology has evolved and is brought to bear on reducing the rate of
emissions. However, the A1B temperature trace shown in the (d) plot is similar to all emission
scenarios and continues to rise until the end of the century. As illustrated in Figure 14-2, the
A1B scenario is a balance between the more fossil fuel intensive scenario (A1F) and the non-
fossil/green-energy scenario (A1T). The A1B scenario is selected for this analysis to represent
the “most-likely” set of conditions for the IRWM Region looking out to 2100.
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Figure 14-1: Results of SRES Climate Change Scenarios
Figure 14-2: A1 Storyline Scenarios
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14.3 CLIMATE CHANGE MODELS
Downscaling of global data is important for a study looking at the effects of climate change in a
relatively small geographical area. Downscaling of global model results from the IPCC SRES
scenarios refers to a process of taking the global model data on forecasted changes to climate
variables (e.g., temperature and precipitation), and translating it to a finer spatial scale that is
more meaningful in the context of local and regional impacts.
14.3.1 Selected Model for Climate Change Analysis
Significant research and consideration was employed to select the appropriate climate change
models for the SLO IRWM Climate Change Analysis. The decision to use NOAA Geophysical Fluid
Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) models for the climate change analysis is based on the following:
Downscaled data from the model is available at a resolution to differentiate between
the potential impacts in the three Sub-Regions covered in the IRWM Plan
Daily downscaled data is available for all emission scenarios to facilitate computing
change in indices related to energy and water use
The NOAA models and approach had been utilized in three other region-developed
IRWM Plans at the time of development (Imperial Region, Gateway Region, San Joaquin
Region)
14.3.2 Applying Global Models to SLO IRWM Region
For the SLO IRWM Region, the downscaled global datasets need to be applicable to the three
Sub-Regions defined in the IRWM Plan. The Lawrence Livermore National Labs (LLNL) hosts an
archive of the results of global climate projections from the World Climate Research Program’s
Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CIMP) Phase 3 effort and offers statistically-
downscaled data for use in modeling smaller regions. The downscaling includes bias-corrected
data to better match the magnitude of modeled precipitation and temperature to observed
values in the local region. As described above, simulations from NOAA’s GFDL models run for
the A1B emissions scenario were used for the 2014 IRWM Plan Update Climate Change
Analysis. The data grid over which the data request was made is illustrated in Figure 14-3 with
the Sub-Region areas shaded to illustrate the resolution of coverage. By splitting the IRWM
Region into its three Sub-Regions, the analysis afforded more detail than prior efforts to
understand climate change impacts. This results of this analysis, summarized in subsequent
sections, provided a foundation for the prioritization of regional vulnerabilities (Section 14.8)
and future data gathering and analysis.
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Figure 14-3: Downscaled Region Model Grid Data Request for IRWM Region
14.4 APPROACH TO CLIMATE CHANGE ANALYSIS FOR SUB-REGIONS
Climate Change Analysis for the three Sub-Regions in the IRWM Plan required sufficient time
series data, both in resolution and in temporal span. The analysis required monthly and daily
time series data to characterize climate in the recent past (prior to 2011) and at mid-century
(2050), approximately 30 years into the future. The use of mid-century as a future date ensured
full coverage of the 20- to 25-year IRWM Planning horizon.
14.4.1 Metrics for Measuring Climate Change
Changes between historical and future global simulation results are summarized in terms of
monthly and seasonal differences for precipitation, maximum temperature, minimum
temperature, wind speed, evapotranspiration, and runoff. These changes were obtained by
analyzing the monthly simulated data. Daily time series data was used to calculate the average
seasonal change in growing degree days, heating degree days, cooling degree days, and days
with precipitation of more than 1 inch. Both metric categories (i.e., monthly and seasonal) are
used to quantitatively express changes in the climate parameters and are described below.
14.4.2 Monthly Time Series Metrics
Precipitation – Average monthly rainfall amounts (inches and mm)
Maximum Temperature – Average monthly maximum daily temperatures °F (°C)
Minimum Temperature – Average monthly minimum daily temperatures °F (°C)
Wind Speed – Average monthly wind speed (m/s)
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Evapotranspiration – Average monthly evapotranspiration rates (mm)
Runoff – Estimate average monthly runoff from rainfall (mm/month)
14.4.3 Daily Time Series Metrics
Growing Degree Days
Growing Degree Days (GDD) are associated with the regional climate and its ability to provide
the optimal range in temperature for growing crops. While optimal growing conditions differ for
each crop, growing conditions for all crops typically range between 46°F (8°C) for low growth
and 90°F (32°C) for high growth.
On any given day of the year, if the daily mean temperature falls within this range (see figure
below), the day is counted as a growing day and is weighted by how close the temperature falls
to the high growth temperature.
Heating Degree Days
Days with a mean daily temperature below 65°F (18°C), the minimum base temperature, are
considered to be Heating Degree Days (HDD) below which buildings need to be heated.
Cooling Degree Days
Cooling Degree Days (CDD) occur when daily mean temperatures are above 75°F (24°C), the
maximum base temperature, and buildings require air conditioning to cool temperatures.
14.4.4 Conceptual Model Setup and Analysis
The analysis flow diagram shown in Figure 14-4 is illustrative of the processes and interactions
taking place in the modeling of climate change. As shown in the figure, economic systems are
the foundational stressors towards positive and negative changes in climate. The chosen model
scenario (A1B) is closely defined by what the world economy may look like and what the human
society will do about the changes taking place, both environmental and anthropogenic. The
diagram indicates the feedback between each of the processes illustrating how with each time
step a new equilibrium is reached producing a new set of climate conditions.
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Figure 14-4: Analysis Flow Diagram
Since the Climate Change Analysis was performed on a sub-regional scale, it is important to
recognize the socio-economic conditions and other influential elements that characterize each
of the Sub-Region. A general summary of the important distinguishing factors of each Sub-
Region is provided in Table 14-2.
Urbanized land uses in the IRWM region exist in various degrees within each of the three Sub-
Regions. However, it is widely known that most, if not all, urban areas continuously struggle
with water supply, drainage, transportation, and environmental challenges regardless of their
relative size, location, and local hydrology. Due to these similarities, the resulting impacts of
climate change in urban areas are not considered to be significantly different between the
three Sub-Regions and are not reflected in Table 14-2.
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Table 14-2: Socio-Economic and Water Resources Considerations by Sub-Region North Coast Sub-Region Sea-level rise along the coastline can significantly impact low-lying areas and
groundwater supplies (often the primary source of drinking water) by saltwater
intrusion
Small aquifers offer low aquifer storage capacity
Timing of rainfall and runoff is critical to recharging the region’s smaller groundwater
basins where groundwater storage is constrained by aquifer size and salt water
intrusion (i.e., changes in rainfall patterns can cause a possible loss of natural
recharge)
Local economies of communities (e.g., fishery and harbor industries), are reliant on
coastal tourism requiring protection of ecosystems and infrastructure
Seawater intrusion and impacts of climate change and sea-level rise could impact
Morro Bay National Estuary, a federally protected marine area with a variety of
species, and other ecological preserve areas
California State Route Highway 1 coastal transportation route from approximately
Carmel to the north, to San Simeon is sensitive to changing weather patterns causing
slides and long-term road closures, shutting off north-bound and south-bound lanes
for weeks, impacting primarily tourism North County Sub-Region A larger wine and vineyard-based economy in the Paso Robles Groundwater Basin is
sensitive to changing amounts of rainfall, and temperatures governing growing days
and sensitive harvest periods
Agricultural water demands also have the potential to change (up or down) as a result
of the need to change cropping patterns or cropping cycles to accommodate rainfall
patterns
Local economies of communities (such as lake recreation and agricultural-related
industries) are reliant on tourism requiring the ability to sustain the attractions and
natural resources
Changes in the flow patterns of the Salinas River dictate the amount of irrigation water
and natural recharge to the Paso Robles Groundwater Basin on an annual basis
The region contains critical ecosystems, such as 180,000-acre Carrizo Plain, one of the
largest intact California grasslands, home to more endangered species than anywhere
else in California, and home to Soda Lake, a sensitive ecosystem
State Water Project water is potentially available to increase imported surface water;
however, these supplies are projected to have lower reliability with the potential for
stressing local and regional groundwater resources and exacerbating salinity intrusion
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 14-10
Table 14-2: Socio-Economic and Water Resources Considerations by Sub-Region, Continued South County Sub-Region A larger agricultural economy in the Santa Maria Groundwater Basin is sensitive to
changing amounts of natural groundwater recharge and temperatures governing
growing days
Agricultural water demands also have the potential to change (up or down) as a result
of the need to change cropping patterns or cropping cycles to accommodate rainfall
patterns
Local coastal economies of communities sustained by recreation and tourism-related
industries are reliant on maintaining the attractive natural resources of beaches,
estuaries, and woodlands
California State Water Project water contracts are available and being used to increase
imported surface water; however, these supplies are projected to have lower reliability
with the potential for stressing local and regional groundwater resources and
exacerbating salinity intrusion
Seawater intrusion, sea-level rise, and impacts of climate change could impact the
Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Wetland (and oil field), the largest coastal dune ecosystem
in the Western U.S. with a variety of species, and other ecological preserve areas
Sea-level rise can significantly impact the coastal low lying urban areas at risk of
flooding from the Arroyo Grande, Pismo Creek, and Meadow Creek watersheds;
especially, during periods of coincident high tide and flooding resulting from increased
rain storm intensity
Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant uses seawater for cooling and can be impacted
through coastal storms, flooding, and sea-level rise
14.5 CLIMATE CHANGE ANALYSIS RESULTS
The Climate Change Analysis is the execution of the model assuming the mid-century (2050)
carbon production conditions of the A1B Scenario shown in Table 14-3, and running those
conditions through 40 years of monthly hydrology and 20 years of daily hydrology develop a
statistical average of the various climate variables. In this way, the model results are presented
so the mid-century results of climate variables are representative of an average over a
hydrologic period of record to account for the naturally occurring dry- and wet-period
hydrology.
Table 14-3 below provides results of the Climate Change Analysis using monthly data
aggregated to seasonal time periods for the mid-century point in time. The table and figures
below illustrate the change in average seasonal amounts for key climate variables.
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 14-11
Table 14-3: Projected Changes in Monthly Climate Metrics by Mid-Century (2050)
Variable Sub-Region
Change in Variables Projected for
Medium Warming Scenario (A1B)
Winter Spring Summer Fall Annual
Precipitation
North Coast 7.2% -26.2% -38.5% 3.2% -3.66%
South County 7.0% -27.5% -32.5% 0.9% -5.02%
North County 6.9% -27.2% -41.0% -1.4% -5.15%
Maximum
Temperature
North Coast 6.5% 4.2% 5.8% 5.6% 5.48%
South County 6.6% 4.6% 6.1% 6.0% 5.81%
North County 7.5% 4.5% 5.0% 5.9% 5.55%
Minimum
Temperature
North Coast 18.8% 13.5% 9.8% 17.0% 13.91%
South County 23.2% 14.1% 11.2% 18.8% 15.40%
North County 49.9% 15.4% 12.1% 21.8% 17.76%
Wind Speed
North Coast -0.1% -1.8% 0.2% 1.2% -0.25%
South County 0.2% -1.2% -0.8% 0.7% -0.32%
North County 0.3% -1.0% -0.6% 0.8% -0.21%
Evapotranspiration
North Coast -3.6% 3.9% 7.0% 6.1% 4.79%
South County -1.8% 3.8% 7.1% 6.0% 4.90%
North County -4.0% 4.6% 6.2% 5.2% 4.37%
Runoff
North Coast 15.7% -27.8% -3.3% -1.4% -3.47%
South County 12.8% -33.7% -4.4% 1.7% -8.78%
North County 16.2% -27.8% -3.2% -0.5% -3.70%
In the table above, the cells with green backgrounds indicate increases of 3 percent or more
change from current seasonal average; red backgrounds indicate decreases of 3 percent or
more; and white backgrounds indicate no significant change. The table values provide a sense
of the order of magnitude of change projected in 2050 as a result of climate change assuming
the A1B Scenario conditions of carbon productions. Each of these key climate variables and the
effects of climate change on the Sub-Regions are described below.
14.5.1 Precipitation Changes
Precipitation is a key indicator of climate change. Both when (temporal) and how much
(volume) rainfall occurs have a significant impact to the region’s infrastructure and river
systems in their capacity to convey flood waters and naturally recharge freshwater aquifers,
respectively. The percent changes shown in the table above express that in the future there will
be more rainfall in the winter and less rainfall in the spring. It should be noted, the order of
magnitude in the change seen in spring stems from the small amount of rainfall that occurs
during the spring months of the year. The approximate 0.4-inch seasonal average decrease in
rainfall over the North County Sub-Region area in spring produces a 27 percent decrease from
the current seasonal average of 1.6 inches. Whereas, a 0.5-inch increase over the same area in
winter, with a current 6-inch average rainfall, produces a 6.9 percent increase.
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 14-12
Precipitation drives many of the interactions taking place in the Figure 14-4 analysis flow
diagram. It is important to quantify the shift in rainfall from month to month, as demonstrated
in Figure 14-5 below. The graph shows a monthly average precipitation difference comparison
of the three Sub-Regions. As a whole, the graph indicates most of the change is taking place in
the North Coast Sub-Region with a reduction in precipitation change as one moves inland from
the ocean.
Figure 14-5: Differences in Average Monthly Precipitation
14.5.2 Temperature Changes
Temperature drives how much water is needed to satisfy both human and natural water
demands, and a shift in temperature can reduce or increase this need for water over the
months of the year. An increase in temperature raises the amount of evapotranspiration from
agricultural production and outdoor landscaping which, in turn, necessitates the application of
additional irrigation water.
Figure 14-6 and Figure 14-7 provide the differences in maximum and minimum daily
temperatures. A rise in maximum temperatures indicates hotter day time temperatures and a
rise in minimum temperatures indicate hotter night time temperatures (when compared with
existing conditions). The two graphs indicate that the entire region will see an increase in
temperature year-round. The South County Sub-Region extends further inland than the North
Coast Sub-Region and so has similar characteristics to the North County Sub-Region in terms of
temperature change in some months of the year. The greatest absolute and comparative
difference between the Sub-Regions occurs during the summer months.
‐25
‐20
‐15
‐10
‐5
0
5
10
15
20
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Change in Precipitation (mm)North Coast
South County
North County
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 14-13
Figure 14-6: Differences in Average Monthly Maximum Temperatures
Figure 14-7: Differences in Average Monthly Minimum Temperatures
14.5.3 Evapotranspiration Changes
Evapotranspiration (ET) is a measure of how the Sun’s radiation affects the amount of water
needed by plants to sustain growth. Figure 14-8 provides a comparison of the ET changes
amongst all three Sub-Regions. The graph shows relatively little difference between the three
Sub-Regions and highlights how ET is projected to significantly increase across the region
during summer months. The North County Sub-Region, with its strong agricultural community,
anticipates increased ET during the spring growing season. These changes will heighten
agriculture water demands and add stress to several already vulnerable water supplies.
0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1
1.2
1.4
1.6
1.8
2
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov DecChange in Max Temperature (Degrees Celcius)North Coast
South
County
North
County
0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1
1.2
1.4
1.6
1.8
2
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov DecChange in Min Temperature (Degrees Celcius)North Coast
South
County
North
County
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 14-14
Figure 14-8: Differences in Monthly Evapotranspiration
14.5.4 Runoff Changes
Runoff is a measure of how much rainfall hits the ground and does not infiltrate or percolate to
replenish groundwater supplies. This is an indicator of the intensity of storms, the size of the
aquifers, and the soil moisture conditions. When rainfall events are spaced out and of low
intensity, the region has an improved chance of capturing the water through deep percolation
to groundwater supplies (or possibly to fractured rock). When soil moisture conditions reject
the water, or aquifers become full, runoff occurs and is routed to streams, rivers, reservoirs,
and the ocean. Changes in the intensity and frequency of rainfall events and resulting changes
in runoff can significantly impact a reservoir’s operations and lead to insufficient stored water
during peak water demands. Figure 14-9 indicates the North Coast Sub-Region will experience
the highest monthly change in runoff, with reduced change toward the inland regions. This
response is in part due to smaller watersheds and small capacity aquifers along the North
Coast, which create shorter response times and make the area more sensitive to changes in
storm event patterns.
‐5
0
5
10
15
20
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov DecChange in Evapotanspiration (mm)North Coast
South
County
North
County
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 14-15
Figure 14-9: Differences in Average Monthly Runoff
14.5.5 Daily Climate Change Results Expressed as Degree Days and Precipitation
With daily simulation data, the resolution of change significantly increases when considering
how much warmer or cooler the temperatures will be, on average, for any given day of the
year. Section 14.4.3 defines the concept of degree days, a metric of change that relates to the
use of water and energy to its impact on the economy. Table 14-4 below summarizes the
projected changes in the climate’s daily metrics by mid-century with increases shown in green
background and decreases shown in red backgrounds. Cells with white backgrounds indicate
no significant change.
Table 14-4: Projected Changes in Daily Climate Metrics by Mid-Century (2050)
Variable
Sub-Region
Change in Variables Projected for
Medium Emissions (A1B)
Winter Spring Summer Fall
Growing Degree
Days
North Coast 148.84 239.77 435.81 303.29
South County 150.04 240.46 423.37 283.37
North County 147.33 249.11 363.65 283.60
Heating Degree
Days
North Coast -288.00 -337.35 -214.49 -279.32
South County -296.08 -338.93 -190.82 -264.11
North County -306.75 -311.36 -48.87 -244.22
Cooling Degree
Days
North Coast 0.00 0.00 1.16 0.37
South County 0.00 0.05 1.51 0.41
North County 0.00 0.69 80.83 10.44
‐12
‐10
‐8
‐6
‐4
‐2
0
2
4
6
8
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Change in Runoff (mm/month)North Coast
South
County
North
County
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 14-16
14.5.6 Changes in Growing Degree Days
The change in GDDs occurring in the North County Sub-Region is a good illustration of the
utility of GDDs as a metric. Using vineyards as a surrogate for agricultural crops in the SLO
Region, the number of GDDs increases with an increase in temperature.
The difference in the number of summer GDDs for the two coastal Sub-Regions appears to be
slightly higher. This is caused by two factors: higher minimum temperatures due to temperate
ocean influence along the coastline, and a lower number of GDDs currently along the coast
than in the North County Sub-Region.
Figure 14-10 shows plots of both the projected and past average daily temperatures and has
been used to illustrate the shift in GDDs. The graph shows the temperature shift is reducing the
total number of days with an average temperature of less than 46 °F (8°C) by a total of 33 days
(see cross-hatched area representing days no longer less than minimum temperature). Since
these 33 days will all have an average temperature greater than the minimum temperature
needed for plant growth (8 °C) and no days will have an average temperature exceeding the
maximum temperature for plant growth (32 °C), the total number of growing days increases for
the year.
Figure 14-10: Plot of Average Daily Temperatures
14.5.7 Overall Sub-Region Findings for Climate Change Analysis
Table 14-5 provides additional details and general findings substantiating the results presented
above for each Sub-Region.
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
024681012141618202224262830323436384042Average Number of Occurences per YearAverage Daily Temperature (Degrees Celsius)
FPast
FFuture
Minimum temp
for plant growth
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan May 2020 14-17 Table 14-5: Summary of Climate Change Findings as Related to Changes in Regional Water Resources Climate Variables North Coast Sub-Region North County Sub-Region South County Sub-Region Rainfall Increase in winter precipitation up to 7% and decreases in dry season precipitation up to 38% indicate a shift in precipitation cycles, with an overall decrease in annual precipitation up to 4% Increase in winter precipitation up to 7% and decreases in dry season precipitation up to 41% indicate shift in precipitation cycles, with an overall decrease in annual precipitation up to 5% Increase in winter precipitation up to 7% and decreases in dry season precipitation up to 32% indicate shift in precipitation cycles, with an overall decrease in annual precipitation up to 5% Maximum Temperature Increases by 4.2% - 6.5% in maximum temperatures throughout the year (in degree Celsius) indicate an overall increase in warming patterns Increases by 4.5% - 7.5% in maximum temperatures throughout the year (in degree Celsius) indicate an overall increase in warming patterns Increases by 4.6% - 6.6% in maximum temperatures throughout the year (in degree Celsius) indicate an overall increase in warming patterns Minimum Temperature Increases by 9.8% - 18.8% in minimum temperatures throughout the year (in degree Celsius) indicate warmer night time temperatures Increases by 12.1% - 49.9% in minimum temperatures throughout the year (in degree Celsius) indicate warmer night time temperatures. This region has below freezing winter temperatures, hence the changed values are sensitive to small changes in temperatures Increases by 11.2% - 23.2% in minimum temperatures throughout the year (in degree Celsius) indicate warmer night time temperatures Wind Speed Minor changes in wind speeds ranging from increases up to 1% and decreases up to 2% possibly affecting evapotranspiration Only minor changes in wind speeds ranging from increases of less than 1% and decreases up to 1% Only minor changes in wind speeds ranging from increases of less than 1% and decreases up to 1% Evapo-transpiration Increases up to 7% expected in evapotranspiration in all seasons except winter where a decrease up to 3% indicate the need for a shift in irrigation patterns Increases up to 6% expected in evapotranspiration in all seasons except winter where a decrease up to 4% indicate the need for a potential shift in irrigation patterns Increases up to 7% expected in evapotranspiration in all seasons except winter where a decrease up to 2% indicate the need shift in irrigation patterns Runoff Increases in runoff in the winter by 15.7% and decreased runoff in the dry seasons up to 27.8% indicate shift in runoff patterns Increases in runoff in the winter by 16.2% and decreases in runoff in the dry seasons up to 27.8% indicate shift in runoff pattern Increases in runoff in the winter by 12.8% and decreased runoff in the dry seasons up to 33.7% indicate shift in runoff patterns Heating/Cooling Degree Days Significant decreases in heating requirements (heating degree days) through all the seasons due to higher Significant decreases in heating requirements (heating degree days) through all the seasons due to higher Significant decreases in heating requirements (heating degree days) through all the seasons due to higher
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan May 2020 14-18 Climate Variables North Coast Sub-Region North County Sub-Region South County Sub-Region temperatures and minor increases in cooling requirements (cooling degree days) in summer and fall indicate higher energy costs in cooling building temperatures and minor increases in cooling requirements (cooling degree days) in spring, summer and fall indicate higher energy costs in cooling buildings temperatures and minor increases in cooling requirements (cooling degree days) in spring, summer and fall indicate higher energy cost in cooling buildings Growing Degree Days Increases in ambient growing temperatures (growing degree days) for plants in all seasons indicate need to alter crop types and water requirements Increases in ambient growing temperatures (growing degree days) for plants in all seasons indicate need to alter crop types and water requirements Increases in ambient growing temperatures (growing degree days) for plants in all seasons indicates a need to alter crop types and water requirements Rainfall Events Slight change in the number of precipitation events in winter and spring indicate shift in runoff and irrigation patterns Slight change in the number of precipitation events in winter and spring indicate shift in runoff and irrigation patterns Slight change in the number of precipitation events in winter and spring indicate shift in runoff and irrigation patterns
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 14-19
14.6 SEA-LEVEL RISE
Changes in sea level can occur due to many factors including changes in the amount of water
stored on land in the form of ice sheets and glaciers; shoreline subsidence or movement; and
thermal expansion of water caused by increasing temperatures. According to an article by
NOAA, the average rate of sea level rise (SLR) is currently about one-eighth of an inch per year,
but this rate is projected to increase in the future. Being adjacent to the Pacific Ocean with
approximately 100 miles of coastline, the SLO IRWM Region is vulnerable to SLR and has an
interest in quantifying the changes in sea level that may occur in the coming years. The
forecasting of SLR in the modeling community estimates the rise at different geographic scales,
but there is no industry-accepted model currently in use.
A literature search indicates that, for the most part, the projected rise in sea level estimated by
various studies using different approaches all fall within the same order of magnitude, as
categorized and presented in Table 14-6. In general, a change of less than 1 foot is likely to
occur at mid-century and less than 3 feet by end of century (2100). This change combined with
forecasted increases in storm surge and high tidal effects could result in concerning on-shore
impacts in the coming years.
Table 14-6 below shows SLR estimates based on the IPCC A1B scenario and several other
emissions scenarios. A prevalent concern with SLR is the impact to coastal low-lying urban
areas at risk of flooding during periods of coincident high tide or as a result of increased storm
intensity. Further quantification of the implications of these changes is beyond the scope of this
effort; however, through continued monitoring and adaptation, the SLO Region can adjust to
the slow changes in sea level as they occur over the coming years.
Table 14-6: Sea-level Rise Literature Search Results
Scale Emissions
Scenario
Projected Rise
(m)
Projected Rise
(ft) Period Climate Model Data Source
MID-CENTURY
Port San
Luis Historical 0.011-0.047 m 0.036-0.15 ft 2050
Extrapolation
of Historical
Trend
NOAA
California Historical 0.15 m 0.49 ft Mid-
century
Extrapolation
of Historical
Trend
California
DWR
California Multi-
Scenario 0.24 - 0.31 m 0.78-1.02 ft Mid-
century
Semi Empirical
(Rahmstorf's)
Approach
California
DWR
California Multi-
Scenario 0.087 - 0.095 m 0.28-0.31 ft 2020 -
2049 PCM Journal
Publication
California Multi-
Scenario 0.116 - 0.127 m 0.38-0.41 ft 2020 -
2049 HadCM3 Journal
Publication
California Multi-
Scenario 0.04 - 0.3 m 0.13-0.98 ft 2030 Multi-model
Ensemble
National
Academy
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 14-20
Scale Emissions
Scenario
Projected Rise
(m)
Projected Rise
(ft) Period Climate Model Data Source
California Multi-
Scenario 0.12 - 0.6 m 0.39-1.96 ft 2050 Multi-model
Ensemble
National
Academy
Global A1B 0.063 - 0.284 m 0.2-0.93 ft 2050 Multi-model
Ensemble IPCC
LATE CENTURY
California Multi-
Scenario 0.54 - 0.94 m 1.77-3.08 ft End-
Century
Semi Empirical
(Rahmstorf's)
Approach
California
DWR
California Multi-
Scenario 0.192 - 0.288 m 0.63-0.94 ft 2070 -
2099 PCM Journal
Publication
California Multi-
Scenario 0.268 - 0.409 m 0.87-3.08 ft 2070 -
2099 HadCM3 Journal
Publication
California Multi-
Scenario 0.42 - 1.67 m 1.37-5.47 ft 2100 Multi-model
Ensemble
National
Academy
Global A1B 0.21 - 0.45 m 0.69-1.47 ft 2090 -
2099
Multi-model
Ensemble IPCC
14.7 FLOODING DUE TO CLIMATE CHANGE AND EXTREME PRECIPITATION EVENTS
Though global climate models present uncertainty in projected changes in flooding, the
increased intensity of precipitation events indicate a relatively low threat in the SLO IRWM
Region. The changes in rainfall and runoff presented in Section 14.5 can be said to change
floodplains set forth by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Regardless of
climate change, with continued flood management and monitoring activities, FEMA floodplain
maps will require updating and structural remedies to ensure the continued safety of life and
property. Regulated rivers also require constant monitoring and modification in operations and
structural/hydraulic design to mitigate for changed and unforeseen conditions in the weather
patterns. Figure 14-11 is used solely as a source for where to find the FEMA floodplain maps as
they may change over time with climate change monitoring.
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 14-21
Figure 14-11: Current FEMA 100-Year Floodplain in the Morro Bay Region
14.8 OVERVIEW OF REGIONAL CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS
During the 2018 IRWMP Update, a literature review was completed in December 2017 by Water
Systems Consulting, Inc. (WSC) evaluating current research on the Region’s anticipated climate
change effects and the corresponding water resources-related impacts. Based on the County’s
previous Climate Change Analysis, described above, and recent climate change literature, a list
of some but not all of the notable climate change impacts relevant to water resources
management is included below. The anticipated impacts are separated into seven vulnerability
categories recommended in the Climate Change Handbook for Regional Water Planning. The
complete literature review can be found in Appendix J.
Water Demand:
Increased agricultural water demands due to reduced surface flows, reduced soil
moisture, increased evapotranspiration rates, and longer growing seasons
Increased seasonal water demand due to increased drought frequency and increased
air temperatures
Increased cooling and process water demand due to increased air and water
temperatures and increased energy demands
Decreased crop yields due to changes in growing seasons and heat patterns
Increased difficulty meeting water curtailments due to increased drought frequency and
increased water demand
Water Supply:
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 14-22
Decreased groundwater recharge due to decreased precipitation and increased storm
severity
Increased water supply shortages due to decreased precipitation and increased water
demands
Increased seawater intrusion of coastal aquifers due to sea level rise
Increased drought frequency and severity
Decreased reliability of imported water supplies due to decreased snowmelt and
increased water demands
Increased difficulty meeting instream flow requirements due to decreased groundwater
levels and precipitation
Water Quality:
Increased eutrophication and harmful algal blooms due to increased air and water
temperatures
Decreased assimilative capacity due to declining low flows
Increased turbidity and other contamination concerns due to increased storm severity
Increased risk of contamination due to increased wildfire frequency
Increased sedimentation and erosion
Increased saltwater intrusion due to sea level rise and declining low flows
Sea Level Rise:
Increased seawater intrusion of coastal aquifers
Increased coastal erosion
Increased stress on protective coastal structures
Increased coastal flooding and storm severity
Flooding:
Increased flooding due to increased storm severity
Increased risk of flooding due to increased wildfire frequency
Increased erosion and disruption of facilities due to flooding
Ecosystem and Habitats:
Increased sedimentation and erosion causing disruption of ecosystems
Increased saltwater intrusion of aquatic habitats
Disruption of marine ecosystems by ocean acidification
Increased stress on climate-sensitive species
Increased changes in species distribution
Increased spread of invasive species
Hydropower:
Changes in hydropower generation due to changes in precipitation patterns
Increased energy demand due to increased air and water temperatures
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 14-23
14.9 VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT
In accordance with the 2016 IRWM Guidelines, SLO County completed a thorough climate
change vulnerability assessment following the Climate Change Handbook. Using the indicator
questions form Section 4.3 of the Handbook, the County identified and described the regional
water resources-related vulnerabilities. RWMG members and other IRWM stakeholders
provided input on the vulnerability descriptions through an online survey and the IRWM
Climate Change Workshop (held January 31, 2018). See Appendix J for the complete Final
Vulnerability Assessment approved by the RWMG in February of 2018.
The purpose of the assessment is to inform the development of a working list of prioritized
vulnerabilities, which is used to inform the Plan Objectives, Resource Management Strategies,
and Project Review Process. The major categories of water resources-related vulnerabilities are:
1) Water Demand
2) Water Supply
3) Water Quality
4) Sea Level Rise
5) Flooding
6) Ecosystems and Habitats
7) Hydropower
A total of 35 vulnerabilities were identified for the Region, and the complete list of prioritized
vulnerabilities is in Table 14-7. Included below are summaries of the identified vulnerabilities
separated by category. Detailed descriptions of the anticipated climate change impacts in each
Sub-region are included in Section 3, and detailed responses to the Climate Change Handbook
vulnerability indicator questions are in Appendix J.
14.9.1 Water Demand
The impacts of climate change on water demand will be a serious concern for San Luis Obispo
County in the future. As temperatures increase and precipitation decreases, water demand is
expected to increase for many of the region’s most prominent industries including wineries,
breweries, hospitals, energy production, hotels, education, and agriculture. Similarly, seasonal
water demands are expected to increase as agriculture and tourism – two of the Region’s
largest industries – contribute to increased water usage over warmer, summer months for
many of the Region’s communities. Increases in water demand will result in growing levels of
stress on water supplies, especially when water usage corresponds with periods of reduced
groundwater levels. These adverse impacts have already been observed for several
groundwater basins in the County that have been unable to keep up with water demand during
recent drought conditions. As drought frequency and temperatures increase, meeting the
water demand for critical domestic and industrial uses could become a mounting difficulty. As
such, water curtailment efforts that have been previously effective could become increasingly
difficult to meet and cause immense stress for communities.
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 14-24
14.9.2 Water Supply
Groundwater basins, surface water bodies, reservoirs, and the State Water Project are some of
the major water supplies for San Luis Obispo County. These critical water supplies will not only
be exposed to several harmful climate change effects, but many are also highly sensitive to
anticipated effects. For example, coastal aquifers – an important water supply source for
several communities in the region – are at risk of increased drought frequency leaving them
increasingly sensitive to seawater intrusion, a mounting risk due to sea level rise. Across the
Region, the limited storage capabilities for carryover supply surpluses will make the anticipated
fluctuations in water supply increasingly stressful. Past drought conditions have already
revealed vulnerabilities in regional water supplies as several communities have been forced to
find additional or alternate water supplies. As drought frequency increases, precipitation
decreases, and water demand increases, the impacts to the County’s water supply sources will
be increasingly disruptive.
14.9.3 Water Quality
Existing and previous water contamination issues in water bodies throughout the County serve
as indicators of how climate change effects will make water quality a growing concern. For
instance, previous heavy rain events have resulted in increased water contaminant levels in
reservoirs and surface water supplies forcing communities to change their water treatment
methods. As storm severity increases in the future, this water quality concern will only worsen.
Some of the threats to water quality that will be exacerbated by climate change include
increased sedimentation and erosion, increased eutrophication, more concentrated instances
of runoff, and decreased assimilative capacity. This threaten not only consumptive water uses
but also the health of aquatic ecosystems and species and economies and recreation reliant on
water bodies.
14.9.4 Sea Level Rise
Tidal gauges along the County’s coastline with historic and current data indicate that sea levels
are rising in this area. This poses a series of threats to vital coastal communities, infrastructure,
and ecosystems. Coastal erosion has already forced some communities to add coastline
armoring, and as sea levels rise erosion is expected to worsen. Due to sea level rise, increased
flooding and storm severity are also anticipated and will threaten low-lying habitats and
communities. Many areas including Oceano, Pismo Beach, and Los Osos already experience
flooding during high tides and storms events indicating the severity of this growing threat.
Finally, sea level rise will increase the threat of seawater intrusion for critical coastal aquifers,
which could compromise the water supply for coastal communities.
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 14-25
14.9.5 Flooding
San Luis Obispo County is at a high risk of increased flooding in the future. Changes in
precipitation patterns, sea level rise, and increased wildfire risk all contribute to growing flood
concerns for the Region. As a result, flood protection and control infrastructure will be critical
moving forward. However, much of the critical flood protection infrastructure, such as the
Arroyo Grande Creek Channel Levee and the City of San Luis Obispo’s creek corridors, are aging
and in need of updates or repairs. This makes communities increasingly vulnerable to flood
risks. Similarly, communities across the County currently have insufficient flood control facilities
highlighting the hazard of increased flooding for the Region.
14.9.6 Ecosystems and Habitats
A myriad of anticipated climate change effects threatens the wellbeing of species and aquatic
habitats in the County. Many of the Region’s species and ecosystems are sensitive to even small
changes in habitat conditions, and anticipated climate change effects including increased air
and water temperature, decreased precipitation, increased sedimentation, and decreased fog
could all have serious detrimental impacts. Home to numerous threatened and endangered
species and recognized Critical Habitat Areas, San Luis Obispo County is highly reliant on its
natural biodiversity and aquatic ecosystems for economic and recreational uses. This leaves the
Region vulnerable to disruptions of these natural systems, which could be devastating to
important industries like tourism, fishing, and oyster harvesting as well as customs and
lifestyles of local communities.
14.9.7 Hydropower
Currently, San Luis Obispo County does not obtain energy from hydropower sources. As such,
the impacts of anticipated climate change effects on hydropower generation are not a concern
for the Region. However, the City of San Luis Obispo is exploring future options for conduit
hydropower generation.
14.9.8 Housing and Development
During the Region’s Climate Change workshop on January 31st, 2018, RWMG members and
Interested Stakeholders discussed the possible inclusion of a “Housing and Development”
vulnerability to the assessment. Ultimately, the decision at the workshop, and later confirmed
by the RWMG at their regular meeting on February 7th, 2018, was to include a narrative
discussion of how housing and development is affected by the prioritized vulnerabilities
throughout the Region.
The RWMG identified 5 vulnerabilities that directly relate to Housing and Development:
Water Demand 1: Water-dependent Industries
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Water Demand 4: Drought-sensitive groundwater basins
Water Demand 5: Communities with water curtailment efforts
Water Supply 2: Water supply from coastal aquifers
Water Supply 3: Inability to store carryover supply surpluses
Climate change, as documented in this section, can dramatically affect the ability of
incorporated and unincorporated communities to realize projected growth, even if growth is
recognized and accounted for in a general plan. The most recent drought (2012-2017) brought
many restrictions to water use Region-wide. Water curtailment requirements (vulnerability WD-
5) were enacted at both the State and local government level. State Water Project allocations
were reduced thereby increasing local dependence on groundwater. This increased reliance on
groundwater caused areas of the Region to experience a moratorium on well drilling permits
(WD-4). Additionally, coastal communities severely restricted landscape use (WS-2) and
purveyors across the Region stopped issuing permits for construction water (WD-1).
Looking ahead, the San Luis Obispo Counsel of Governments (SLOCOG) is projecting a
population growth between 10% (low estimate) and 33% (high estimate) for the Region by the
year 2050. To realize this, the Region will need to continue to address these Water Supply and
Water Demand vulnerabilities related to climate change. For more information, see the
SLOCOG’s Regional Growth Forecast.
14.10 VULNERABILITY PRIORITIZATION
RWMG members and other IRWM stakeholders were able to participate in the prioritization of
the 35 regional vulnerabilities by completing an online survey or attending the IRWM Climate
Change Workshop (held January 31, 2018). Based on stakeholder input, the vulnerabilities were
separated into four priority categories: very high, high, medium, and low. These prioritizations
were determined using three characteristics evaluated in the online survey and discussed at the
Workshop.
The characteristics used to inform the vulnerability prioritization are:
1) Exposure – the extent to which a resource, asset, or system could be subject to the
effects of climate change
2) Sensitivity – the degree to which a resource, asset, or system would be impacted by the
effects of climate change
3) Likelihood – the probability that a resource, asset, or system would be impacted by the
effects of climate change due to lack of adaptive capacity
Results from the online survey and workshop worksheets as well as detailed information on
how the priorities were determined are included in Appendix J. The RWMG’s final list of
prioritized vulnerabilities is shown in Table 14-7below.
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Table 14-7: Climate Change Vulnerability Prioritization
Vulnerability Priority
Water Demand
Drought-sensitive groundwater basins Very High
Insufficient instream flows Very High
Water-dependent industries High
Climate-sensitive crops Medium
Communities with water curtailment efforts Medium
Seasonal water demand Medium
Water Supply
Drought-sensitive water systems Very High
Water supply from coastal aquifers Very High
Inability to store carryover supply surpluses High
Invasive species management issues Medium
Water supply from snowmelt Low
Water Quality
Declining seasonal low flows Very High
Water bodies impacted by eutrophication High
Water bodies in areas at risk of wildfires High
Water quality impacted by rain events High
Water bodies with restricted beneficial uses Medium
Sea Level Rise
Coastal erosion Medium
Coastal infrastructure in low-lying areas Medium
Flooding due to high tides and storm surges Medium
Low-lying coastal habitats Medium
Rising sea levels Medium
Coastal land subsidence Low
Coastal structures Low
Flooding
Increased flood risk due to wildfires Very High
Aging flood protection infrastructure High
Insufficient flood control facilities High
Ecosystem and Habitat
Changes in species distributions High
Environmental flow requirements High
Estuarine habitats dependent on freshwater flow patterns High
Aquatic habitats at risk of erosion and sedimentation Medium
Climate-sensitive fauna and flora Medium
Fragmented aquatic habitats Medium
Aquatic habitats used for economic activities & recreation Low
Exposed coastal ecosystems Low
Hydropower
Future hydropower plans Low
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan May 2020 14-28 14.10.1 RWMG Feasibility Once the prioritized list of vulnerabilities was confirmed, Table 14-8 was constructed to evaluate the feasibility of the SLO RWMG to address its very high and high priority vulnerabilities. Table 14-8: RWMG Feasibility to Address Climate Change Vulnerabilities Vulnerability Priority Limitations of RWMG Aging flood protection infrastructure High Addressing this vulnerability will require overcoming large financial and permitting barriers, which is possible for the RWMG and its members but will not be easy. Changes in species distributions High Limitations in available knowledge and uncertainty of climate change impacts will impede the feasibility of the RWMG to appropriately manage changes in species distribution. Regulatory alignment will also be a challenging aspect of addressing this vulnerability. Declining seasonal low flows Very High The RWMG’s lack of regulatory power and limited ability to influence human behavior both create barriers to combating the declining seasonal low flows threatening waterways and ecosystems in the area. Drought-sensitive groundwater basins Very High The RWMG’s lack of regulatory power could be a significant barrier to addressing the region’s vulnerability to drought-sensitive basins. Another challenge will be getting various agencies and communities that depend on the same basin to collaborate and coordinate efforts. Drought-sensitive water systems Very High The RWMG has little ability to change domestic water usage beyond the ability of certain member agencies to implement water usage restrictions within their jurisdictions. Further, securing additional water supplies requires the availability of such supplies as well as the financial resources and regulatory permission to obtain those supplies. Environmental flow requirements High The RWMG’s lack of regulatory power and limited ability to influence human behavior both create barriers to ensuring environmental water demands are met. Access to tools and information needed for accurate modeling could also become issues. Estuarine habitats dependent on freshwater flow patterns High Lack of regulatory power and limitations in data and information availability will restrict the RWMG’s feasibility to properly manage estuarine habitats in the face of climate change impacts.
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan May 2020 14-29 Vulnerability Priority Limitations of RWMG Inability to store carryover supply surpluses High Regulatory alignment and cooperation between agencies will be critical for increasing the region’s ability to store carryover supply surpluses; however, the RWMG is limited in its ability to ensure either. Increased flood risk due to wildfires Very High Lack of control over regulations and environmental conditions greatly limits the RWMG’s ability to prevent wildfires. Instead, the RWMG’s major tools to address this vulnerability are educating the community on the risks of flooding related to wildfires and promoting emergency response procedures are established. Insufficient flood control facilities High Addressing this vulnerability will require overcoming large financial and permitting barriers, which is possible for the RWMG and its members but will not be easy. Insufficient instream flows Very High Combating the regional vulnerability to insufficient instream flows will be inhibited by the RWMG’s lack of regulatory power. Maintaining sufficient streamflows will require interagency collaboration and regulatory alignment. Water bodies impacted by eutrophication High Lack of regulatory power will inhibit the RWMG’s feasibility to reduce eutrophication, but they can promote public education on the contributing factors. Water bodies in areas at risk of wildfires High Lack of control over regulations and environmental conditions greatly limits the RWMG’s ability to prevent wildfires. Instead, the primary way in which the RWMG can address this vulnerability is by ensuring emergency response procedures and resources are in place to react swiftly to minimize spread and damage. Water quality impacted by rain events High Limitations on the RWMG’s regulatory power reduce the group’s capacity to address this vulnerability. Although, improved stormwater resource management will be promoted by through the regional Stormwater Resource Plan. Water supply from coastal aquifers Very High The ability to reduce dependence on coastal aquifers through the acquisition of additional water supplies is limited by the availability of such supplies as well as the financial and political requirements of obtaining those supplies. The RWMG’s limited political power and access to grant funding will pose challenges to addressing this issue. Water-dependent industries High Technological limitations could impede the region’s ability to address the vulnerability of water-dependent industries to the effects of climate change. Human perception and understanding of the risks posed by climate change could also prove to be barriers to adaptation, which the RWMG can only combat to a certain extent.
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14.11 ADAPTATION AND MITIGATION STRATEGIES
Incorporating climate change vulnerabilities into the IRWM Plan Objectives, Resource
Management Strategies, and Performance Metrics provides the necessary assurances to
address adaption strategies and methods of mitigating climate change. The SLO RWMG decided
the Plan Objectives should be reviewed to ensure all six “very high” priority climate change
vulnerabilities were addressed. An evaluation completed by WSC determined that the existing
Plan Objectives sufficiently captured the need to address the region’s “very high” priority
vulnerabilities; see Appendix J for the full memorandum from WSC. Table 14-9 shows the
matrix demonstrating the relationship between the Plan Objectives and six vulnerabilities.
Table 14-10, evaluates how the Plan Objectives address five requirements related to climate
change as specified in the 2016 IRWM Grant Program Guidelines. Specifically, this review
ensured the Plan Objectives addressed the region’s need to adapt to changes in runoff and
recharge as well as sea level rise.
Similar to the Plan Objectives, a matrix was constructed to verify that the Plan’s Resource
Management Strategies include appropriate adaptation strategies. The relationship between
the seven categories of vulnerabilities and the CWP RMS is shown in Table 14-11 below. This
table reveals how the RMS incorporate adaptation strategies relevant to the San Luis Obispo
Region. A second table, Table 14-12, demonstrates the relationship between the RMS and three
primary climate change mitigation methods. Together these tables illustrate the variety of
methods, which can be exercised to address water-related climate change vulnerabilities.
Additionally, the Project Review Process includes consideration of both climate change mitigation
and adaptation. This is discussed in Section 14.13 below.
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Table 14-9: Plan Objectives Related to Very High Vulnerabilities Very High Priority Vulnerabilities Drought-sensitive groundwater basins Insufficient instream flows Water supply from coastal aquifers Drought-sensitive water systems Declining seasonal low flows Increased flood risk due to wildfires IRWM Plan Objectives Water Supply Maximize accessibility of water
Adequate water supply
Sustainable potable water for rural
Sustainable water for agriculture
Water system WQ improvements
Implement water management Plans
Conservation/water use efficiency
Plan for vulnerabilities of water supply
Diverse supply (recycled, desalination)
Support Watershed Enhancement Ecosystem and Watersheds Understand watershed needs
Conserve balance of ecosystem
Reduce contaminants
Public involvement and stewardship
Protect endangered species
Reduce impacts of invasive species
Climate change in ecosystems Groundwater Understand GW issues and conditions
Support local GW management
Further local basin management objectives
CASGEM Program
Groundwater recharge/banking
Protect and improve GW quality Flood Management Understand flood management needs
Promote low impact development
Enhance natural recharge
Improve infrastructure and operations
Implement multiple-benefit projects
Restore streams, rivers and floodplains
Support DAC flood protection Water Resources Management Public outreach on IRWM implementation
Funding for IRWM implementation
Support local control
Consider property owner rights
Agency alignment on water resource efforts
Collaboration between urban, rural, and ag
DAC support and education
Promote public education programs
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Table 14-10: Plan Objectives Related to Climate Change Requirements Adaptations & Mitigation Requirements Adapting to changes in runoff and recharge Consider the effects of sea level rise on water supply conditions Reduce energy consumption Strategies of CARB Scoping Plan Options for carbon sequestration and renew-able energy IRWM Plan Objectives Water Supply Maximize accessibility of water
Adequate water supply
Sustainable potable water for rural
Sustainable water for agriculture
Water system WQ improvements
Implement water management Plans
Conservation/water use efficiency
Plan for vulnerabilities of water supply
Diverse supply (recycled, desalination)
Support Watershed Enhancement Ecosystem and Watersheds Understand watershed needs
Conserve balance of ecosystem
Reduce contaminants
Public involvement and stewardship
Protect endangered species
Reduce impacts of invasive species
Climate change in ecosystems
Groundwater Understand GW issues and conditions
Support local GW management
Further local basin management objectives
CASGEM Program
Groundwater recharge/banking
Protect and improve GW quality Flood Management Understand flood management needs
Promote low impact development
Enhance natural recharge
Improve infrastructure and operations
Implement multiple-benefit projects
Restore streams, rivers and floodplains
Support DAC flood protection
Water Resources Management Public outreach on IRWM implementation
Funding for IRWM implementation
Support local control
Consider property owner rights
Agency alignment on water resource efforts
Collaboration between urban, rural, and ag
DAC support and education
Promote public education programs
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Table 14-11: Resource Management Strategies Related to Climate Change Vulnerabilities
Resource Management
Strategies
Water
Demand
Water
Supply
Water
Quality
Sea Level
Rise Flooding
Ecosys-
tem and
Habitat
Hydro-
power
California Water Plan 2009 RMS
Agricultural lands
stewardship
Agricultural water use
efficiency
Conjunctive management
and groundwater storage
Conveyance – Delta
Conveyance – Regional/Local
Crop idling for water
transfers
Desalination
Drinking water treatment
and distribution
Economic incentives
Ecosystem restoration
Forest management
Groundwater
remediation/aquifer
remediation
Improve flood management
Irrigated land retirement
Land use planning and
management
Matching water quality to use
Pollution prevention
Precipitation enhancement
Recharge area protection
Recycle municipal water
Salt and salinity management
Surface storage –
CALFED/State
Surface storage –
Regional/Local
System reoperation
Urban stormwater runoff
management
Urban water use efficiency
Water transfers
Water transfers
Water-dependent recreation
Watershed management
California Water Plan 2013 Update RMS
Outreach and engagement
Sediment management
Water and culture
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Table 14-12: Resource Management Strategies Related to Mitigation Strategies
Resource Management Strategies Energy Efficiency Emissions
Reduction
Carbon
Sequestration
California Water Plan 2009 RMS
Agricultural lands stewardship
Agricultural water use efficiency
Conjunctive management and groundwater
storage
Conveyance – Delta
Conveyance – Regional/Local
Crop idling for water transfers
Desalination
Drinking water treatment and distribution
Drinking water treatment and distribution
Economic incentives
Ecosystem restoration
Forest management
Groundwater remediation/aquifer remediation
Improve flood management
Irrigated land retirement
Land use planning and management
Matching water quality to use
Pollution prevention
Precipitation enhancement
Recharge area protection
Recycle municipal water
Salt and salinity management
Surface storage – CALFED/State
Surface storage – Regional/Local
System reoperation
Urban stormwater runoff management
Urban water use efficiency
Water transfers
Water transfers
Water-dependent recreation
Watershed management
California Water Plan 2013 Update RMS
Outreach and engagement
Sediment management
Water and culture
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14.12 FUTURE DATA GATHERING AND ANALYSIS
Chapter 5 of the State Climate Change Handbook, “Measuring
Regional Impacts”, DWR provides a methodology for data
gathering and analysis to monitor climate change and assess its
impacts through the IRWM Planning process. Quantifying climate
change variables is critical for quantifying performance metrics
and preventing undesirable climate change impacts. This section
is a very brief summary highlighting the beginning of a long data
collection and modeling process of making future projections
and then monitoring the essential climate change variables to
validate or invalidate the projections. This process of making
projections and constant monitoring will continue in perpetuity.
Modeling and monitoring work hand-in-hand to continuously
define better models that determine the Objectives and Performance Metrics of the IRWM Plan.
By carefully selecting the available models, and interpreting the results, this section provides
the baseline of monitoring climate variables most meaningful to describing the region’s most
important water-related concerns as follows:
1. Water Demand
2. Water Supply
3. Water Quality
4. Ecosystem and Habitat Vulnerability
5. Sea-level Rise
6. Flooding
Figure 14-12: Climate Change Data and IRWM
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14.12.1 Water Demands
Obtaining data for water demands (or demand analysis) is shown in Figure 14-12 as informing
models and performing calculations to quantify impacts. This information is then shown to be
used in the IRWM planning process for purposes of the Region Description and, like all water-
related concerns, for defining the Objectives and Performance Metrics.
Water demands and climate variables are collected as part of the Data Management Program
described in Section 9 – Data Management. The monitoring results provide the correlation
between water demands and increased temperatures, changed precipitation patterns,
increased evaporation and plant transpiration (also referred to as ET), and decreased runoff, as
described in Section 14.5. Of all the water demand sectors, urban demands are most accurate
due to current state-mandated monitoring requirements, and they offer the best opportunity
to begin monitoring changes in climate as a function of changes in water demand. The State
Handbook states:
The general approach of regression analysis involves developing a regression
relationship between water demand versus temperature and precipitation. Planners
can then use this relationship to evaluate future conditions.
Agricultural demands are a function of precipitation, temperature, and ET climate variables, but
vary significantly based on crop types and crop-specific ET requirements. To simplify and
provide a meaningful correlation, a preferred approach is to identify changes in ET to both
temperature and precipitation. This information, in turn, allows for the calculation of
agricultural water demands based on the ET, irrigated area, crop type, precipitation, and
temperature. The same relationship between the climate change variables and agricultural
water demands can be used to model future conditions.
14.12.2 Water Supplies
Measurement of water supplies and quantifying supply reliability focuses on: 1.) water supply
sources within the region, 2.) water imported into the region, and 3.) supplies for environmental
needs. Many of the tools and data collection systems already in place throughout the region
monitor these three supply elements and report based on need and available resources.
Correlating changes in the amount of water supply with the climate variables of rainfall,
temperature, and runoff provides the relationships to make model adjustments in rainfall
runoff, imported water reliability, and in-stream flow requirements for environmental
demands. Many local and state models use the climate variables in their projection of available
water supplies and especially for California State Water Project contractors who rely on these
supplies, including San Luis Obispo County.
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14.12.3 Water Quality
Surface water quality affects both drinking water supplies and ecological/environmental needs.
The IRWM Region’s near-coastal drinking water intakes and estuarine habitats are both
susceptible to salt water intrusion. Fish in local rivers and streams are susceptible to higher
temperatures. Rivers, reservoirs, lakes, and coastal areas are all susceptible to low dissolved
oxygen that accompany higher temperatures.
As quoted in the State Handbook, Water quality models are by their very nature “labor intensive
and require a high level of technical expertise.” The expectation to monitor climate variables
associated with water quality is high with water quality monitoring programs planned to
increase in breadth over time. Monitoring programs outside of the IRWM Planning process will
provide necessary data for modeling; however; the application of the water quality data and
performing correlations with climate change variables and validating water quality models are
not proposed within the IRWM Planning process.
14.12.4 Ecosystem and Habitat Vulnerability
The approaches to measuring potential impacts of climate change on the environment,
including flora and fauna, are varied. While more vulnerability metrics and methods for
assessing them can be found in the literature, the IRWM Plan’s implementation of data
management and monitoring programs can only consider stream water temperature, water
quantity, estuarine salinity, and coastal habitat loss from sea-level rise.
Data collection activities surrounding the protection of water supplies from salinity intrusion
also protects the estuary and coastal wetland areas dependent on freshwater. Changes in the
water quality could have a significant impact on aquatic life, but require the same models
described above in Section 14.12.3. Streamflow estimations can be easily calculated and
modeled to assess potential ecosystem impacts as a result of reduced rainfall and runoff.
While modeling tools are available to estimate future marsh and wetland migration or loss, this
modeling effort is also allocated outside the planned work effort of the IRWM Plan process.
Simple comparisons can take place, such as between the areas of coastal habitat and the
projected sea-level rise impacts.
14.12.5 Sea-level Rise
Data collection of SLR takes place through local monitoring of the Central Coast Region. In
addition, publication of global SLR data informs the region of continued threat to similar coastal
regions. The State Handbook explains:
One method for quantifying SLR climate change impacts is to superimpose projected
SLR onto elevations for existing coastal floodplains…. With new floodplains mapped, it
is possible to compare existing infrastructure and resource locations with these flood
plains.
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Tracking and reporting SLR data is considered to be a long-term monitoring effort with frequent
reporting and comparisons with climate change model forecasting. Models calibrated to the
measured SLR stand to benefit from this data collection effort. Though necessary models and
data will be utilized, the process of collecting the information will not be included as part of the
San Luis Obispo IRWM Plan implementation.
14.12.6 Increased Flooding
The fact that global climate change models work on the low resolution of a monthly time step,
they do not capture the higher resolution storm events occurring over days within the months.
Extreme storm events (e.g., the “Pineapple Express”) can occur over a period of hours or days.
Monitoring of severe storm events currently occurs as part of the flood protection
responsibilities of the region. However, there are few examples of alternative tools and
methods to correlate storm events to changes in the climate variables, and most are either not
available or need to be specifically tailored to incorporating climate change considerations into
flood planning in the region. Therefore, the direct monitoring of flood events itself for purposes
of monitoring climate change will not be incorporated within the IRWM planning process.
Nonetheless, the region recognizes that the assessment of climate change impacts on future
flooding is an important aspect of regional water planning.
14.12.7 Annual Climate Change Update
The SLO RWMG plans to hold an annual climate change meeting to review new information and
tools pertinent to the region’s efforts aimed at addressing climate change vulnerabilities.
During this meeting, relevant data gathering efforts will be discussed and the IRWM’s priority
vulnerabilities will be reviewed considering current efforts and information. This measure will
ensure the RWMG’s efforts related to climate change remain well-informed and appropriate for
the region.
14.13 PROJECT RATINGS BASED ON CLIMATE CHANGE
The projects listed in Table 6-3 of Section 6 – Project Review Process were individually
evaluated and rated based on 14 evaluation criteria. Listed below are the two evaluation criteria
used to assess how the projects address climate change:
1) Potential of adaptation to the anticipated effects of climate change in the region
2) Potential of mitigating undesirable climate change impacts by reducing net greenhouse
gas emissions
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14.13.1 Adaptation Analysis
The potential for each project to contribute to climate change adaptation was evaluated based
on its ability to address the region’s prioritized vulnerabilities. See the prioritized vulnerabilities
listed in Table 14-8: RWMG Feasibility to Address Climate Change Vulnerabilities. For the
implementation project list scoring, each project could receive up to six points for climate
change adaptation. The number of vulnerabilities addressed or alleviated by the project as well
as the priority of those vulnerabilities determined the point value assigned to the project for
the climate change adaptation criterion. In addition to addressing the 35 vulnerabilities,
projects can also receive points for addressing changes in runoff and recharge and for
addressing the impacts of sea level rise. Please see Section 6 – Project Review Process for
more details on project scoring.
14.13.2 Mitigation Analysis
Projects scored for the implementation project list could receive a total of three points for
climate change mitigation. Three considerations, each worth one point, were used to assess a
project’s mitigation potential:
1) Does the selected project reduce GHG emissions compared to other project
alternatives?
2) Does the project qualitatively reduce energy consumption, especially energy embedded
in water?
3) When evaluating the project-related GHG emissions on a 20-year planning horizon, does
the project reduce GHG emissions?
A detailed description of the scoring process can be found in Section 6.
14.14 REFERENCES
Beacon Economics & SLOCOG. (2017). 2050 Regional Growth Forecast for San Luis Obispo County.
Retrieved from SLOCOG:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/5tl8ia0jzixrry/2050RegionalGrowthForecast_01FullReport_R
evDec2017.pdf?dl=0
Change, I. P. (2001). Climate Change 2001: The Scientific Basis. Retrieved from IPCC:
https://www.ipcc.ch/ipccreports/tar/wg1/pdf/WGI_TAR_full_report.pdf
Department of Water Resources. (2018). Best Available Maps. Retrieved from water.ca.gov:
http://gis.bam.water.ca.gov/bam/
Department of Water Resources and US Environmental Protection Agency. (2011). Climate
Change Handbook for Regional Water Plannign. Retrieved from water.ca.gov:
https://water.ca.gov/-/media/DWR-Website/Web-Pages/Programs/Integrated-Regional-
Water-Management/Files/Climate_Change_Handbook_Regional_Water_Planning.pdf
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
May 2020 14-40
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. (2000). Special Report on Emissions Scenarios.
Retrieved from IPCC: https://www.ipcc.ch/pdf/special-reports/emissions_scenarios.pdf
Koopman, M. E., Nauman, R. S., & Leonard, J. L. (2010). Projected Future Climatic and Ecological
Conditions in San Luis Obispo County. Retrieved from LGC:
http://www.lgc.org/wordpress/docs/adaptation/slo/SLOModelReport_FINALsmall.pdf
Lawerence Livermore National Laboratory. (2016). Downscaled CMIP3 and CMIP5 Climate and
Hydrology Projections. Retrieved from https://gdo-
dcp.ucllnl.org/downscaled_cmip_projections/dcpInterface.html
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (2016). Geophysical Fluid Dynamics
Laboratory. Retrieved from GFDL: https://www.gfdl.noaa.gov/model-development/
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (2017). What is sea level? Retrieved from
NOAA: http://www.noaa.gov/explainers/tracking-sea-level-rise-and-fall