Planning for a Vibrant and Sustainable Future – Integrated Approaches for Meeting Climate Change Impacts 

For decades, California has taken the lead on sustainable water management, as the most populous and intensely agricultural western state. California stands out as a leader in water resource management in the Western United States due to several key factors: 

1. Integrated Regional Water Management (IRWM): California has pioneered IRWM, which brings together diverse stakeholders—local agencies, tribes, environmental groups, and more—to collaboratively manage water resources. IRWM plans address multiple objectives, including climate resilience, water supply reliability, flood risk reduction, and ecosystem restoration. California’s IRWM began in 2002 with the passing of the Regional Water Management Planning Act (SB 1672). According to the Department of Water Resources, California voters have approved more than $2 billion in bond funds) to plan and implement over 1,450 integrated, multi-benefit regional projects across the state.  

2. Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA): California took a bold step by passing SGMA in 2014. This landmark legislation requires local agencies to develop and implement groundwater sustainability plans. By actively managing groundwater basins, California aims to achieve long-term sustainability and prevent over-extraction. 

3. Water Reuse and Recycling: California has been at the forefront of water reuse initiatives, most recently including direct potable reuse. The state promotes treated wastewater reuse, reducing reliance on freshwater sources. The legal and regulatory landscape supports water recycling across the state³. 

4. Comprehensive Water Planning: The California Water Plan serves as a strategic blueprint for managing and developing water resources. The 2023 update specifically emphasizes equity, resilience, and sustainable practices. 

5. Climate Adaptation: The state actively integrates climate considerations into water management strategies. Initiatives include investing in water storage, improving flood control infrastructure, and enhancing ecosystem resilience⁵. The recent passing of SB 552 requires Counties to take the lead on drought response planning using an inclusive approach. 

California’s proactive policies, collaborative approaches, and commitment to sustainability position it as a trailblazer in water resource management within the Western states.  

While California has taken the lead on water resource management, other states are catching up. Oregon is actively addressing climate change’s impact on water resources through a multifaceted approach. Here are key aspects of Oregon’s response: 

1. Climate Change and Water Resources: 

Oregon’s 2017 Climate and Health Resilience Plan outlines strategies and policy priorities for state, local, and tribal public health practitioners and partners to enhance Oregon’s ability to respond to climate-related health challenges.  

In March 2020, Governor Kate Brown issued Executive Order (EO) 20-04 directing State Agencies to take action on climate change. The EO includes a number of general directives to state agencies, as well as three directives specific to the Oregon Health Authority (OHA). The Climate and Health in Oregon 2020 report is the first outcome of that directive. OHA also recently update the Oregon Climate Change Adaptation Framework which includes a new Climate Equity Blueprint for State agencies.  

Advocacy efforts led to the passage of an ambitious Climate Resilience Budget by Oregon legislators. This budget includes investments to support drought-impacted communities, transition to clean energy, and prioritize frontline communities across the state. 

2. Integrated Water Resources Strategy (IWRS): 

Oregon’s Water Resources Commission adopted the first IWRS in 2012 and is actively updating the 2024 Strategy. A pioneering model, the IWRS emphasizes collaboration among agencies, stakeholders, and communities. It seeks to balance instream and out-of-stream water needs while considering ecological health and resilience. Updated every five years, the 2024 updated IWRS reflects adaptive management principles. 

3. Groundwater Allocation Rules: 

Oregon is updating rules for evaluating and issuing new groundwater rights. The goal is to protect existing water rights while managing finite water resources sustainably. 

4. Drought Conditions and Assistance: 

Drought conditions continue in many areas of the state. Oregon provides information on conditions, impacts, and assistance for affected communities. 

The Well Abandonment, Repair, and Replacement Fund (WARRF) assists households and tribal members in permanently abandoning, repairing, or replacing water wells used for household purposes. 

Oregon’s proactive measures, collaborative strategies, and commitment to sustainable water management position it well in the face of climate challenges. 

The following demonstrate Washington’s commitment to building resilience and adapting to climate challenges.  

1. Preparing for a Changing Climate: Washington State’s Integrated Climate Response Strategy: 

In 2012, Washington State developed its first Integrated Climate Change Response Strategy. This document provides a framework for protecting Washington’s natural resources and economy from climate change impacts and outlines how existing and new state policies and programs can improve to enhance the state’s capacity to adapt. 

2. Washington Department of Ecology’s Draft Climate Resilience Strategy: 

As Washington’s lead agency on climate change, the Department of Ecology has released a draft of Washington’s Climate Resilience Strategy this spring and is receiving public comments until July 11, 2024. The strategy identifies ways state agencies can take action to address flooding, drought, and wildfire risks related to climate change. Specific goals are to prioritize environmental justice, identify state aid, coordinate varying agencies, prioritize outcomes and actions.  

3. DOE also launched the country’s first Ocean Acidification Blue Ribbon Panel tracking the impacts OA has in Washington through an ocean acidification monitoring program. 

4. Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR): Plan for Climate Resilience: 

DNR released its Plan for Climate Resilience in February 2020. This agency-wide plan outlines actions to prepare for and adapt to climate-related changes. It identifies high-priority opportunities for coordination, investment, and implementation among DNR and its partners. Since then, DNR has continued implementing climate resilience actions across the state, as reflected in the 2023 Climate Resilience 3-Year Update.