DWR Nationally Recognized for Climate Action, Water Resilience by American Water Resources Association

The Department of Water Resources (DWR) was nationally recognized for its leadership in climate action and integrated water management at the 2024 American Water Resources Association (AWRA) conference in St. Louis earlier this month. DWR received two prestigious awards: the Sandor C. Csallany Institutional Award for its comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CAP), as well as accepting the Integrated Water Resources Management Award on behalf of the Flood-Managed Aquifer Recharge (Flood-MAR) Network which includes DWR and partners.

These awards, received during the 60^th Anniversary of AWRA, highlight DWR’s ongoing commitment to addressing climate change and enhancing California’s water resilience through collaboration, innovation, and forward-thinking strategies.

“These recognitions reflect DWR and the Flood-MAR Network’s commitments to advancing the science of climate change and integrated water management,” said Romain Maendly, Climate Action Coordinator for DWR who accepted the awards on DWR’s behalf. “Our efforts are not just about addressing today’s challenges but setting a foundation for a resilient future. I am proud to be part of teams that continuously strive to innovate, collaborate, and push the boundaries of what's possible in safeguarding California’s water resources.”

DWR’s Climate Action Plan: Leading the Nation

DWR’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) received the Sandor C. Csallany Institutional Award, which honors extraordinary achievements in developing and implementing water-related policies.

The CAP is a comprehensive, three-phase initiative designed to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change. The CAP is a crucial part of DWR’s efforts to sustainably manage the State Water Project, which provides water to 27 million Californians and irrigates 750,000 acres of farmland.

The CAP has evolved since its inception in 2012, with each phase addressing different aspects of climate change.

• Phase I focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions in DWR operations, aligning with State and federal climate goals.
• Phase II establishes a standardized framework for integrating climate change analysis into DWR’s planning processes, ensuring projects consider long-term climate risks.
• Phase III assesses DWR’s vulnerability to climate change and outlines adaptation strategies to increase the resilience of critical infrastructure, staff safety, and improved habitat management.

Flood-MAR: A Collaborative Approach to Water Resilience

In addition to its CAP recognition, DWR accepted the AWRA Integrated Water Resources Management Award as a representative of the Flood-MAR Network. Flood-MAR is an innovative strategy that turns floodwaters from a challenge into an opportunity by using them for managed aquifer recharge. This approach helps address both flooding and groundwater overdraft, some of California’s most pressing water issues.

The Flood-MAR Network, a diverse coalition of State and local agencies, nonprofits, academics, and private-sector partners, has been instrumental in advancing this strategy across California, particularly in the Central Valley. The network has focused on identifying knowledge gaps, promoting broader implementation, and developing recommendations to integrate Flood-MAR into water management systems. The rapid progress in expanding Flood-MAR is a testament to the power of collaboration and integrated water resources management.

Looking Ahead: Building Resilience Together

As California continues to face growing challenges related to climate change, droughts, and floods, DWR’s leadership in climate action and integrated water resources management serves as a model in the State of California and beyond. The recognition from AWRA underscores the importance of these efforts and the need for continued innovation and collaboration to ensure California’s water future is sustainable and resilient.