Calif. investing $7M in local streamgage networks

Data from streamgages heavily inform critical water management decisions. Hydrology affects water services, public safety, wildlife conservation, recreation and commerce. The information supports present and future communities. However, funding to operate and maintain water resources monitoring networks often fails to keep pace with inflation. Moreover, expanding streamgage networks is invaluable as weather patterns are changing and more industries are competing for water.

The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) has announced a new grant California Stream Gage Improvement Program (CalSIP). The estimated $7 million program empowers regional and local public agencies and tribal governments to install, upgrade and/or reactivate existing real-time stream and river monitoring stations. The joint effort will expand statewide water flow measurement and critical data accessible via the California Data Exchange Center (CDEC).

Real-time data informs utility operations, risk warnings, as well as ground and surface water supply forecasts during flood and drought conditions. DWR Director Karla Nemeth added, “(The information) also benefits our natural environment, improving our understanding of the needs of salmon and other native fish especially during drought conditions.”

Now through 31 December 2024, California DWR is accepting interest forms and evaluating them monthly to identify eligible projects. Approved entities can receive up to $100,000 per site to purchase and install stream gage equipment, operate and maintain stations through 30 June 2027. The agency encouraged districts to apply as soon as possible.

Get details on eligibility, application instructions and deadlines within CalSIP grant guidelines. Funding is available for telemetry sites throughout the state. View the CalSIP GIS Public Map to identify operational stream gauges, pending applications, and sites that are either approved or in progress.

Direct questions about this grant to Radley Ott, CalSIP Project Manager, at California DWR via phone 1-530-529-7300 or email calsip_generalquestions@water.ca.gov.