Resources
Drought Resources
UC Drought Expert Contact List
Find contact information for all university drought, water, and irrigation experts.
California Water Plan
The California Water Plan (DWR Bulletin 160) is updated about every five years. Historically, the California Water Plan has focused primarily on surface water, but recent editions have included more detailed information on groundwater. The Water Plan includes overview chapters for the entire state, as well as separate, detailed assessments for each of the state’s hydrologic regions. The Water Plan discusses historical and current patterns of use, surplus, and deficit, and describes how California will meet water demand in the coming years.
Informational
California Water Plan
The California Water Plan (DWR Bulletin 160) is updated about every five years. Historically, the California Water Plan has focused primarily on surface water, but recent editions have included more detailed information on groundwater. The Water Plan includes overview chapters for the entire state, as well as separate, detailed assessments for each of the state’s hydrologic regions. The Water Plan discusses historical and current patterns of use, surplus, and deficit, and describes how California will meet water demand in the coming years.
Irrigation
Union of Concerned Scientists
They have a groundwater technical assistance tool in English and Spanish on their website. The tool helps match technical experts with those with questions on Groundwater Sustainability Plans.
UC Irrigation Education Material
The UC Department of Land, Air and Water Resources hosts this site that collects UC research-based information on irrigation.
The Center For Irrigation Technology
An independent research and testing facility, the Center for Irrigation Technology (CIT) assists designers, manufacturers and users of irrigation equipment to make the technological advances. Based at CSU Fresno.
Irrigation Flow Measurement: Theres a Plan for That
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Irrigation Water Management: Theres a Plan for That
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Irrigation Association
The Irrigation Association is the leading membership organization for irrigation equipment and system manufacturers, dealers, distributors, designers, consultants, contractors and end users.
The Irrigation Association is the leading membership organization for irrigation equipment and system manufacturers, dealers, distributors, designers, consultants, contractors and end users.
International Center For Water Technology
ICWT was established in 2001 to educate, promote, and assist in the development and adoption of innovative technologies that improve water utilization, reduce energy demand, and positively impact air quality. Based at CSU Fresno.
California Water Institute
An academic center of excellence for research, education and policy analysis of issues involving water resources based at CSU Fresno.
Nutrients
UCCE Agricultural Water Quality and Research Education Program
The Agricultural Water Quality Research and Education Program assists growers and the general public by researching and developing farming practices that protect water quality, and fostering the implementation of these practices in the field.
University of Arizona Water Resource Center
We tackle key water policy and management issues, empower informed decision-making, and enrich understanding through engagement, education, and applied research.
Policy Reports
California Water Plan
The California Water Plan (DWR Bulletin 160) is updated about every five years. Historically, the California Water Plan has focused primarily on surface water, but recent editions have included more detailed information on groundwater. The Water Plan includes overview chapters for the entire state, as well as separate, detailed assessments for each of the state’s hydrologic regions. The Water Plan discusses historical and current patterns of use, surplus, and deficit, and describes how California will meet water demand in the coming years.
Technical Support
The Cal Poly Irrigation Training and Research Center (ITRC)
The Cal Poly Irrigation Training and Research Center provides programmatic irrigation training and technical expertise to industry, farmers, irrigation districts and state/federal agencies for system management either on-farm or agency delivery systems.
Resource Conservation Districts
RCD offices around California were set up to administer needs of local people for pest control, fire fighting, water distribution, and a host of other services. Several RCDs partner with landowners to enhance water management.
NRCS California
USDA Service Centers are designed to be a single location where customers can access the services provided by the Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the Rural Development agencies. This web site will provide the address of a USDA Service Center and other Agency offices serving your area along with information on how to contact them. You may also access the helpful NRCS Technical Guide of practices (as well as natural resources data and planning tools) tailored to your location.
Fresno State’s Center for Irrigation Technology
(CIT) develops best practices to manage agricultural water use and crop water use efficiency. Their APEP program is an on-farm pump efficiency program funded by PG&E. Through APEP, CIT provides agricultural producers with on-farm assessments of their irrigation pumps to reduce water and energy use, as well as educational seminars and technical assistance.
California Irrigation Management Information System (CIMIS)
CIMIS is a program in the Office of Water Use Efficiency (OWUE), California Department of Water Resources (DWR) that manages a network of over 120 automated weather stations in the state of California. Weather data from these stations is free and available online, can be used to schedule irrigations. The website also provides Resources on irrigation management and Evapotranspiration equations.
Appropriate Technology Transfer to Rural Areas
(ATTRA) is a project of the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT). The website includes sustainable agriculture and organic farming news, events, publications and funding opportunities.
California Water Plan
The California Water Plan (DWR Bulletin 160) is updated about every five years. Historically, the California Water Plan has focused primarily on surface water, but recent editions have included more detailed information on groundwater. The Water Plan includes overview chapters for the entire state, as well as separate, detailed assessments for each of the state’s hydrologic regions. The Water Plan discusses historical and current patterns of use, surplus, and deficit, and describes how California will meet water demand in the coming years.
Additional Resources
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Nursery Water Reuse: Sustainable Innovation at Suncrest Nurseries
Learn how Suncrest Nurseries reduced water use by 50% through a tailwater recovery and recirculation system that conserves water and captures nutrients for sustainable plant production.
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Sustainable Avocado Farming Through Mulching and Smart Irrigation
Learn how Abbott Family Farm uses organic mulching and micro-sprinkler irrigation to conserve water, improve soil health, reduce disease, and support sustainable avocado farming.
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Keyline Design and Regenerative Ranching at Markegard Family Grass-Fed
Learn how Markegard Family Grass-Fed uses keyline design and regenerative ranching practices to improve soil health, conserve water, increase forage production, and reduce runoff naturally.
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Dry Farming Apples: When Less Water Produces Better Fruit
Learn how dry farming apples in Sebastopol helped improve flavor, texture, and storage life while conserving water through sustainable and climate-smart farming practices.
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Connecting Expertise: Groundwater Support from the Union of Concerned Scientists
Explore the UCS groundwater technical assistance tool, connecting experts with communities to support sustainable groundwater management and planning.
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Improving Efficiency on the Farm: Lessons from George Watte & Sons
Learn how George Watte & Sons Farm improves energy and water efficiency through pump testing, drip irrigation, and smart agricultural technologies.
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Energy Efficiency in Agriculture: Supporting Rural Resilience
Learn how ACEEE supports energy efficiency in agriculture, helping farmers reduce costs, conserve resources, and build resilient rural communities.
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Healthy Soil Starts with Understanding What’s Beneath Your Feet
Learn how the USDA – NRCS Web Soil Survey helps farmers, gardeners, and landowners better understand soil health, drainage, fertility, and sustainable land management practices.
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Soil Health Information and Resources from USDA NRCS
Explore USDA NRCS Soil Health resources, including educational tools, conservation practices, webinars, research, and soil health management strategies for sustainable agriculture.
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Soil Fertility Management for Organic Crops
Learn how organic soil fertility management practices like composting, cover crops, and crop rotation support healthier soils, water retention, and sustainable crop production.