Water Quality Program - Water Conservation & Ag Water Management

California's growing population, recurring drought cycles, and reduction in water supply from the Colorado River are just a few reasons why water conservation, both at home and for agriculture is so important. In addition to water quality issues addressed elsewhere on this site, the finite water quantity, from which we have to draw, places bounds on what is efficient use of our water resources. Some information and tips on how to conserve water while maintaining standards of living are included below.

California's Office of Water Use Efficiency (OWUE) has information and links on a variety of topics including Urban Water Management Planning, Agricultural Water Management Planning Program, and their Eco/Mobile Irrigation Laboratory.

On the farm/ranch scale, the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) has information on Irrigation and Water Management as well as other topics on their website for Farmers and Ranchers.

UCCE provides information and fact sheets to help farmers of irrigated agriculture manage issues related to nonpoint source pollution and TMDLs: Farm Water Quality Planning Program

At home, NRCS has tip sheets available for 'Your Own Backyard', including information on Mulching, and Water Conservation.

California NRCS also offers a list of publications and fact sheets including information on topics for all users varying from EQIP (Environmental Quality Incentives Program) for ranchers and farmers, to creating a backyard butterfly garden.

From UC ANR, Water Conservation Tips for the Home Lawn and Garden (pdf). How to make the most of your lawn area using the least amount of irrigation water.