Sierra Water Workgroup
  • About
    • Why the Sierra?
    • What is an IRWMP?
    • SWWG Staff and Committees
  • IRWMP Members
    • CABY IRWM
    • Inyo-Mono IRWM
    • Lahontan Basins IRWM
    • MAC IRWM
    • Madera IRWM
    • Southern Sierra IRWM
    • Tahoe-Sierra IRWM
    • Tuolumne-Stanislaus IRWM
    • Upper Feather IRWM
    • Upper Pit River Watershed IRWM
    • Yosemite-Mariposa IRWM
    • Yuba County IRWM
    • Upper Sacramento River IRWM
  • Events & Meetings
    • 2019 Summit September 12-13
    • 2018 "Lessons Learned Summit"
    • 2017 Summit July 24-25
    • 2016 Workshop - August 24
    • 2015 Workshop August 10
    • 2014 Summit June 12-13
    • 2013 Summit June 11-13
    • 2012 Summit July 17-18
    • Calendar
  • Resources
    • SWWG Charter
  • Projects
    • Disadvantaged Communities (DAC) and Tribal Involvement Program
    • Interregional Data Management Systems (DMS) for IRWMs
  • 2019 Summit September 12-13
  • Contact Us
    • Email Sign-up

Why the Sierra?

The Sierra Nevada is a unique region that provides water, electricity and natural resources that are essential to local residents and to the state of California. Sierra watersheds supply 60% of water used statewide, offer prime recreation, provide habitat for half the animal and plant species of the state, and generate 55% of California’s hydroelectric power. According to the Department of Water Resources (DWR), climate change is already impacting California’s water resources. DWR further expects that a 25% reduction in snowpack by the middle of the century will impact California’s water supply, while an increase in weather extremes to both larger winter flood events and more frequent droughts. Climate change and population growth will significantly impair water supply availability, reliability, quality, and ecosystem health in the Sierra and far beyond. This will necessitate a cooperative regional response and reinvestment in our watersheds and water resources by all beneficiaries. Failure to take action to address these impending threats will lead to the deterioration of natural processes, water infrastructure, and public safety, resulting in significant economic and ecological consequences for California and the nation.

Sierra Nevada -  A Source of California's Water Supply

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The Sierra Nevada Conservancy map above depicts the areas, which are sustained by Sierra watersheds.
Water from the Sierra accounts for 60% of the total dollar value of all natural products or services produced by the entire region - more than forest products, agricultural products, recreational services or residential development. (1)

The direct value of the Sierra Nevada water  for irrigation, municipal, and hydroelectric use is $1.3 billion a year, based solely on the value of the actual water rights. (2)

The Sierra Nevada supports a wide range of California plant and animal life - 17% of the plants, 21% of the animals and all of the aquatic species depend directly on the Sierr's rivers, lakes, streams, and riparian habitat for their immediate survival. (3) Riparian habitats are areas that are directly adjacent to streams, lakes and wetlands.

In 2005, the gross value of agriculture production in California counties using Sierra Nevada water was greater than $18 billion. (4)

1. (Sierra Nevada Ecosystem Project, Final Report to Congress, vol. 2, Assessments and Scientific Basis for Management Options (Davis, CA: Univerisity of California, Centers for Water and Wildland Resources, 1996), Ch.2, pp. 29-30.)
2. SNEP Report, vol. 2, Ch. 2, pp.29-30.
3. SNEP Report, vol. 1, Ch. 8, p. 129.
4. Sierra Business Council. 2007. The State of the Sierra. Sierra Business Council. Truckee, CA. pp. 15.
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