LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – This month a group composed of Lake and several other Northern California counties will begin a series of public meetings that are part of the process to create a regional water management plan.

The Westside Sacramento Integrated Regional Water Management (IRWM) Plan will detail water supply, flood management, stormwater runoff, and environmental concerns and opportunities for the Cache Creek and Putah Creek Watersheds.

A meeting will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 6, in the council chambers at Clearlake City Hall, 14050 Olympic Drive.

County residents are encouraged to attend the meeting to learn more about the planning process and how to help shape the plan.

The Westside Integrated Regional Water Management Plan is being developed through a partnership between the Solano County Water Agency, the Napa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, the Water Resources Association of Yolo County, the Lake County Watershed Protection District and the Colusa County Resource Conservation District.

The project is being funded in large part by a $1 million grant from the California Department of Water Resources, with Proposition 84 funds being used.

Collectively, the planning area includes all or portions of Lake, Solano, Napa, Yolo and Colusa counties. In that area there are nine cities, more than 70 special service districts and key water sources such as Clear Lake, Lake Berryessa, Indian Valley Reservoir, Putah Creek and Cache Creek.

The planning area is subdivided into three areas for planning purposes: Upper Cache Creek, Lower Putah Creek and Lower Valley Floor.

The IRWM Plan will be used to secure grant funding for regional projects that promote effective and sustainable water resources management in the following areas: water supply reliability, water conservation, water quality improvement, stormwater management, flood management, invasive species abatement, mercury contamination cleanup, wetlands enhancement protections, and environmental and habitat improvements and protections.

The plan is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

For more information visit www.westsideirwm.com or call the hotline at 530-661-8115.

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