More information can be found at the CA DWR California Stream Improvement Program webpage at https://water.ca.gov/Work-With-Us/Technical-Assistance/Stream-Gage-Improvement-Program.

Senate Bill (SB) 19 (Stats. 2019, Ch. 361, Section 2.) directed DWR and the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) to develop a plan to deploy a network of stream gages to help address significant gaps in information needed for water management and the conservation of freshwater species. The SB19 legislation directs that priority be given to places where lack of data contributes to conflicts in water management or where water can be more effectively managed for multiple benefits, including water supply, flood, water quality, ecosystems, and reference gages. DWR and the State Water Board coordinated with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Department of Conservation, and interested entities to develop the recommendations.

Following the directions of SB 19, the interagency group developed, and the State Water Board published, the California Stream Gaging Prioritization Plan 2022 (SB 19 Plan). The SB 19 Plan includes recommendations to upgrade existing stream gages, install new stream gages, reactivate historical stream gages, and install water temperature sensors to existing stream gages. The plan identifies the top locations at a watershed level to make improvements based on analysis that was conducted for the development of the plan.

The SB 19 Plan sets a robust foundation for where stream gages can be installed to maximize benefits for various management activities. While this CalSIP utilizes many of the recommendations and logic of that plan, it also recognizes operational limitations of operators that may not be able to install and operate gages in all high-priority locations. CalSIP serves to disburse fiscal resources to public agencies and federally recognized Tribes in a timely and judicious manner to best enhance the surface water monitoring network in the state.

CalSIP serves to execute funding agreements as soon as reasonably possible with a deadline to award by March 1, 2025, and to fully execute agreements by June 30, 2025. Gages should be fully operational by October 1, 2026. This requires recipient local agencies to faithfully and diligently, permit and install gages within 15 months. Failure to make this deadline will require justification and coordination with DWR and may result in loss of funding. Final reimbursement invoices must be submitted to DWR by April 15, 2027.