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| Sacramento County Water Agency | |
|---|---|
| Name | Sacramento County Water Agency |
| Formation | 1951 |
| Type | Special district |
| Headquarters | Sacramento, California |
| Area served | Sacramento County |
| Leader title | Director |
Sacramento County Water Agency is a special district providing water resources management, flood control, and regional drainage services in Sacramento County, California. It operates within the legal framework of California state law and coordinates with federal agencies, regional districts, and municipal utilities to deliver potable water, maintain levees, and implement watershed planning. The agency's activities intersect with statewide initiatives such as the California Department of Water Resources programs, the Central Valley Project, and water quality mandates from the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
The agency was formed in the mid-20th century following postwar growth in Sacramento, California and the expansion of the Central Valley. Early milestones included coordination with the United States Army Corps of Engineers on flood control projects and participation in regional planning with entities like the Sacramento Flood Control Agency and the American River Conservancy. During the 1980s and 1990s the agency aligned projects with state efforts led by the California State Water Resources Control Board and integrated planning prompted by the California Bay-Delta Authority. In the 21st century it adapted to challenges from droughts declared by California governors and to mandates arising from the Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act implementation.
Governance is exercised through boards and commissions linked to county authority in Sacramento County, California and by collaboration with municipal water providers such as the City of Sacramento and the county water district partners. Leadership interacts with statewide bodies including the California Public Utilities Commission on regulatory issues and the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California on interregional planning. The agency frequently consults with academic institutions such as University of California, Davis for hydrology and California State University, Sacramento for urban planning expertise. It also engages with federal partners like the Bureau of Reclamation on reservoir management and with non-governmental organizations such as the Nature Conservancy on habitat restoration.
Primary water sources include diversions from the American River, the Sacramento River, groundwater basins underlying Sacramento County, California, and conjunctive use with surface storage such as Folsom Lake and reservoirs managed by the Central Valley Project. During dry years the agency coordinates with the State Water Project and with regional wholesalers like the Sacramento Suburban Water District and the Arden Manor Water District to secure supplies. Groundwater monitoring interfaces with programs administered by the California Department of Water Resources and the SACRAMENTO-SAN JOAQUIN RIVER DELTA stewardship efforts. Emergency sourcing and transfer agreements have been developed with the City of West Sacramento and the Yolo County Flood Control and Water Conservation District.
Treatment facilities adhere to standards set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the California State Water Resources Control Board – Division of Drinking Water. The agency manages treatment plants and distribution networks that intertie with systems operated by the City of Sacramento Utilities Department, Sacramento Suburban Water District, and other local purveyors. Infrastructure investments have been coordinated with federal programs from the Environmental Protection Agency and state grant programs overseen by the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank. Capital projects have been planned in consultation with engineering firms and professional societies such as the American Water Works Association.
Flood risk management is conducted in partnership with the United States Army Corps of Engineers, the California Department of Water Resources – Flood Projects Office, and regional entities such as the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency. Key assets include levees along the Sacramento River and channel improvements near tributaries like the American River and Natomas Basin. The agency participates in regional floodplain mapping under the Federal Emergency Management Agency and implements projects consistent with the National Flood Insurance Program. Coordination with the Reclamation Board and county emergency services ensures integrated responses to storm events and levee emergencies.
Water quality programs comply with regulatory frameworks from the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the California State Water Resources Control Board. The agency implements watershed restoration projects with partners such as the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and local conservancies including the American River Conservancy. Programs address contaminants regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act and nutrient control plans developed in cooperation with the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board. Habitat enhancement and species protection efforts connect to initiatives for the Delta smelt, Chinook salmon, and riparian ecosystems along the American River Parkway.
Funding sources include property tax allocations within Sacramento County, California, service charges, bond issuances under state law, and grants from agencies like the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the California Department of Water Resources. Rate setting is undertaken through public hearings involving stakeholders such as municipal utilities and special districts like the Sacramento Suburban Water District and is influenced by capital needs for compliance with mandates from the California State Water Resources Control Board and flood projects coordinated with the United States Army Corps of Engineers.
Category:Water management in California Category:Sacramento County, California