Stream Gage Improvement Program

A stream gage is a set of instruments installed beside a river or stream that measures, records, and transmits (via satellite) data about the temperature, pH, oxygen, and water levels. Water agencies and the public rely on the data stream gages provide for multiple purposes, including:

• Planning, forecasting, and warning about floods and droughts
• Monitoring environmental conditions to protect aquatic habitats
• Planning for safe and enjoyable recreational activities
• Analysis of groundwater recharge and streamflow depletion

While there are approximately 1,000 active stream gages across the state sharing information publicly, many watersheds are lacking vital information on their water resources. Through the CalSIP program, state agencies are actively improving California’s stream gage network by funding and partnering with public agencies to upgrade existing gages, reactivate historical gages, or install new gages on natural waterways across the state.

Funding for stream gaging under CalSIP is available for eligible public agencies and federally listed Tribes that have expertise and qualifications (or utilize external consultant technical support) in the installation and operation of a surface water monitoring station. Public entities may include:

• Local agencies (e.g., counties, cities)
• Special districts (e.g., community service districts, irrigation districts, flood control districts, reclamation districts, water districts, groundwater sustainability agencies)
• Colleges and universities
• Federally recognized Tribes

To be eligible for CalSIP funding, gages must provide real-time stream data through the California Data Exchange Center (CDEC).

Further details can be found in the CalSIP program guidelines.

STEP 1 : Submit Initial Interest Survey

For each surface water monitoring site an agency is interested in working on, a GIS-based interest survey should be submitted via the CalSIP Map Application. Interest requests will be evaluated to ensure applicants meet minimum criteria (public agency and site location).  Applicants will receive an email notification following map submittal with unique site identification and a link to Step 2. 

STEP 2: Submit Application Questionnaire

An online application questionnaire with standard questions will serve as the platform for submitting information and evaluating each stream gage site for funding in this program. Application questionnaires will be reviewed at the end of each month, through December 2024. 

Step 3: Evaluation Process

Each site will be evaluated for eligibility and scored for prioritization for each month’s submittals. If a project is not scored high enough to be considered for funding but is still eligible, an email identifying the deficiencies will be sent and the application questionnaire will remain for next month’s evaluation. If a project does score high enough to be considered for funding, an email notification will be sent with the next steps for agreement approvals and execution.

Additional information on the process, evaluation criteria, and timelines are found in the CalSIP program guidelines.

Submitted applications will be reviewed and evaluated monthly by close of business (5 p.m.) on the last business day of each month. Deadlines for each month are listed below:

August 30, 2024

September 30, 2024

October 31, 2024

November 29, 2024

December 31, 2024

View the CalSIP Program Guidelines.

View the CalSIP GIS Public Map.

View the CalSIP Application Form.