Science
We utilize a wide range of applied science specialties to develop solutions to the complexities of sustainable water management in California, including chemists, botanists, statisticians, ecologists, hydrologists, geologists, anthropologists, and modelers.
We carefully consider the best available science when we address mandates to balance human needs with environmental protection. Science is fundamental to our work in areas such as:
- Reservoir operations
- Water delivery
- Dam safety
- Flood management and planning
- Drought planning
- Construction projects
- Climate change planning
- Weather forecasting
- Ecosystem restoration
- Bay-Delta monitoring
- Water quality monitoring
- Fish species recovery
Collaborative Science and Adaptive Management Program
The Collaborative Science and Adaptive Management Program (CSAMP) was launched in April of 2013 following a decision by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California.
CSAMP continues to focus on science and adaptive management issues related to current and future biological opinions for State Water Project (SWP) and Central Valley Project (CVP) operations, including the science underlying specific actions contained in the reasonable and prudent alternatives (RPAs). CSAMP has identified the need to maintain flexibility to address emerging science and information needs regarding water management and species of concern in the Delta and upriver, including actions to improve the resiliency of Delta Smelt and salmonids.
The CSAMP is structured as a four-tiered organization comprised of:
- CSAMP Policy Group: agency directors and top-level executives from the entities that created CSAMP
- Collaborative Adaptive Management Team (CAMT): managers and staff scientists that serve at the direction of the Policy Group
- Scoping Teams: created on an as-needed basis to scope specific science studies
- Investigators: contracted to conduct studies
Lead Scientist
To fulfill our commitment to integrating the best science into our work, we have a Department-wide lead scientist who is responsible for:
- Facilitating research and development of projects that address major water management issues
- Providing technical expertise and mentorship for multiple divisions
- Coordinating with federal and State agencies, NGOs, water users, professional societies, and universities on aquatic science and resource management issues in the region
- Representing DWR within the scientific community
- Growing science infrastructure within DWR, including working on a long-term project to develop a new Delta scientific field station
Newsletters & Subscriptions
The IEP newsletter is a quarterly electronic publication that provides articles on scientific topics for resource managers, scientists, and the public.
To subscribe email your name, agency, and email address to iepnewsletter@water.ca.gov