RMC is a recognized leader in water resources, integrated water supply, and recycled water planning in California, and we have been involved in strategic water supply planning since our founding in 1998.

Integrated Regional Water Management Plan

Santa Barbara County

RMC is working with stakeholders in the Santa Barbara County Integrated Regional Water Management (IRWM) Region to update its 2007 IRWM Plan. The plan update includes a web-based, GIS-enabled database; a robust stakeholder outreach process; and new plan sections, including climate change. RMC developed a streamlined project development and selection process that includes enhanced stakeholder participation, project building to further regional objectives, and an improved benefits evaluation and prioritization process. The resulting IRWM Plan and its tools benefits future stakeholder planning activities through increased collaboration abilities, a database that is expandable to other regional data needs, a website to inform partners of relevant grant opportunities, and links to other planning efforts in the region and state.

 

As-Needed Technical Water Services

San Francisco Public Utilities Commission

Since 2006, RMC has provided as-needed services for SFPUC’s Bureau of Environmental Management in support of the $3.6-billion Water Supply Improvement Program to rehabilitate the regional and local water systems. We provide specialized services related to water supply, storage and delivery, water quality, natural resources management, management improvement services, environmental and regulatory compliance, and customer services in support of the Water Enterprise. One example of RMC’s program involvement has been providing outreach support for the Water Supply Diversification Program where we developed an open house concept and suite of outreach support materials to help facilitate neutral communication with the public in informal settings such as senior and community centers.

 

Salt and Nutrient Management Plan

City of Santa Rosa

RMC is developing a comprehensive plan to identify and manage salt and nutrient inputs, help streamline permitting of recycled water projects, and provide a basis for establishing basin objectives and best practices to maintain water quality. We are establishing a collaborative stakeholder process with a broad range of parties that includes cities, the County of Sonoma, the agricultural community, government and resources agencies, and environmental groups. We developed and are implementing new GIS tools to better manage salt and nutrient source identification and loading analyses, resulting in a more accurate interpretation of historical and projected conditions. The management plan will be integral to the long-term successful use of recycled water in the Santa Rosa Plain while sustaining the groundwater quality for future generations. The plan development is “fast-tracked,” with a scheduled completion within one year—nearly four years ahead of the State Water Resources Control Board’s required schedule.

Arlington and Riverside Basins Groundwater Management Plans and Groundwater Model

Western Municipal Water District and City of Riverside Public Utilities Department

RMC helped create a unified approach and common understanding for groundwater management in the Arlington and Riverside Basins. We developed a Groundwater Management Plan for the Arlington Basin and for the Riverside Basin and developed a groundwater model to support the plans and other water resources planning activities. The groundwater model was designed to include the Arlington, Riverside, and portions of the Rialto-Colton basin to allow for quantification of impacts and benefits from projects that effect these hydrogeologically connected basins. Potential projects modeled included Arlington Desalter expansion and development of recharge basins in the Arlington Basin.

Cosumnes River Conjunctive Use & Reservoir Reoperation Studies

The Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has focused on opportunities to improve in-stream beneficial uses along the lower reaches of the Cosumnes River in southern Sacramento County. The focus of TNC’s efforts is to improve riparian habitat by increasing the groundwater elevations in the region. RMC has evaluated local water demands and sources, opportunities for reoperation of state-wide reservoirs to provide increased surface water supplies for direct or in lieu recharge, groundwater response to alternative water supply options, and volumes of flows between the stream and the aquifer.