Desert Water Agency (DWA) responsibly manages local water resources to ensure a sustainable future for the communities it serves. Grounded in sound planning, reliable infrastructure, and strong regional partnerships, DWA works to deliver safe, dependable water today while preparing for tomorrow. The plans below guide DWA’s approach to long-term water sustainability, resource management and operational resilience. 

Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP) 

The Urban Water Management Plan serves as a foundational planning document that guides how DWA will meet water demands over the next 20 years. Updated every five years, the UWMP evaluates projected water use, available supplies, and changing conditions such as drought and regulatory requirements. It identifies strategies to maintain reliability through efficient operations, conservation, and responsible groundwater management. The UWMP also includes the DWA’s Water Shortage Contingency Plan.   

Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) 

In 2014, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. signed a three-bill package known as the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). The legislation allows local agencies to customize groundwater sustainability plans (GSPs) to their regional economic and environmental needs. If an existing water management plan is already in place, the existing plan may be submitted as an Alternative Plan in lieu of developing a new GSP. Developed in coordination with regional partners, these GSPs and Alternative Plans focus on maintaining a balance between groundwater use and replenishment, protecting water quality, and supporting long-term basin health. DWA is actively participating in the SGMA compliance efforts for the Indio Subbasin, Mission Creek Subbasin, and the San Gorgonio Pass Subbasin. 

Integrated Regional Water Management (IRWM) 

Regional collaboration is key to achieving a sustainable water future. In 2002, the Integrated Regional Water Management Planning Act was established to encourage local entities to collaboratively establish regional water management groups to improve water quality and water supply reliability to meet the State of California’s overall water needs. In 2008, the Coachella Valley Regional Water Management Group (CVRWMG) was formed as a collaborative effort led by five water purveyors and one wastewater agency. Through participation in CVRWMG, DWA partners with neighboring agencies to advance projects that improve water supply reliability, protect water quality, and support long-term sustainability. These strategic partnerships strengthen the region’s collective ability to manage water resources effectively. 

Salt and Nutrient Management Plan (SNMP) 

Salt and Nutrient Management Plans (SNMPs) are mandated by the State of California’s Recycled Water Policy, adopted in 2009 and amended in 2018. The policy encourages the use of recycled municipal wastewater as an increasingly important water source; however, recycled water contains salts and nutrients that must be carefully managed to protect groundwater quality. DWA actively participates in SNMP efforts in the Coachella Valley. 

Additional Planning Efforts 

DWA also supports a range of complementary planning efforts that enhance overall water management. These include initiatives focused on water quality, salt and nutrient balance, and coordination with state and federal partners. Together, these efforts reflect DWA’s commitment to thoughtful policy, fiscal responsibility and proactive resource stewardship.