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The North Coast Integrated Regional Water Management Plan (NCIRWMP) is an innovative, stakeholder-driven collaboration among local government, watershed groups, tribes and interested partners in the North Coast region of California. The North Coast comprises seven counties and multiple major watersheds, with a land mass of 19,390 square miles—which represents 12% of the landscape of California.

Sustainable Practices for the Landscape Professional

The Russian River-Friendly Landscape Guidelines is a comprehensive toolbox of principles and practices to aid landscape professionals in the protection and conservation of the Russian River waterways, in the reuse and reduction of plant debris, and to support an integrated approach to environmentally-friendly landscaping.

In the Russian River watershed, most of the water supply used in urban and rural areas originates right in the watershed. We depend on our creeks, groundwater basins, rainfall, and storage reservoirs for our life and livelihood.

In urban areas, potable water (water that is of drinking water quality) is most often supplied by  a public water system which relies on both surface water and ground water supplies. Most rural residents are served by private groundwater wells. We are fortunate to have very high quality water in the Russian River watershed.

Municipal wastewater is collected in sanitary sewer systems which transport all of the sewage that flows into them from homes and businesses to permitted wastewater treatment facilities. These municipal wastewater collection and treatment systems are permitted under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program which is authorized by the Clean Water Act. RRWA supports Member Agencies by developing outreach campaigns, disposal and diversion programs, and educational materials for the following programs:

Stormwater is generated when precipitation from rain and snowmelt flows over land or impervious surfaces and does not percolate into the ground. As the runoff flows over the land or impervious surfaces (paved streets, parking lots, and building rooftops), it can accumulate debris, chemicals, sediment or other pollutants that could affect water quality. RRWA supports member agencies with Phase I & II permit requirements including facilitating communication, conducting workshops and training, and coordinating public outreach.