In the past, different resources in the water system were managed separately from each other. For example, groundwater was managed as a separate resource from stormwater and recycled water. The County continues to move toward managing and regulating water resources through a watershed-based approach. This approach integrates many facets of water resources management on a regional level, including water supply, water quality, flood management, sediment management, ecosystem health, and recreation through enhanced collaboration across geographic and political boundaries and diverse stakeholder groups.
Watershed management and integrated regional water management are critical elements to ensuring sustainable water resources in the county. While there are only two policies in this section, the County intends to consider many of the policies throughout this element in a watershed context.