About ICWD

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  Billy Lake near Independence
  
  
  Taking point-frame measurements
  Powerpoint presentation given to the Inyo Board of Supervisors January 25, 2005 summarizing the last 100 years of water history in the Owens Valley.

The Inyo County Water Department monitors and reports on the conditions of the vegetation, soils, and hydrology of the Owens Valley. This information is used by Inyo County and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) to jointly manage the water resources of the valley, under the Inyo/Los Angeles Water Agreement, to protect the valley's environment while providing a reliable water supply to the City of Los Angeles.

Changing Perspectives on Groundwater Management gives a history of the events that led to the development of the Inyo/LA Water Agreement and summarizes the methods for managing LADWP's groundwater pumping.

The Water Department also:

• Conducts research regarding the management of groundwater and surface water
• Implements a valley-wide saltcedar control program
• Collaborates with LADWP in implementing an arid-lands revegetation program
• Participates in the planning and implementation of the Lower Owens River Project
• Advises Inyo County and others concerning the potential effects on the County's water resources of proposed decisions, projects, legislation, and other actions
• Serves as staff to the Inyo County Water Commission
• Participates in educational programs relating to water resources