Stream Gage Improvement Program

The Stream Gage Improvement Program (CalSIP), managed by California’s Department of Water Resources (DWR), aims to enhance the state’s stream gage infrastructure to provide reliable, real-time data on water flow. This data is crucial for managing California’s water resources, helping predict floods and droughts, monitoring aquatic habitats, and planning water supply and recreational activities. Public entities and federally recognized Tribes can receive technical assistance to upgrade, reactivate, or install new stream gages on natural waterways through this program. What is a Stream Gage? A stream gage consists of instruments that measure, record, and transmit data such as water levels, temperature, pH, and oxygen. This data helps water managers and the public in flood and drought planning, environmental monitoring, recreational safety, and assessing groundwater and streamflow relationships. Program Goals: The CalSIP program seeks to: Upgrade existing stream gages to improve monitoring. Reactivate historical gages that have been out of operation. Install new stream gages in critical areas where data gaps exist. Eligible Entities: Public agencies and federally recognized Tribes in California are eligible to apply if they have the technical expertise or external consultant support for installing and operating stream gages. Eligible entities include: Local agencies (counties, cities) Special districts (e.g., water, flood control, and irrigation districts) Groundwater sustainability agencies Colleges and universities Federally recognized Tribes Eligibility Requirements: Stream gages funded under CalSIP must transmit real-time data through the California Data Exchange Center (CDEC). Gages that meet this requirement are eligible for funding to improve the monitoring network across the state. Application Process: Submit Initial Interest Survey: Agencies submit a GIS-based interest survey for each stream gage site via the CalSIP Map Application. This will determine eligibility based on criteria such as agency status and site location. Submit Application Questionnaire: If eligible, applicants receive a unique site ID and link to complete an online questionnaire. Applications are reviewed monthly through December 2024. Evaluation Process: Submitted sites are scored monthly based on prioritization criteria. Sites not funded but still eligible can be reevaluated the following month. For more details on application guidelines, evaluation criteria, and timelines, applicants should refer to the CalSIP program guidelines or contact DWR for further assistance