Initial analysis completed in effort to restore more natural flows to south O.C. streams

SCCWRP has completed a screening-level analysis of how streams in southern Orange County have been altered from their historical hydrologic flow patterns, the first phase in an ongoing effort to restore more natural flow patterns to the region’s streams.

The South Orange County Flow Ecology Study screening, completed in May, involved comparing existing hydrologic conditions at about 30 stream reaches to modeled reference conditions.

Researchers followed the approach outlined in the California Environmental Flows Framework, a proposed, multi-tiered management framework for setting appropriate environmental flow targets for streams statewide. The Orange County study will serve as a key demonstration project supporting development of the statewide framework, which is ongoing.

Findings will be presented to a technical advisory committee at a June meeting.