Inyo County Water Department

"Our mission is to protect the County’s environment, citizens, and economy from adverse effects caused by activities relating to the extraction and use of water resources and to seek mitigation of any existing or future adverse effects resulting from such activities."

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Hydrology

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Vegetation

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On/Off Well Management Data

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Historic Maps

Any questions regarding water systems, service, or billing should be directed to Public Works at 760-878-0201.

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Upcoming Meetings

Technical Group Meeting

December 8, 2025

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New Documents

The Inyo County Water Department (ICWD) monitors the vegetation, soil moisture, and hydrology of the Owens Valley in relation to ground-water exportation by the City of Los Angeles.

ICWD assists in the implementation of the County Policy on Extraction and Use of Water, the Water Agreement, FEIR, MOU, and Ordinance 1004 (see Resolution 99-43). Inyo County and the LADWP use the information contained in these documents to manage water resources of the Owens Valley under the Water Agreement. ICWD also advises the County on other water related issues in Inyo County and carries out a saltcedar control program.

Projects

Aerial view of a winding river, managed by the Inyo County Water Department, flowing through green wetlands and dry plains under a clear blue sky.

Lower Owens River Project

The goal of the LORP is the establishment of a healthy, functioning Lower Owens River riverine-riparian ecosystem, and the establishment of healthy functioning ecosystems in the other elements of the LORP, for the benefit of biodiversity and threatened and endangered species, while providing for the continuation of sustainable uses including recreation, livestock grazing, agriculture, and other activities.

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Mitigation

The Water Department plays a crucial role in overseeing the progress of LADWP's environmental and mitigation projects in the Owens Valley.

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Saltcedar

Though intentionally introduced from Asia as an ornamental and for windbreaks, saltcedar is now well established and expanding throughout the western U.S., including in the Owens Valley. Why do these shrubby trees need to be controlled? Saltcedar can rapidly spread and come to dominate widespread areas, tap roots grow more quickly than native species and can lower water tables, and needle cast changes soil conditions to stress native species and thus promote tamarisk dominance.

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Wells: New & Replacement

The Inyo County Water Department works with LADWP on projects involving the construction of new groundwater wells and the replacement of existing wells in the Owens Valley, often under the framework of the Long-Term Water Agreement, to manage water resources while addressing potential environmental impacts.

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Crystal Geyser Roxanne Cabin Bar Ranch Project

The Crystal Geyser Roxanne Cabin Bar Ranch Project involves the construction and operation of a spring water bottling facility and ancillary uses in Inyo County, California, designed to process water from existing on-site wells.

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Coso Hay Ranch Project

Coso Operating Company was granted a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) from Planning Commission in 2009 to transfer groundwater from Rose Valley into the Coso Mountains for its geothermal plant.

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About

The Water Department was formed in 1980 when the voters passed an ordinance regulating groundwater pumping through a groundwater management plan.

The Water Department’s roles and responsibilities are set out in Board Resolution 99-43 are:

Monitor the environment of the Owens Valley.
Manage water resources in accordance with the Inyo/Los Angeles Long-Term Water Agreement.
Coordinate implementation and oversight of projects arising from the Inyo/Los Angeles Long-Term Water Agreement and associated agreements.
Evaluate hydrologic and related environmental impacts of groundwater transfers, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) surface and groundwater management, and conduct scientific research related to Inyo County water resources.
Remain informed and educated about issues related to water resources and inform the public about such issues.
Serve as staff to the Inyo County Water Commission.
Advise the Inyo County Board of Supervisors concerning potential effects of proposed decisions, legislation, or other administrative actions as directed by the Board.