Floodplain Management and Sustainable Groundwater Management  

Responsibilities include development applications review within FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) for conformance with federal, state, and local National Flood Insurance Program regulations within unincorporated San Joaquin County. Staff also reviews development applications in unincorporated San Joaquin County within historic and/or local floodplains outside SFHAs for conformance with local flood protection regulations.  

The Water Resources Division also plays a vital role in sustainable groundwater management, water rights development, and regional planning to protect water supply and quality.  They coordinate with cities, water agencies and irrigation districts to implement Groundwater Sustainability Plans under the California Sustainable Groundwater Management Act of 2014 (SGMA) to address issues such as future water demands and effective groundwater supply. Protecting the County’s communities against flooding, ensuring long-term water sustainability and defending water supply and quality for future water resource sustainability in the San Joaquin County and the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta are all part of our mission in alignment with the Board of Supervisors’ strategic goals.

Stormwater Quality and Flood Hazard Mitigation

The Water Resources Division is also dedicated to protecting the County’s communities, infrastructure, and natural resources through proactive stormwater management and flood hazard mitigation.

They manage programs that reduce the flooding risks and improve water quality, through stormwater pollution prevention efforts, and ensure compliance with federal, state, regional, and local regulations such as compliance with the County’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit. Work efforts include delivering flood hazard mitigation projects and promoting best practices for stormwater runoff including trash reduction and removal from local waterways.

Through strategic planning, technical expertise, and collaboration with local and regional partners, we strive to reduce flood hazards, prevent stormwater pollution, and promote sustainable development throughout unincorporated San Joaquin County.

Fiscal and Administrative Support

The various programs and projects are supported by fiscal and administrative staff who provide essential financial, administrative, and operational support to ensure the effective delivery of water resource programs and services throughout the County.

Efforts include budgeting, accounting, contract administration, grant management, and procurement functions for the division. This helps ensure that adequate funding is available for all Water Resources Division programs and projects, most of which are mandatory and subject to regulatory agency review and regulation compliance audits.

By ensuring sound fiscal management and efficient administrative processes, the fiscal and administrative support is vital to supporting the County’s mission to protect water quality, promote sustainable water use, and reduce flood hazards for current and future generations.

Water Resources Manager

Ashley Couch (209) 953-7460

Public Works Department
1810 East Hazelton Avenue
Stockton, CA 95205
Phone: (209) 468-3000
Hours: 8:00am to 5:00pm M-F

Lobby closed 12-1pm M-Th and 12-5pm Fridays

Email us with questions at: pwinfosupport@sjgov.org