Water Resource Goals and Objectives

Secure and protect water rights and the quality and quantity of waters flowing into the reservation and use the water to benefit the reservation community. Ensure the quality of water resources by enforcing water quality standards, maintaining monitoring programs and maintaining unified domestic water and wastewater systems. 

Water Resource Objectives

• Assert tribal water rights by determining the quantity and quality of available surface water and groundwater to ensure the future beneficial use of reservation lands.

• Continue stream restoration activities on streams affected by loss of riparian habitat.

• Monitor stream flow data provided by USGS for the Eel River and its tributaries.

• Complete and maintain fencing to protect riparian areas on the reservation.

• Establish a wellhead protection program for outdated and unused wells.

• Maintain an inventory of wells, their condition and their locations.

• Establish a Tribal Utility Department permit system for new wells and septic systems. 

• Monitor groundwater levels to avoid over-stressing the ground water system.

• Conduct annual testing of water system wells for nitrates and pesticides .

• Test domestic water systems for Safe Drinking Water Act compliance.

• Install water filtration systems available through IHS in new community systems to filter out iron and manganese.

• Develop an Illegal Dump Closure Plan to assess the cost of illegal dump cleanup and alternative strategies to eliminate the problem.

• Develop a community education program on the effects of illegal dumping.

• Assess mill site cleanup documentation to determine if further testing is needed.

• Prepare a Removal of Underground Storage Tanks Safety Plan.

• Prepare and implement a Drought Management Plan.