Policies & Guidance

Policies and guidance documents translate laws and strategic goals into actionable rules, standards, and best practices. Issued by federal, state, Tribal, and regional organizations, they clarify how agencies carry out their missions—setting expectations for planning, permitting, investment, compliance, and performance across water programs.

These resources help practitioners:

• Implement statutory requirements consistently
• Apply technical standards and analytical methods
• Coordinate across agencies and jurisdictions
• Integrate emerging priorities such as sustainability and climate resilience
• Improve transparency and accountability in decision-making

Use the search tools to locate specific policies or filter by topic, agency, or focus area. You can also check our resource page for more information.

Selected Policies & Guidance

Climate Change Handbook for Regional Water Planning
Agency: California
Departments: California Department of Water Resources; U.S. EPA Region 9; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers South Pacific Division; California Resources Agency
Overview:
Provides a practical analytical framework for incorporating climate change impacts into regional and watershed-scale planning. The handbook is tailored for local and regional water managers and supports scenario analysis, vulnerability assessment, and adaptation strategies.
Focus Areas: Climate Change

Compliance with the Interbasin Transfer Act – Performance Standards
Agency: Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
Department: Water Resources Commission
Overview:
Establishes measurable performance standards to evaluate whether required water conservation and management criteria are met under the Interbasin Transfer Act and its regulations. The standards promote responsible water use, interbasin equity, and effective governance.
Focus Areas: Conservation, Governance

Corps Planning Program (Planning Community Toolbox)
Agency: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Department: Planning & Policy
Overview:
A comprehensive, “one-stop” digital hub for planners, offering access to more than 2,500 resources covering laws, policies, guidance, tools, training, and project examples. The platform supports the Planning Community of Practice and serves audiences including government agencies, Tribal partners, Congress, project sponsors, and the public.
Focus Areas: Planning Guidance, Infrastructure, Water Resources Management

Sustainability and Water Quality Policy Guidance
Agency: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Overview:
Guidance documents that integrate sustainability principles into water infrastructure planning and water quality protection. These policies emphasize long-term performance, environmental stewardship, and resilient systems that protect public health and ecosystems.
Focus Areas: Infrastructure, Sustainability, Water Quality

• Identify resources under development within the water resources community
• Identify strategic water issues
  Develop water resources scenarios
• Streamline water resources management processes
• Scope future water needs and opportunities
• Plan future water resources management programs and activities
• Promote joint collaborations and partnerships
• Share management insights and best practices