Tribal Water Data Initiatives

The purpose of the Tribal Water Data Map is to increase awareness of and access to the Water Board’s water data resources that intersect with Tribal matters and needs. The interactive map includes curated data layers that have been requested by California Native American Tribes (tribes) and tribal partners doing environmental or water related work.

1. To learn more about the Tribal Water Data Map, visit the User Manual for the Tribal Water Data Map.
2. For a more interactive and customizable mapping experience, visit the Tribal Water Data Map.
3. To view the status of ongoing Map and User Manual development, visit the Tribal Water Data Map Project Management Board.

SWAMP Bioaccumulation Monitoring Program Training Series

The SWAMP Bioaccumulation Monitoring Program, in partnership with California Indian Environmental Alliance, will be offering a tribally-centered Bioaccumulation Monitoring Training Series in 2024. The purpose of this training series is to support California Native American Tribes in developing programs in the areas of bioaccumulation monitoring, data analysis, and data use processes, and enable Tribes and other bioaccumulation monitoring groups to adopt those processes into their workflows and more easily partner with the Program and the Safe to Eat Workgroup.

• Bioaccumulation Monitoring Program Training Series Webpage

SWAMP Bioaccumulation Monitoring Program Realignment

Through the realignment efforts described in the Bioaccumulation Monitoring Program Realignment Plan, the Program is actively working to ensure bioaccumulation monitoring continues to be aligned with the public’s needs, particularly in areas that are important for subsistence by traditionally underrepresented communities, as well as tribal traditions, culture, and subsistence

• Bioaccumulation Monitoring Program and Realignment Tribal Engagement Plan
• Bioaccumulation Monitoring Program Realignment Fact Sheet
• Bioaccumulation Monitoring Program Realignment Webpage
• SWAMP Bioaccumulation Monitoring Program Fact Sheet
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• Safe to Eat Workgroup Webpage

SWAMP Freshwater Harmful Algal Bloom (FHAB) Database Modernization

The Freshwater and Estuarine Harmful Algal Bloom (FHAB) Program has been updating and modernizing the database that is used to track and respond to FHABs in California. This process has included developing partnerships with The Internet of Water, The Commons, CA Tribes, and other non-governmental organizations to develop a process to ingest non-state FHAB monitoring data into the CA FHAB database.

• California FHAB Monitoring Systems Data Ingestion Framework Recommendations
• Watch the Dec 2, 2021 Internet of Water Webinar Recording to hear from a panel of project leaders about implementing all aspects of this project – tiered data management, database alignment, API development, software training, stakeholder engagement, and more!
• California Cyanobacteria and Harmful Algal Bloom (CCHAB) Network

SWAMP eDNA Metabarcoding Monitoring and Analysis Project (SeMMAP)

The focus of SeMMAP is to gain understanding of how environmental DNA (eDNA) can enable SWAMP to maximize resources while integrating statewide monitoring programs and partnering with Tribal governments and community science organizations. eDNA is a rapidly expanding field of scientific research in both terrestrial and aquatic environments that demands research and rigorous testing to understand its application as a water quality monitoring method. SeMMAP will be exploring the new fields of eDNA and open science while employing novel data collection and data management processes. Moreover, SeMMAP will work with our partners in the collection and analysis of eDNA samples so they can meaningfully engage in our decision-making process all while collecting and receiving data that is relevant to their needs.

• SeMMAP Data Resource Hub
• SeMMAP Overview Presentation (30 min)
• SeMMAP Email List Survey

2021 California Water Boards Water Data Science Symposium

On June 28 - 30, 2021 SWAMP and the California Water Quality Monitoring Council hosted the Sixth Annual California Water Data Science Symposium. This free annual event aims to enhance how water quality monitoring generates and uses meaningful data to inform equitable water quality management decisions. The 2021 Program highlighted speakers that intentionally use data to educate, inform, or address racial inequities in California, and Tribal perspectives and voices were elevated throughout the event.

• Paya: The Water Story of the Paiute Panel Discussion
• Message, Song, and Poetry by Mr. Brian Tripp (from 2:30 – 7:40 in the video)
• Using Data to Address Water and Racial Inequities Panel Presentations and Discussion
• Agenda with speaker contact information and related resources