The intent of the Integrated Regional Water Management Program in Santa Barbara County is to promote and practice integrated regional water management strategies to ensure sustainable water uses, reliable water supplies, better water quality, environmental stewardship, efficient urban development, protection of agricultural and watershed awareness.

The IRWM program and projects are guided by the Santa Barbara Integrated Regional Water Management Plan (IRWMP).

The Santa Barbara IRWM Program was developed in response to the State of California's IRWM program, and it shares the State's visions of IRWM as a

collaborative effort to manage all aspects of water resources in a region. IRWM crosses jurisdictional, watershed and political boundaries; involves multiple agencies, stakeholders, individuals and groups; and attempts to address the issues and differing perspectives of all entities involved through mutually beneficial solutions.