California Water Board proposes extensive updates to SB 88 measuring regulations

The State Water Resources Control Board convened on April 16, 2025, to discuss significant revisions to the measurement and reporting regulations for water diversions, known as SB 88. These changes aim to enhance data accuracy and compliance among water rights holders, which is crucial for effective water management in California.

Key Impact: The proposed revisions come in response to ongoing challenges with data submission and quality. Currently, only about 23% of the 12,000 water rights subject to these regulations submitted at least one measurement data file in 2023, with less than 2% meeting the board's needs for robust data. The board's outreach efforts to improve compliance have yielded only modest results, prompting the need for regulatory changes. The revisions are designed to streamline the reporting process and ensure that data is collected in a standardized format, making it easier for the board to analyze and manage water resources effectively.

Among the notable changes is the introduction of a new reporting platform, Cal Waters, which will require water rights holders to submit data in a specific format. This shift aims to eliminate the confusion caused by the diverse formats currently used, which can exceed 1,000 variations in a single year. The board is also simplifying the requirements for measuring and reporting, including adjustments to the frequency of data collection based on the size of water diversions.

Additionally, the revisions clarify definitions and measurement methodologies, ensuring that all diverters understand their obligations. For instance, the requirement for mandatory recalibration of measuring devices every five years has been removed, allowing for more flexibility based on the type of equipment used. The board is also expanding eligibility for alternative compliance plans, recognizing that strict adherence to regulations may not always be feasible.

Secondary Topics: Other discussions during the meeting included the introduction of temporary exemptions for diverters who do not withdraw water during the year or whose measuring devices are damaged. The board emphasized that these exemptions do not absolve diverters from their overall reporting responsibilities.

Conclusion: The proposed revisions to the SB 88 regulations represent a significant step towards improving water measurement and reporting in California. By enhancing clarity and compliance, the board aims to ensure that water management practices are effective and responsive to the state's diverse needs. Stakeholders are encouraged to review the proposed changes and provide feedback, as the board seeks to refine these regulations further before implementation.