Compliance with the California State Water Resources Control Board Emergency Drought Regulations

June 26, 2015

In Reply Refer To:
7000 (CA930) P

EMS TRANSMISSION: 7/1/15 
Information Bulletin No. CA-2015-011

To:                   All California District and Field Managers

From:               California State Director

Subject:           Compliance with the California State Water Resources Control Board Emergency
                         Drought Regulations

Program Area: All Program Areas

Purpose:  This Information Bulletin provides guidance for compliance with the State’s Emergency Drought Regulations

Background:  January 17, 2014, Governor Brown declared a Drought State of Emergency in response to the driest rainfall year in state recorded history.  April 25, 2014, Governor Brown issued an Executive Order B-21-13 directing the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) to adopt an emergency regulation, as it deems necessary, pursuant to Water Code section 1058.5, to ensure that water suppliers implement conservation measures.  Based on an April 1, 2015 Sierra snowpack of just six percent of average, Governor Brown issued Executive Order B-29-15 that extended the conservation measures from B-21-13 and directed a twenty-five percent reduction, statewide, in urban water usage.  The SWRCB is developing Emergency Drought Regulations that will implement the Governor’s order.  Additionally on October 5, 2009, President Obama issued Executive Order 13514, which directs a twenty-six percent improvement in water efficiency at all federal facilities by 2020.

Policy/Action:  District and Field Offices are instructed to comply with the SWRCB Emergency Drought Regulations for all BLM owned wells and facilities.  District and Field Offices are further instructed to encourage the owners of BLM leased space to comply with the Board’s Emergency Drought Regulations, especially for landscape and outdoor watering.  

Discussion:  The Board’s Emergency Drought Regulations went into effect July 29, 2014 and were extended by Executive Order B-29-15.  The regulations pertinent to the BLM prohibit:

• The application of potable water to any driveway or sidewalk.
• Using potable water to water outdoor landscapes in a manner that causes runoff to adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, private and public walkways, roadways, parking lots or structures.
• Using a hose that dispenses potable water to wash a motor vehicle, unless the hose is fitted with a shut-off nozzle.
• Using potable water in a fountain or decorative water feature, unless the water is recirculated. Recycled water is not mandated, but encouraged for fountain use.
• Irrigation outdoors during or within forty-eight hours of a precipitation event.

These prohibitions apply to all California water users except in the instance of human health and safety.  Violators could face a maximum fine of $500 per day.  While BLM would probably not be subject to a fine, it is incumbent upon BLM to demonstrate leadership by doing our part in water conservation.

Contact: Russell Scofield, Soil, Air, and Water Program Lead at 760-833-7139 or russell_scofield@blm.gov

Signed by:                                    
Joe Stout                                    
Associate State Director                            

Authenticated by:
Richard A. Erickson
Records Management