California Integrated Water Quality System Project (CIWQS)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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This list includes questions that:
- Were asked during analysis and design sessions during the eSMR User Group meetings.
- Were asked during other outreach and training events throughout California.
What is eSMR2?
eSMR2 is a module of the California Integrated Water Quality System that allow dischargers to electronically submit self-monitoring reports.
When am I expected to use the system?
There is a formal rollout schedule referenced in the Outreach and Training Plan. The rollout will be by Regional Board office starting with the Redding Office in October. Other Regional Board offices will follow.
At what point is using the system a requirement?
Following the rollout schedule referenced in the Outreach and Training Plan, after outreach and training is performed at each Regional Board office, the Regional Board will determine if the system is required for each discharger.
Will I continue submitting paper Self-monitoring Reports to the Regional Board?
After three successful electronic submissions, the Regional Board will issue a letter to allow dischargers to discontinue sending paper reports. A successful submission is defined as an electronic submission that exactly matches the paper submitted equivalent.
Will I continue submitting paper Discharge Monitoring Reports to the State Board/USEPA?
Yes.
Does the system know my reporting requirements?
No. The system does not know the parameters you are supposed to report during the reporting period or the numeric limits for each parameter. The system only knows the reporting frequency of your permit.
Does the system check for compliance with my permit?
No, because the system does not know the requirements of your permit. The system allows the discharger the opportunity to self-determine reporting violations and enter them into the system.
Who do I call if I need help with the system?
Please call the Case Worker for your facility. They will direct your call as appropriate. The eSMR2 website also contains outreach information and user workbooks to assist with questions on the use of the system.
What if my facility doesn’t have a fancy Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)?
You may use the Waterboard Entry Tool (WET) which is downloadable from within the system. The WET will allow you to enter your data in a more user-friendly format (Excel) and then export a CIWQS Data File (CDF). If your facility has any type of database, you will most likely simply export your data into the CDF format (comma separated value) and upload into eSMR2.
Do I upload receiving water (influent pretreatment data, biosolids data, etc.) too?
Please call the Case Worker for your facility. The system has the ability to accept electronically any data that the dischargers can submit. More information will be given during the training sessions.
What am I supposed to do?
Review the Outreach and Training Plan and note the dates that the Outreach and Training team will be in your Region and attend the sessions. If your contact information has changed for your facility in the past year, please contact the Regional Board to get this updated.
How will dischargers submit collateral data?
This is integrated into the system. Dischargers can enter data manually into the system by use of the web interface screen, upload laboratory data via CDF/EDF, or upload supplemental information via the file attachment feature. More information will be given during the training sessions.
Can the discharger edit data after “certifying and submitting” a report?
Only by contacting their case worker. More information will be given during the training sessions. A lot of effort was put into exactly duplicating, and automating, the paper process.
Can I test the system?
Sure. An Alpha version of the application is located at http://water24.waterboards.ca.gov/ciwqs_esmr2. Use User ID “sdischarger”, Password “Password1”. Send any comments via our webform at http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/ciwqs/ciwqs_tracking.shtml.