Delta Watermaster Overview

Office of Delta Watermaster

OVERVIEW

The Office of the Delta Watermaster is responsible for overseeing the day‑to‑day administration of water rights, enforcement activities, and reports on water right activities regarding diversions within the Sacramento - San Joaquin Delta.

The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta is an estuary located at the confluence of the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers. It is comprised of a network of islands and wetlands which make up the largest estuary on the Western Coast of the United States.

Aerial View of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta

Senate Bill X7 1

In November 2009, the California Legislature passed several bills regarding water legislation. Senate Bill X7 1, Steinberg (Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Reform Act of 2009) included a provision requiring the appointment of a “special master” for the Delta, who would be “granted specified authority”. The Delta Watermaster’s authority extends to diversions of water in the Delta, and for the monitoring and enforcement of State Water Resources Control Board orders and license and permit terms and conditions that apply to conditions in the Delta.

Role of State Water Resources Control Board

Section 85230 of the Water Code requires the State Water Resources Control Board to appoint a “Delta Watermaster” with delegated authority from the State Water Board to monitor and report and enforce Board Orders and permit and license terms and conditions. The statute also empowers the Delta Watermaster to take enforcement against unlawful diversions in the Delta and to submit reports on specified water issues.

On July 7, 2010, the State Water Board appointed Craig M. Wilson as California’s first Delta Watermaster for a four-year term, and delegated authority to the Delta Watermaster with the adoption of Resolution 2010-0048, on October 5, 2010. Resolution 2010-0048 was superseded by Resolution 2012-0048, which was adopted on October 3, 2012.

Watermaster Program - Board Delegated Authorities

Day-to-Day Administration

Approvals as required by the terms of a permit, license, or conditions of orders
Monitoring and Reporting
Temporary Urgency Changes
Temporary Permits

Statements of Water Diversions and Use

Helpful Information

Compliance and Enforcement Activities

Delta Water Rights/Claims (Summary)
Investigation/Inspections of Delta Diversions
Notice of Action of Proposed Administrative Civil Liability Complaint
Notice of Action of Proposed Cease and Desist Order
Notice of Violation
Orders and Decisions
Settlement Actions
Term 91 Curtailment Notices

Additional Duties

Reports on Water Rights Administration, Water Quality, and Conveyance Operations

Questions and Assistance

Contact the Office of the Delta Watermaster

U.S. Mail: Office of Delta Watermaster
State Water Resources Control Board
PO Box 100
Sacramento, CA 95812-0100

eMail: deltawatermaster@waterboards.ca.gov

Phone: (916) 327-3289

FAX: (916) 341-5620

U.S. Mail:	Office of Delta Watermaster State Water Resources Control Board PO Box 100 Sacramento, CA 95812-0100
eMail:	deltawatermaster@waterboards.ca.gov
Phone:	(916) 327-3289
FAX:	(916) 341-5620