Hot Topics

The listings on this webpage have a significant level of interest to the public, and may be projects that the State Water Boards are working on in conjunction with other federal, state or local agencies.

Search Feature: Topics are listed alphabetically. However, you can also locate a particular topic by using shortcut keys: Ctrl-F (on your keyboard, hold down the Ctrl key and press the F key). When the “Find” window opens, type in a keyword and click “Find Next.” For more information on each topic, click on the link provided.


  • Agricultural Water Use Efficiency Workshop
    The State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) held an Agricultural Water Use Efficiency Workshop on July 20, 2011. Representatives from academia, state and federal agencies, and practitioners within the agricultural community participated in the informational workshop. The Workshop agenda, available presentations, and supporting documentation are provided in the link above.
  • 20X2020 Water Conservation
    On February 28, 2008 Governor Schwarzenegger wrote to leadership of the California State Senate, outlining key elements of a comprehensive solution to problems in the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta. The first element on the Governor’s list was “a plan to achieve a 20 percent reduction in per capita water use statewide by 2020.” In March 2008 the 20x2020 Agency Team goal was convened to develop a plan to achieve a 20 percent reduction in per capita urban water use statewide by 2020. (7/30/08)
  • Atmospheric Deposition and Water Quality
    The State Water Board and the Air Resources Board (ARB) worked together with the public to review relationship between atmospheric deposition and water quality. (3/22/08)
  • CALFED Water Quality Grant Programs
    Various financial assistance programs
  • California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS)
    A computer system used by the State and Regional Water Quality Control Boards to track information about places of environmental interest, manage permits and other orders, track inspections, and manage violations and enforcement activities.
  • California Water Quality Monitoring Council (CA Senate Bill 1070)
  • COSCO Busan Oil Spill into San Francisco Bay
    The State Water Boards supported state responders to the COSCO Busan oil spill into San Francisco Bay. For more information, visit the following Websites (10/29/07)
  • Drought Resources
    Information about actions taken by the State Water Board, including actions related to existing water rights.
  • Low Impact Development - Sustainable Storm Water Management
    In 2005, the State Water Board adopted “sustainability” as a core value for the California Water Boards programs, and directed such incorporation into future actions. (1/28/10)
  • My Drinking Water
    Links to information about drinking water.
  • Office of Enforcement - State Water Board
    Functions, Significant Actions, Orders, Policy and Reports (3/28/08)
  • Rialto Perchlorate Contamination (A-1824)
    Since 2002, the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board - Region 8 has been conducting an investigation of groundwater contamination in the area of the City of Rialto (8/24/07)
  • Sea Level Rise Study
    The California state agencies sponsoring the National Research Council’s (NRC) study on Sea Level Rise are holding public meetings and accepting comments electronically to solicit reference information that could be considered by NRC in its science study. Public Comments can be submitted electronically to the Department of Water Resources (DWR) starting June 1, 2010. (5/26/10)
  • Septic Tanks (AB 885)
    Onsite Wastewater Treatment Regulation (12/12/08)
  • Storm Water - 2009 General Permit for Discharges Associated with Construction Activities
    Dischargers are required to obtain coverage under the Construction General Permit Order 2009-0009-DWQ (9/2/09)
  • Strategic Plan Update: 2008 - 2012
    The California Water Boards completed the process to update their Strategic Plan in September 2008. A series of forums were conducted to receive input from stakeholders and staff throughout the state. The input identified key areas of focus for the Water Boards to consider in their planning for the next five years. Following input received from four successive versions of the draft Strategic Plan Update: 2008-2012, the State Water Board adopted the plan at its September 2, 2008 meeting. (11/03/08)
  • Water Quality Improvement Initiative
    Improving the Water Boards enforcement and efficiency in protecting California’s most valuable natural resources - Water. (5/28/08)