Information Order and Reporting Requirements for the Clear Lake Watershed

The following resources are available to help you comply with the Information Order.

• How to Measure Your Groundwater Extractions and Tracking Logs
• Information Required in Reports 1 and 2
• Items to Gather Before You Begin Report 1
• Lake County Parcel Viewer
• Memorandum of Understanding: Lake County Farm Bureau Education Corporation
• Memorandum of Understanding: Lake County Land Stewards

What if I only use groundwater for domestic use?

Domestic use is defined as indoor and outdoor household use, and non-commercial hobby farming/ranching.

If you use groundwater for domestic purposes only, you will not be required to track weekly volumetric groundwater extractions, or complete Reports 1 and 2. However, you must notify the State Water Board that your parcel(s) falls into this category within 14 days of receiving the Information Order. To notify the State Water Board, email ClearLakeHitch@waterboards.ca.gov or call (916) 341-5355 and provide:

• Your contact information: name, phone number, email address, and mailing address
• Parcel information: provide the APN for the parcel(s) and explain that you only use water on the parcel for domestic uses

State Water Board staff will reach out if any additional information is needed.

If my property is not located near a creek, why did I receive an Order?

The Information Order was sent to people who own or are responsible for properties located within the following areas: 

• The Big Valley Groundwater Basin
• Approximately 1,000 feet of Rodman Slough, Middle Creek, Lyons Creek, Clover Creek, Tule Lake, Blue Lakes, Scotts Creek, Adobe Creek, Kelsey Creek, Cole Creek, Manning Creek, and/or McGaugh Slough
• Upstream of hitch spawning habitat that may have substantial surface water diversions AND/OR
• In areas within the Clear Lake watershed where groundwater may be connected to key hitch spawning habitat.

While your property may not be near a creek, it likely meets one of the other criteria stated above. If you have further questions, please email or call us.

What if my well is inactive and/or I do not use, divert, or extract water from the property?

An inactive well is defined as a well that has not been used within the last five years or has been decommissioned. If your well is inactive and/or you do not use, divert, or extract water from the property, you will not be required to track weekly volumetric groundwater extractions, or complete Reports 1 and 2. However, you must notify the State Water Board that your parcel(s) falls into this category within 14 days of receiving the Information Order. To notify the State Water Board, email ClearLakeHitch@waterboards.ca.gov or call (916) 341-5355 and provide:

• Your contact information: name, phone number, email address, and mailing address
• Parcel information: provide the APN for the parcel(s) and explanation for inactive well

State Water Board staff will reach out if any additional information is needed.

If I no longer own a property, how should I respond to the Order?

Please contact State Water Board staff and provide the following information: 

• APN for the sold parcel
• Legal proof of sale and/or transfer of ownership

If documentation is valid, the State Water Board will work with you to address the issue.

Can I have someone complete the reporting process on my behalf?

You can designate another person to report for you. As part of the reporting process, the person you designate will provide their name and contact information along with your name and contact information.

Can I still participate in the Lake County Farm Bureau (LCFB) Alternative Compliance Pathway?

No. The LCFB Alternative Compliance Pathway is no longer accepting participants. The deadline to enroll was February 29, 2024.

Public Workshops

Workshops were held in February to review the process for complying with the Information Order. Related materials: Presentation Slides.

Office Hours

We offer flexible office hours for anyone who is interested in scheduling a time to meet with us. The schedule a meeting, please email ClearLakeHitch@waterboards.ca.gov or call (916) 341-5355.