San Diego Region – Waste Discharge Requirements Program

The Site Restoration and Groundwater Protection Branch is an integral part of the Programs regulating discharges to land from wastewater treatment plants, water reclamation plants, onsite wastewater treatment systems (such as septic systems), confined animal feeding operations, wineries, and other waste discharges to land overseen by the San Diego Water Board. The Water Sustainability and Protection Units is responsible for a large portion of the following programs:

1. Recycled Water – The San Diego Water Board regulates and issues permits for water reclamation plants and recycled water projects. These permits can include requirements for the treatment of wastewater at the water reclamation plants and/or for reuse of recycled water. These permits are needed to protect water quality, human health, and the environment consistent with State and Regional Water Board Plans, Policies, and applicable regulations.
   
   Links Related to Recycled Water:
   
   • State Water Board Recycled Water Web Page
   • State Recycled Water Policy
   • State Water Board Division of Drinking Water Recycled Water Information
   • San Diego Water Board Recycled Water Permits
   • Order WQ 2016-0068-DDW, State Water Board Water Reclamation Requirements for Recycled Water Use
     
     

2. Discharges to Land from Wastewater Treatment Plants- The San Diego Water Board regulates, and issues permits for discharges to land from wastewater treatment plants. These plants are either regulated under individual permits or waste discharge requirements or the State Water Board General Waste Discharge Requirements for Small Domestic Wastewater Systems (when applicable).
   
   
3. Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS) – The San Diego Water Board regulates discharges from certain OWTS (septic systems and supplemental/ advanced treatment systems that use subsurface disposal) . OWTS are used in areas that do not have sewage collection systems and centralized wastewater treatment systems. When properly designed and maintained, OWTS treat domestic wastewater to reduce impacts to water quality and protect public health. In accordance with the State Water Board OWTS Policy, the San Diego Water Board can defer regulation of qualifying OWTS to local agencies.
   
   Links Related to OWTS:
   
   • County of San Diego Local Agency Management Program
   • County of Riverside Local Agency Management Program
   • State Water Board OWTS Policy
     
     
4. Other Waste Discharges to Land – The San Diego Water Board regulates discharges of waste to land that have the potential to pose a threat to both groundwater and surface waters. This includes discharges from wineries, , confined animal feeding operations, aggregate operations, etc.
   
   Related Links:
   
   • General Waste Discharge Requirements for Aggregate and/or Concrete Facilities (Aggregate and Concrete Order)
   • General Waste Discharge Requirements for Winery Process Water (Winery Order)
   • Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs)
     
     

Additional Resources

• County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health and Quality
• Riverside County Department of Environmental Health
• Orange County Department of Public Works (Development Services)
• Form 200 – Report of Waste Discharge