Regional Water Board Progress Updates on Tribal Beneficial Uses
The nine Regional Water Boards are in different stages of their Basin Plan Amendment processes to include the Tribal Beneficial Uses and designate surface waters. Below are ways to get involved:
- Contact your Regional Water Board Tribal Coordinator(s) to set up a time to meet and learn about Tribal Beneficial Uses efforts and timeframes in your region.
- Share information about Tribal Beneficial Uses with your Tribal Council and/or community.
- Submit a letter of support to a Regional Water Board, attend a Regional Water Board meeting, and encourage your Tribe or allies to submit letters of support.
- NEW! Review our draft Tribal Beneficial Use guidance document and email tribal-liaison@waterboards.ca.gov with feedback through November 11, 2022.
Below are the regulatory process steps for incorporating Tribal Beneficial Uses:
| Step | Title |
|---|---|
| Ongoing Step | Engage with California Tribes and the public |
| Ongoing Step | Prioritize Tribal Beneficial Uses in triennial reviews |
| Step 1 | Add Tribal Beneficial Use definitions to basin plans* |
| Step 2 | Gather information for designations |
| Step 3 | Designate waterbodies or parts of a waterbody with Tribal Beneficial Use(s)* |
| Step 4 | Amend or establish water quality objectives and implementation programs |
| Step 5 | Follow the implementation program |
*Steps 1 and 3 can be done at the same time
For any questions or assistance on this page, please contact: Tribal-Liaison@waterboards.ca.gov
Regional Water Boards' Quarterly Updates
[Del Norte, Glenn, Humboldt, Lake, Marin, Mendocino, Modoc, Siskiyou, Sonoma, Trinity counties]
TBU Progress Updates
| Status | Step | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Ongoing | Ongoing Step | Engage with California Tribes and the public |
| Ongoing | Ongoing Step | Prioritize Tribal Beneficial Uses in triennial reviews |
| In Progress | Step 1 | Add Tribal Beneficial Use definitions to basin plans* |
| Step 2 | Gather information for designations | |
| Step 3 | Designate waterbodies or parts of a waterbody with Tribal Beneficial Use(s)* | |
| Step 4 | Amend or establish water quality objectives and implementation programs | |
| Step 5 | Follow the implementation program |
*Steps 1 and 3 can be done at the same time
Upcoming Events Related to Tribal Beneficial Uses
None Scheduled
How to Get Involved
Submit support letter to adopt Tribal Beneficial Uses definitions
Tribal Coordinator
Cody Walker
Cody.Walker@waterboards.ca.gov
(707) 576-2642
Resources
- Basin Plan
- Waterbodies in the Region
- Designated Uses
Visit the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board website.
[Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara (north of Morgan Hill), Solano, Sonoma counties]
TBU Progress Updates
| Status | Step | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Ongoing | Ongoing Step | Engage with California Tribes and the public |
| Completed | Ongoing Step | Prioritize Tribal Beneficial Uses in triennial reviews |
| Step 1 | Add Tribal Beneficial Use definitions to basin plans* | |
| In Progress | Step 2 | Gather information for designations |
| Step 3 | Designate waterbodies or parts of a waterbody with Tribal Beneficial Use(s)* | |
| Step 4 | Amend or establish water quality objectives and implementation programs | |
| Step 5 | Follow the implementation program |
*Steps 1 and 3 can be done at the same time
Upcoming Events Related to Tribal Beneficial Uses
Individual consultations begin in June and July 2022
How to Get Involved
Send a letter to Sami Harper with interest
Tribal Coordinator
Sami Harper
Samantha.Harper@waterboards.ca.gov
(510) 622-2415
Resources
- Basin Plan
- Waterbodies in the Region
- Designated Uses
Visit the San Francisco Regional Water Quality Control Board website.
[Kern (small portions), Monterey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo (southern portion), Santa Barbara, Santa Clara (south of Morgan Hill), Santa Cruz, Ventura (northern portion) counties]
TBU Progress Updates
| Status | Step | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Ongoing | Ongoing Step | Engage with California Tribes and the public |
| In Progress | Ongoing Step | Prioritize Tribal Beneficial Uses in triennial reviews |
| Step 1 | Add Tribal Beneficial Use definitions to basin plans* | |
| Step 2 | Gather information for designations | |
| Step 3 | Designate waterbodies or parts of a waterbody with Tribal Beneficial Use(s)* | |
| Step 4 | Amend or establish water quality objectives and implementation programs | |
| Step 5 | Follow the implementation program |
*Steps 1 and 3 can be done at the same time
Upcoming Events Related to Tribal Beneficial Uses
2024: Next Triennial Review
How to Get Involved
Submit support letter to prioritize Tribal Beneficial Uses in the Triennial Review
Tribal Coordinator
Angela Schroeter
Angela.Schroeter@waterboards.ca.gov
(805) 542-4644
Resources
- Basin Plan
- Waterbodies in the Region
- Designated Uses
Visit the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board website.
[Kern (small portions), Los Angeles, Santa Barbara (small portions), Ventura counties]
TBU Progress Updates
| Status | Step | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Ongoing | Ongoing Step | Engage with California Tribes and the public |
| Completed | Ongoing Step | Prioritize Tribal Beneficial Uses in triennial reviews |
| Completed | Step 1 | Add Tribal Beneficial Use definitions to basin plans* |
| In Progress | Step 2 | Gather information for designations |
| Step 3 | Designate waterbodies or parts of a waterbody with Tribal Beneficial Use(s)* | |
| Step 4 | Amend or establish water quality objectives and implementation programs | |
| Step 5 | Follow the implementation program |
*Steps 1 and 3 can be done at the same time
Upcoming Events Related to Tribal Beneficial Uses
2022: 3rd Quarter Designations Workshop(s) and Meetings
How to Get Involved
Contact Tribal Coordinator for more information
Tribal Coordinator
Susana Lagudis
Susana.Lagudis@waterboards.ca.gov
(213) 576-6694
Resources
Visit the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board website.
[Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Colusa, Contra Costa (East), El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Kern, Kings, Lassen, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Modoc, Nevada, Napa, (N. East), Placer, Plumas, Lake, Sierra, Shasta, Sutter, Solano (West), Sacramento, San Joaquin, Tuolumne, Tehama, Tulare, Stanislaus, Yolo, Yuba, (Very small portions of San Benito, San Luis Obispo) counties]
TBU Progress Updates
| Status | Step | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Ongoing | Ongoing Step | Engage with California Tribes and the public |
| Completed | Ongoing Step | Prioritize Tribal Beneficial Uses in triennial reviews |
| In Progress | Step 1 | Add Tribal Beneficial Use definitions to basin plans* |
| In Progress | Step 2 | Gather information for designations |
| Step 3 | Designate waterbodies or parts of a waterbody with Tribal Beneficial Use(s)* | |
| Step 4 | Amend or establish water quality objectives and implementation programs | |
| Step 5 | Follow the implementation program |
*Steps 1 and 3 can be done at the same time
Upcoming Events Related to Tribal Beneficial Uses
None at this time
How to Get Involved
Submit letters to request Tribal Beneficial Uses designations
Tribal Coordinator
Adriana Ross
Adriana.Ross@waterboards.ca.gov
(559) 455-5576
Resources
Visit the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board website.
[Alpine, El Dorado, Inyo, Kern (East), Lassen (East side and Eagle Lake), Los Angeles (N/E corner), Modoc (East), Mono, Nevada, Placer, San Bernardino, Sierra counties]
TBU Progress Updates
| Status | Step | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Ongoing | Ongoing Step | Engage with California Tribes and the public |
| Completed | Ongoing Step | Prioritize Tribal Beneficial Uses in triennial reviews |
| Completed | Step 1 | Add Tribal Beneficial Use definitions to basin plans* |
| In Progress | Step 2 | Gather information for designations |
| Step 3 | Designate waterbodies or parts of a waterbody with Tribal Beneficial Use(s)* | |
| Step 4 | Amend or establish water quality objectives and implementation programs | |
| Step 5 | Follow the implementation program |
*Steps 1 and 3 can be done at the same time
Upcoming Events Related to Tribal Beneficial Uses
None scheduled
How to Get Involved
Submit letters to request Tribal Beneficial Use designations
Tribal Coordinator
Danny McClure
Daniel.McClure@waterboards.ca.gov
(530) 542-5443
Resources
Visit the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board website.
[Imperial, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego counties]
TBU Progress Updates
| Status | Step | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Ongoing | Ongoing Step | Engage with California Tribes and the public |
| Completed | Ongoing Step | Prioritize Tribal Beneficial Uses in triennial reviews |
| In Progress | Step 1 | Add Tribal Beneficial Use definitions to basin plans* |
| Step 2 | Gather information for designations | |
| Step 3 | Designate waterbodies or parts of a waterbody with Tribal Beneficial Use(s)* | |
| Step 4 | Amend or establish water quality objectives and implementation programs | |
| Step 5 | Follow the implementation program |
*Steps 1 and 3 can be done at the same time
Upcoming Events Related to Tribal Beneficial Uses
2022: begin outreach for a Basin Plan Amendment to adopt Tribal Beneficial Uses definitions
How to Get Involved
Submit support letter to adopt Tribal Beneficial Uses definitions
Tribal Coordinator
Maria Davydova-Flores
Maria.Davydova-Flores@waterboards.ca.gov
(760) 776-8947
Resources
Visit the Colorado River Basin Regional Water Quality Control Board website.
[Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino counties]
TBU Progress Updates
| Status | Step | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Ongoing | Ongoing Step | Engage with California Tribes and the public |
| Ongoing | Ongoing Step | Prioritize Tribal Beneficial Uses in triennial reviews |
| In Progress | Step 1 | Add Tribal Beneficial Use definitions to basin plans* |
| Step 2 | Gather information for designations | |
| Step 3 | Designate waterbodies or parts of a waterbody with Tribal Beneficial Use(s)* | |
| Step 4 | Amend or establish water quality objectives and implementation programs | |
| Step 5 | Follow the implementation program |
*Steps 1 and 3 can be done at the same time
Upcoming Events Related to Tribal Beneficial Uses
2023 TBD: Triennial Review Start
How to Get Involved
Submit support letter to adopt Tribal Beneficial Uses definitions
Tribal Coordinator
Claudia Tenorio
Claudia.Tenorio@waterboards.ca.gov
(951) 782-4963
Resources
- Basin Plan
- Waterbodies in the Region
- Designated Uses
Visit the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board website.
[Imperial, Riverside, San Diego counties]
TBU Progress Updates
| Status | Step | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Ongoing | Ongoing Step | Engage with California Tribes and the public |
| Completed | Ongoing Step | Prioritize Tribal Beneficial Uses in triennial reviews |
| Completed | Step 1 | Add Tribal Beneficial Use definitions to basin plans* |
| In Progress | Step 2 | Gather information for designations |
| Step 3 | Designate waterbodies or parts of a waterbody with Tribal Beneficial Use(s)* | |
| Step 4 | Amend or establish water quality objectives and implementation programs | |
| Step 5 | Follow the implementation program |
*Steps 1 and 3 can be done at the same time
Upcoming Events Related to Tribal Beneficial Uses
None at this time
How to Get Involved
Submit support letter to designate waterbodies with Tribal Beneficial Uses
Tribal Coordinator
Melissa Corona
Melissa.Corona@waterboards.ca.gov
(619) 521-8039
Resources
Visit the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board website.
Regional Water Boards Map
State Water Board Division's Quarterly Updates
Upcoming Events Related to Tribal Beneficial Uses
The SWAMP Bioaccumulation Monitoring Program (Program) works with its many partners to answer the question: Is it safe to eat fish and shellfish in California waters that the public and tribes use for consumption, subsistence, and/or cultural purposes? The Program is undergoing a long-term (10+ year) Realignment effort to focus on incorporating Tribal perspectives and needs into its monitoring efforts and ensuring those data and information are useful and used by tribes who rely on waterbodies for traditional, cultural, and subsistence uses. The Program has also begun implementing their statewide Tribal Engagement Plan to initiate introductions between Realignment staff and tribes, explain the Program and Realignment process, and gauge Tribal interest and readiness to participate in future Realignment cycles.
How to Get Involved
To participate in the Tribal Engagement Process and schedule an introductory meeting with Program staff, please complete the Tribal Engagement Interest Form to indicate your interest in connecting with us, your availability to set up a meeting, who should be included in the meeting invitation, and their contact information. There is no deadline to complete the form.
Tribal Coordinator
Anna Holder
Anna.Holder@waterboards.ca.gov
(916) 341-5096
Resources
- SWAMP Bioaccumulation Monitoring Program Realignment web page
- Tribal Engagement Interest Form
- Tribal Engagement Plan
Visit the Office of Information Management and Analysis web page.
TBU Progress Updates
| Status | Step | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Ongoing | Ongoing Step | Engage with California Tribes and the public |
| Completed | Ongoing Step | Prioritize Tribal Beneficial Uses in triennial reviews |
| In Progress | Step 1 | Add Tribal Beneficial Use definitions to basin plans* |
| Step 2 | Gather information for designations | |
| Step 3 | Designate waterbodies or parts of a waterbody with Tribal Beneficial Use(s)* | |
| Step 4 | Amend or establish water quality objectives and implementation programs | |
| Step 5 | Follow the implementation program |
*Steps 1 and 3 can be done at the same time
Upcoming Events Related to Tribal Beneficial Uses
None Scheduled
How to Get Involved
Submit support letter to adopt Tribal Beneficial Uses definitions
Tribal Coordinator
Taran Sahota
Taranjot.Sahota@waterboards.ca.gov
(916) 327-8679
Resources
- Basin Plan
- Waterbodies in the Region
- Designated Uses
Visit the Division of Water Quality web page.
