NPDES Electronic Bypass Reporting
In accordance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Electronic Reporting Rule, the State Water Resources Control Board and the Regional Water Quality Control Boards (collectively the Water Boards) will be implementing electronic reporting for anticipated and unanticipated bypass reporting required by your facility’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit per 40 CFR 122.41(m)(3(i) and 40 CFR 122.41(m)(3(ii).
Starting December 1, 2025, bypass events shall be reported through the electronic Self-Monitoring Reports (eSMR) module of CIWQS using the “on-demand” reporting feature. There are no date-specific due dates associated with these reports. There are event-based due dates as follows:
- Anticipated bypass shall be reported at least 10 days prior to the date of the bypass.
- Unanticipated bypass shall be reported within 5 days of the bypass.
These reports do not supersede the 24-hour reporting obligations as specified in your permit’s Standard Provisions.
Bypass data reported through CIWQS will be electronically transmitted to U.S. EPA as required by the Electronic Reporting Rule.
Use this Help Guide to assist in completing the reports.
Questions regarding using CIWQS can be directed to the CIWQS Help Center at ciwqs@waterboards.ca.gov. Questions regarding the requirements of your permit can be directed to your case manager.
