Groundwater Recharge Preparing for a Wet Winter WebBanner

  1. Home
  2. Water Rights
  3. Water Issues
  4. Programs
  5. Applications
  6. Groundwater Recharge
  7. Preparing for a Wet Winter

Preparing for a Wet Winter

With California's unique climate, our rivers and streams rarely have average flow due to unpredictable yearly swings between drought and wet conditions. Climate change is increasing how often and how intensely we see extreme weather, including winter storms with heavy rain or snow. As of mid-2026, developing El Niño conditions in the equatorial Pacific are raising the chances of a wetter-than-normal winter in California. When the next wet winter arrives, you can be ready to divert excess surface water before it floods land or flows out to sea.

2 Ways to Quickly Divert Water

The State Water Board's Division of Water Rights Permitting Program offers two ways to quickly divert surface water for groundwater recharge that you may want to learn about: temporary permits for recharge and flood diversions for recharge.

Temporary Permits for
Groundwater Recharge No Permit Required
Flood Recharge Diversions
(Water Code § 1242.1)

How can I prepare for a wet winter?

Wet winters can create valuable opportunities for recharge that might not occur in typical years. To act quickly when conditions are right, prospective diverters should:

  1. Learn the requirements for temporary permits and/or flood recharge diversion.
  2. Consult with the Permitting Program before the rainy season starts.
  3. Review your project elements and prepare an application early if one is required.
  4. Confirm that all essential project components – such as conveyance infrastructure – are ready and available before the diversion season begins.

Recent Actions and Events

Executive Order N-14-26

Executive Order N-14-26 suspends need for a local plan of flood control or consideration of flood risk in a general plan as a prerequisite for diversion of flood flows. This suspension only applies to eligible local or regional agencies per Water Code section 1242.1(a)(1).

Preparing for a Wet Winter Public Workshops

Division of Water Rights hosted two virtual public workshops on October 19 & 26, 2026, to share information and answer questions about temporary water-right permits for groundwater recharge and the rules regarding flood recharge diversions.

Megaphone

Outreach and Technical Guidance Documents

Outreach Materials

Flood Diversions for Recharge

Groundwater Recharge Permitting

  • Flyer: Coming soon!

Technical Guidance Documents

1. What factors should I consider when choosing between a 180-day temporary permit and a 5-year temporary permit?

The State Water Board generally encourages applicants to apply for a 5-year temporary permit because it provides a longer window for potential diversions and is offered at a discounted fee. However, applicants need to complete CEQA before submitting a 5-year permit application, and processing times may be slightly longer. If you are deciding which option best fits your project, please visit the State Water Board’s Temporary Permits webpage to see a comparison.

2. What are the typical processing times for 180-day temporary permits and 5-year temporary permits?

Processing times for 180-day temporary permits are typically 3-4 months, while recent 5-year temporary permits issued pursuant to the executive order suspending CEQA have taken approximately 4-5 months.

3. How do I engage California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) on my temporary permit application?

Early engagement with CDFW is a key factor in application success, and pre-filing consultation is required before submitting an application for a 5-year temporary permit. To identify the CDFW water rights coordinator for your area, refer to the CDFW Water Rights contact map. For more information, visit CDFW's Water Rights webpage and CDFW’s Water Rights Factsheet.

4. Can I change my existing permit, license, or pending application to include underground storage?

You may request to change your existing permit, license, or pending application to include diversions to underground storage through the State Water Boards change petition process. However, changes cannot expand the scope of the permit, license or pending application. This means you cannot increase the diversion rate or quantity, change the source of surface water, or extend the season of diversion. For more information, visit the State Water Board’s Water Rights Petitions Program webpage.

5. Where can I track current Delta conditions so I can stay updated with diversion opportunities?

Many permits in the Delta Watershed include diversion limitations based on Delta conditions, and flood diversions under Water Code section 1242.1 are only allowed when specific criteria are met. Permittees and other parties can track daily Delta conditions to prepare for potential diversion opportunities. Visit the Department of Water Resources' Daily Delta Operations Summary to view current conditions and refer to the State Water Board’s Water Code 1242.1 Technical Guidance for more information on flood diversions for groundwater recharge.

6. Who do I reach out to if I need technical assistance determining my flood diversion trigger to be able to divert under Water Code section 1242.1?

Contact the Department of Water Resources’ Flood Diversion and Recharge Enhancement team at recharge@water.ca.gov. To learn about tools and resources available, check out the Department of Water Resources Floodwaters for Recharge: Tools & Resources webinar.

7. Are there any fees associated with flood diversions under Water Code section 12421.1?

No. Unlike traditional water right permits, fees for flood diversions that meet the requirements of Water Code section 1242.1 are not assessed.

8. Can I pursue both the flood diversion pathway under Water Code section 1242.1 and a permitted recharge pathway like a 180-day or 5-year temporary permit at the same time?

Yes. A combined approach may allow for flood diversions under Water Code section 1242.1 while processing an application for a temporary permit. Diversions under each pathway must independently comply with statutory provisions and reporting requirements associated with that pathway.

9. Where can I view additional FAQs?

Visit the State Water Board’s Groundwater Recharge Frequently Asked Questions webpage.

Quick Links

  Contact Us

If you have any questions, please email dwr-applications@waterboards.ca.gov for questions related to groundwater recharge permitting or FloodDiversion@waterboards.ca.gov for questions related to Water Code § 1242.1 (flood recharge diversions).