Scott River and Shasta River Watersheds Emergency Regulation
Curtailment Status:
Scott and Shasta Watersheds- Opportunity to divert for Inefficient Livestock Watering Effective November 22, 2024, prohibition on inefficient livestock watering may be suspended under the conditions outlined in the Regulation section 875.7. Parties that want to divert for livestock need to confirm all the criteria outlined in the Emergency Regulation is met before diverting surface water for livestock.
Scott River Watershed: Effective November 13, 2024, as ordered in Addendum 6 to Order WR 2024-0024-DWR and Order WR 2024-0025- DWR, all curtailments are suspended in the Scott River watershed, unless and until the Orders are further updated. If you plan to divert surface water for inefficient livestock irrigation, it is required that the necessary criteria be met as outlined in the Addendum and Emergency Regulation section 875.7. (b).
Effective July 25, 2024, the Division of Water Rights issued two Orders curtailing surface water and groundwater diversions in the Scott River Watershed:
- Order WR 2024-0024-DWR: Curtails surface water diversions in the Scott River watershed.
- Order WR 2024-0025- DWR: Curtails adjudicated groundwater rights and groundwater diversions associated with parcels listed in Attachment A of the Order, for the Scott River watershed.
Visit the Curtailment Webpage for more information.
Shasta River Watershed: Effective October 31, 2024, as ordered in Addendum 3 to Order WR 2024-006-DWR, all curtailments are suspended in the Shasta River watershed, unless and until the Order is further updated. If you plan to divert surface water for inefficient livestock irrigation, it is required that the necessary criteria be met as outlined in the Addendum and Emergency Regulation section 875.7. (b).
Visit the Curtailment webpage for more information.
On May 10, 2021, Governor Newsom declared a drought emergency for 41 counties, including Siskiyou County, where accelerated action is needed to protect public health, safety, as well as the environment. During winter 2023, California received above-average precipitation across many parts of the state. On March 24, 2023, Governor Newsom signed an executive order removing emergency drought provisions in select watersheds. In the winter of 2022 and 2023, the Scott River (Scott) and Shasta River (Shasta) watersheds did not receive the same degree of precipitation as other parts of the state. The Klamath River watershed was not included in this order and is still subject to the 2021 drought proclamation and emergency provisions.
On May 23, 2023, the Karuk Tribe of California, Environmental Law Foundation, Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations, and Institute for Fisheries Resources submitted a petition for rulemaking to the State Water Board requesting a permanent regulation establishing minimum flows in the Scott. After an August 15, 2023 hearing on the petition, the State Water Board directed Division of Water Rights staff to
- Move forward with an emergency regulation.
- Identify the scientific work needed to pursue long-term flows in the Scott River and Shasta River watersheds, and update the Board on that work.
On December 19, 2023, the State Water Board adopted a new emergency regulation for the Scott and Shasta River Watersheds. The Office of Administrative Law approved the emergency regulation on February 1, 2024 and is in effect for one year, unless re-adopted or rescinded.
The Scott and Shasta are important tributaries to the Klamath River, the second largest river in California. These rivers are crucial sources of water for Siskiyou County and have immense economic, ecological, and cultural importance. Siskiyou County is home to 43,500 people. The Scott and Shasta watersheds provide water for agriculture, domestic users, the environment, fire protection, municipalities, Tribal Nations, and recreation.
Local and state governments and community members are collaborating to address water shortages. Below are links to information regarding activities in the Scott and Shasta watersheds related to emergency regulation and flow efforts. This website will be updated with applicable information regarding water conditions, public meetings, and actions. Please check back frequently as the effort is rapidly developing.
Scott River Canyon
Announcements
- November 12, 2024 - Notice of Virtual Meeting and Public Comment on Potential Emergency Regulation for the Scott River and Shasta River Watersheds and Local Alternatives to an Emergency Regulation
- 2024 Scott Shasta Curtailment Certification Form Tutorial
- June 17, 2024 - Guidance for Coordinating Entity Compliance Inspections for the 2024 Groundwater Local Cooperative Solutions for the Scott River and Shasta River Watersheds
- Guidance on 2024 Overlying and Adjudicated Groundwater Local Cooperative Solutions for the Scott River and Shasta River Watersheds
- Request for Financial Assistance for Groundwater Metering Equipment in the Scott River and Shasta River Watersheds
- 2024 Local Cooperative Solution Information
- March 12, 2024 - In-Person Presentation on 2024 Groundwater Local Cooperative Solutions
- February 15th, 2024 - SVIHM 101 Webinar
- February 1st, 2024 - Emergency Regulation as Approved by Office of Administrative Law [ searchable version]
- January 12, 2024 – Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for Minimum Flows in Scott River and Shasta River watersheds
- December 19th Board Meeting – Proposed Emergency Regulation and Opportunity to Comment
- Agenda ( Agenda en Espanol | Txheej Txheem Rooj Sib Tham)
- Agenda Item
- Resolution ( Draft | Adopted)
- Proposed Emergency Regulation
- PowerPoint Presentation
- Board Meeting Recording (YouTube)
New Emergency Regulation Topics (2025 Effort)
- December 20, 2024 - Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for Minimum Flows in Scott River and Shasta River watersheds
- Draft Emergency Regulation
- Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Finding of Emergency and Informative Digest (Coming Soon)
- October 16, 2024 - Board Meeting on Flow Efforts in the Scott River and Shasta River
New Emergency Regulation Topics (2024 Effort)
- February 1, 2024 - Emergency Regulation as Approved by Office of Administrative Law [ searchable version]
- January 12, 2024 – Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for Minimum Flows in Scott River and Shasta River watersheds
- December 19, 2023 - Board Meeting to Consider Adoption of Proposed Emergency Regulation
- Agenda ( Agenda en Espanol | Txheej Txheem Rooj Sib Tham)
- Agenda Item
- Resolution ( Draft | Adopted)
- Proposed Emergency Regulation
- PowerPoint Presentation
- Board Meeting Recording (YouTube)
- November 7, 2023 – Preliminary Draft Proposed Emergency Regulation for Scott River and Shasta River watersheds and November 14, 2023 Virtual Meeting
- Preliminary Draft Proposed Emergency Regulation for Scott River and Shasta River watersheds
- UC Merced (2021) Siskiyou County: Agricultural Economic Analysis Considering Groundwater Regulation
- November 14th Virtual Meeting Recording (YouTube)
- November 14th Virtual Meeting Presentations
- Notice of Comment Solicitation for Preliminary Draft Emergency Regulation and November 14th Virtual Meeting | ( Hmong Translation)
- October 30, 2023 - Listening Sessions: Regulation of Flows in Scott River and Shasta River Watersheds and Overviews of Funding Opportunities
- October 30th Listening Session Notice
- October 30th Listening Session Transcript: Session 1 | Session 2
- October 6, 2023 - Staff Workshop Regarding Emergency Regulation Efforts in the Scott River and Shasta River Watersheds
2024 Scott Shasta Curtailment Certification Form Tutorial
Curtailment Orders, Addendums, and Reminders
- Coming soon: Simplified Guidance Document for Human Health and Safety (Hmong Translation)
- Coming soon: Guidance document for Human Health and Safety
- Coming soon: Guidance Document for Livestock Watering
- November 12, 2024 - Virtual Meeting and Public Comment on Potential Emergency Regulation for the Scott River and Shasta River Watersheds and Local Alternatives to an Emergency Regulation
- March 12, 2024 - In-Person Presentation on 2024 Groundwater Local Cooperative Solutions
- February 15, 2024 – 'Scott Valley Integrated Hydrologic Model 101 Webinar'
- September 14, 2023 – 'Fisheries 101 Webinar'
- August 3, 2023 – 'Water Rights 101 Webinar'
- Disclaimer: The information below are studies that have been submitted for consideration regarding the flow regulation on the Scott and Shasta Rivers and are posted for informational purposes only. The State Water Board is not endorsing this information by providing it on its website.
- Scott River Watershed
- Foglia et al. (2013) Scott Valley Integrated Hydrologic Model Final Report
- Aylward et al. (2016) Measuring Cost-Effectiveness of Environmental Water Transactions
- Morrisett et al. (2023) The irrigation efficiency trap: rational farm-scale decisions can lead to poor hydrologic outcomes at the basin scale
- Riverbend Sciences (2023) Evaluating the hydrologic effects of the 2021-2022 Scott and Shasta irrigation curtailments using remote sensing and streamflow gages
- Podlech (2022) Memorandum, August 31, 2022, Review of CDFW Recommendations for the 2022 Readoption of Drought Emergency Regulations on the Scott River and Recommendations for Future Management During Extreme Drought Conditions
- Scott River Water Trust (website) Monitoring and Studies
- Shasta River Watershed
- Montague Water Conservation District (2021) Water Operation Plan
- North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board (2023) Analysis of Mike Podlech’s Memo, dated June 13, 2022, Regarding CDFW Instream Flow Recommendations for the 2022 Readoption of Drought Emergency Recommendations
- Podlech (2021) Memorandum, November 11, 2021, Review of Best Available Information Regarding Shasta River Salmonid Instream Flow Needs During Extreme Drought
- Podlech (2022) Memorandum, June 13, 2023, Review of CDFW Recommendations for the 2022 Readoption of Drought Emergency Regulations on the Shasta River and Recommendations for Alternative Instream Flow Management During Extreme Drought Conditions
- Both Watersheds
- Orloff et al. Understanding Irrigation Practices and Crop Water Use in Scott and Shasta Valleys
- UC Merced (2021) Siskiyou County: Agricultural Economic Analysis Considering Groundwater Regulation
The following funding opportunities provide funding for habitat restoration, water efficiency, instream flow dedications, fish passage, and other project types.
-
Funding Presentations for Farmers and Ranchers in Scott and Shasta River Watersheds
- December 8, 2022 – In-Person Presentation
- November 15, 2022 – Webinar
- Notice of November 15th Webinar | Webinar Recording (YouTube)
- USDA Program Handouts | WCB Program Handout
- March 18, 2022 - 2022 Drought Funding Presentation by California Department of Fish and Wildlife
-
ELAP – Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program
- Example Project Types:
- Costs of transporting water to livestock due to drought
- Honeybee feed and hive losses
- Can cover eligible costs associated with wildfire and other weather events
- Visit: fsa.usda.gov/ELAP
- Example Project Types:
-
CDFW Proposition 68 Grant Program
- Example Project Types:
- Habitat enhancement or restoration
- Water conservation, temporary water transfers, water acquisition
- Rotational fallowing, ditch lining, etc.
- Contact: CDFW Watershed Restoration Grants Branch via email at: WatershedGrants@wildlife.ca.gov
- Example Project Types:
-
CDFW Fisheries Restoration Grant Program (FRGP)
- Example Project Types: fish passage, instream habitat or upslope watershed restoration, bank stabilization, fish screens for diversions, water conservation measures, flow monitoring, water diversion measuring devices, project design, etc.
- Contact: Trevor Tollefson by email at: Trevor.Tollefson@wildlife.ca.gov or by phone at: (707) 834-0626
-
Wildlife Conservation Board Proposition 1 Funding
- Example Project Types:
- Water Transactions: instream flow dedications, forbearance agreements, conservation easements, purchase or long-term transfer of water
- Water Conservation Projects: off-channel water storage, changes in timing or rate of diversion, stock-water systems, agricultural tailwater management systems
- Other Project Types: changing points of diversion, groundwater storage and conjunctive use, habitat restoration to enhance stream flow, streamflow gaging, scientific studies, etc.
- Contacts:
- Adam Ballard via email at: wcbstreamflow@wildlife.ca.gov or by phone at: (916) 247-8557
- If there is a water right component to the proposal, please consult with Rae Vander Werf via email at: Rae.VanderWerf@waterboards.ca.gov
- Example Project Types:
-
CDFW Proposition 1 Restoration Grant Program
- Example Project Types:
- Modernizing stream crossings, culverts, and bridges
- Installing or improving fish screens
- Fish passage improvement
- Acquisitions from willing sellers
- Contact: Philip Cramer via email at: Philip.Cramer@Wildlife.ca.gov
- Example Project Types:
- If you have questions related to the Scott and Shasta River Drought Response, you can reach State Water Resource Control Board staff by:
- Email: ScottShastaDrought@waterboards.ca.gov
- Leave a phone message at: (916) 327-3113
Petitions for Rulemaking (2021, 2023, & 2024)
- April 15, 2024 - California Coastkeeper Alliance, Friends of the Shasta River, Mount Shasta Bioregional Ecology Center, Water Climate Trust, Shasta Waterkeeper, Save California Salmon, and Environmental Protection Information Center submitted a petition to reconsider denial of a petition to set minimum flows on the Shasta River.
- January 17, 2024 - California Coastkeeper Alliance, Friends of the Shasta River, Mt. Shasta Bioregional Ecology Center, Water Climate Trust, Shasta Waterkeeper, Save California Salmon, and Environmental Protection Information Center submitted a petition for rulemaking to the State Water Resources Control Board seeking a permanent regulation establishing minimum flows in the Shasta River.
- May 23, 2023 – The Karuk Tribe of California, Environmental Law Foundation, Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations, and Institute for Fisheries Resources submitted a petition for rulemaking to the State Water Resources Control Board seeking a permanent regulation establishing minimum flows in the Scott River.
- July 1, 2021 – The Karuk Tribe of California and Environmental Law Foundation submitted a petition for emergency rulemaking to the State Water Resources Control Board seeking minimum flows in the Scott River.
Expired Drought Emergency Regulation Topics (2021-2023)
- August 30, 2021 – Emergency Regulation as Approved by Office of Administrative Law [ searchable version]
- August 17, 2021 - State Water Resources August 17 Meeting Agenda
- August 17, 2021 - Proposed Emergency Regulation for Drought Minimum Flows in Scott and Shasta Watersheds
- August 17, 2021 - Media Release: State Water Board approves emergency curtailment regulation for Scott and Shasta Rivers
- August 12, 2021 - Proposed Emergency Regulation, Finding of Emergency, and Informative Digest – Scott and Shasta River Watersheds
- July 16, 2021 - Draft Drought Emergency Regulation for Scott River and Shasta River Watersheds
- June 15, 2021 - CDFW letter to the State Water Resources Control Board
- June 1, 2021 - 2021 Scott River Notices of Water Unavailability
- July 29, 2022 – Emergency Regulation as Approved by Office of Administrative Law [ searchable version]
- June 21, 2022 - Board Meeting to Consider Readoption of Drought Emergency Regulation
- Agenda
- Agenda Item
- Resolution ( Draft | Adopted)
- Proposed Regulation
- Change Sheet #1
- PowerPoint Presentation slides | notes
- June 20, 2022 – Rulemaking Package Released
- June 10, 2022 – Proposed Drought Emergency Regulation for June 21st Board Meeting
- May 26, 2022 – Comment Period Extension for Preliminary Changes to Drought Emergency Regulation
- May 18, 2022 – Notice of Public Meeting and Comment Period Regarding Draft Changes to the Emergency Regulation
- May 17, 2022 - Draft Changes to Drought Emergency Regulation for Scott and Shasta River Watersheds
- May 4, 2022 - Public Meeting to Inform Re-Adoption of Drought Emergency Regulations for Scott River and Shasta River Watersheds
- April 20, 2022 - CDFW letter to the State Water Resources Control Board
Curtailment Orders, Addendums, and Reminders
- Information Order for Scott River Watershed (Order WR 2022-0163 DWR)
- Information Order for Livestock Diversions in the Scott and Shasta River Watersheds (Order WR 2022-0052-DWR)
-
Information Order and Reporting Requirements On Willow, Julian, And Yreka Creeks, Tributaries In The Shasta River Watershed (Order WR 2021-0091-DWR)
- List of Adjudicated Water Rights in Willow, Julian, and Yreka Creeks (Sorted by Priority Date)
- List of Parties Associated with Information Order and Reporting Requirements on Willow, Julian, and Yreka Creeks, Tributaries in the Shasta River Watershed (Order WR 2021-0091-DWR) issued on October 15, 2021
- January 12, 2023 – Order Temporarily Suspending Prohibition on Inefficient Livestock Watering in Shasta River watershed ( Order WR 2023-0005-DWR)
- January 9, 2023 – Order Temporarily Suspending Prohibition on Inefficient Livestock Watering in Scott River watershed ( Order WR 2023-0003-DWR)
- September 1, 2022 – Information Regarding Drought Regulation for Livestock Diversions in Scott River and Shasta River Watersheds
- January 21, 2022 - Order Temporarily Suspending Prohibition on Inefficient Livestock Watering in Shasta River watershed ( Order WR 2022-0088-DWR)
- January 20, 2022 - CDFW memorandum to the State Water Resources Control Board
- January 7, 2022 - Information Order for Livestock Diversions in the Scott and Shasta River Watersheds ( Order WR 2022-0052-DWR)
- October 21, 2021 - Information Regarding Drought Regulation for Stockwater Diversions in Scott River and Shasta River Watersheds
- September 1, 2021 - Notice of Limitations on Surface Water Diversion for Livestock Watering
2023 Outreach
- April 26, 2023 - In-Person Technical Assistance Meetings and Presentations for 2023 LCSs
- Rescheduled - March 30, 2023 – In-Person Technical Assistance Meetings and Presentations for 2023 LCSs
2022 Outreach
- Funding Opportunities for Farmers and Ranchers in Scott and Shasta River Watersheds
- December 8, 2022 - Notice of December 8th Presentation
- November 15, 2022 - Notice of November 15th Webinar
- May 25, 2022 - Public Meeting on Preliminary Draft Updated Drought Emergency Regulation for Scott and Shasta River Watersheds
- Revised Notice of May 25 Public Meeting and Extended Comment Period
- May 25th Public Meeting Recording (YouTube) | Public Meeting Slides
- May 4, 2022 - Public Meeting to Inform Re-Adoption of Drought Emergency Regulations for Scott River and Shasta River Watersheds
2021 Outreach
- December 10, 2021 - In Person Compliance Assistance Day in Yreka 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- October 21, 2021 - Information Regarding Drought Regulation for Stockwater Diversions in Scott River and Shasta River Watersheds
- July 20, 2021 - Public Meeting: Draft Drought Emergency Regulations for Scott River and Shasta River Watersheds
- July 1, 2021 - Public Meeting: Potential for Drought Actions for Scott River and Shasta River Watersheds
- June 1, 2021 - Press Release: Drought prompts restrictions for water right holders on the Scott River
- November 24, 2021 – Order Dismissing Montague Water Conservation District Petition for Reconsideration (Order WR 2021-0098-EXEC)
- April 8, 2022 – Order Denying Stephen D. Griset; George S. Griset; George S. Griset Revocable Trust; and Griset Farms Inc. Petition for Reconsideration
- March 16, 2023 – Order Denying Big Springs Irrigation District Petition for Reconsideration (Order WR 2023-0012-EXEC)
Video Tutorials
These video tutorials and resources were created specifically for the 2021-2023 Emergency Regulation.
- Scott Parcel Curtailment Certification and Diversion Information Form
- Scott Shasta Curtailment Certification Form
- Scott Shasta Health and Safety Needs Certification Form
- Scott Shasta Minimum Livestock Diversion Certification Form
- Scott Shasta Non Consumptive Use Certification Form
Resources
- August 18, 2021 - FAQs on the Scott and Shasta Rivers
How to Conserve
Klamath River watershed residents can help! Surface and groundwater users can help lessen drought impacts, and even small efforts can result in huge benefits for flows and fish.
Here are just a few ways to help:
- Reduce diversions from surface and groundwater sources
- Conserve water, limit non-food irrigation, and reuse graywater (i.e., water from sinks, showers, baths, washing machines, or dishwashers)
- Coordinate diversion timing with neighbors to reduce cumulative effects
- Prepare for ongoing drought by exploring water storage options (e.g., rain collection, roofwater harvesting, or tank storage)
Here are some additional water-saving tips.
How to Report an Unauthorized Diversion or Water Waste
Visit the CalEPA Complaint System to report unauthorized diversions, such as violations of water right permits or diversions impacting fisheries.
Visit savewater.ca.gov to report water waste, such as leaks and overwatering, to your local water agency.
Regional Resources
Stay informed
Email Subscription Topic
Subscribe to the Scott Shasta Drought email topic to receive notifications and the latest updates.
Contact Us
- Phone: 916-327-3113
- Email: ScottShastaDrought@waterboards.ca.gov
