Annual Water Diversion and Use Reporting Help – Guidelines and Help

If you misplaced or did not receive a reporting reminder notice from the Division of Water Rights containing your login information, please contact our office. We can provide login information to you once we verify your information. If you previously set up an RMS account with your email address, you can reset your password by using the “forgot password” link on the RMS login page.

If you miss the reporting deadline, your report will be considered late. Although late fees do not apply if your report is submitted within 30 days of the deadline, you still may be subject to fines of up to $500 per day for late reports. To minimize the risk of penalties, it’s crucial to submit your report as soon as possible.

Yes, you can amend your report in RMS after submitting it. To amend your report, log into RMS, navigate to the report you want to edit, and select “Amend Report”. If you encounter any problems, contact our office for assistance.

You are required to notify the State Water Board within 30 days of any changes to ownership, contact information, or diverter information. Failure to do so may result in fines. You can update this information by submitting the appropriate change request form, which can be found at https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/changerequest/.

Yes, all water right holders are required to submit a report even if no water was diverted. If you will no longer be diverting water, you may submit a revocation request, or if you have a statement, you can request to inactivate your record by emailing DWR-Statements@waterboards.ca.gov.

When you are logged in to RMS, there is a column titled “Action” on the home RMS page. If your report has been submitted, you will see a link that says “View” and this will take you to your submitted report.

Most reports require the following:

• Use of water Information
  • Types of beneficial uses
  • Crop information for irrigation use, including area irrigated
• Monthly water diversion amounts for the following:
  • Amount directly diverted
  • Amount diverted to storage
  • Amount used

Information Required for Advanced Reporting and Larger Diversions:

• Monthly Maximum Rate of Diversion (if available)
• Water Transfer Information
• Water Supply Contract Information
• Measurement Device Information (for diversions > 10 acre-feet annually)
  • View the measurement page for more details
• Reservoir Information (if your water right includes storage)
  • Name of reservoir
  • Spillway Information
  • Water Levels
• Water Conservation Information
• Water Quality and Wastewater Reclamation
• Conjunctive Use of Groundwater and Surface Water

When you submit your report, you certify under penalty of perjury that the information contained in your report is true and correct. If you discover an error, promptly log in to RMS and amend your report.

All water use reports must be submitted electronically; paper reports are not accepted. If you're having trouble filing your report, our staff is here to help. We can provide guidance and resources to assist you in completing the process successfully. Please reach out to us before January 2025 so that you have time to obtain assistance and file your report before the deadline.

Late fees are calculated as a percentage of your annual water right fee, and the amount increases depending on how late your report is filed. The structure is as follows:

• 31-60 days late: 25% to 60% of the annual water right fee
• 61-90 days late: 40% to 75% of the annual water right fee
• More than 90 days late: 50% to 85% of the annual water right fee

Larger water rights incur higher late fees, and the fee increases the later your report is submitted. For details about the annual water rights fee schedule, visit https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/resources/fees/water_rights/

The late reporting fee will be added to the amount regularly assessed in your annual water right fee invoice. The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration issues the fee invoices in November each year. The notice will provide details on the fee amount and payment instructions.