The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) approved increases to water rights and water quality fees during its September 18 board meeting, which will raise fees and directly affect the costs associated with groundwater recharge projects and wastewater management.
The SWRCB initially proposed a substantial fee increase of about 1,500 percent. However, Chair Joaquin Esquivel and Vice Chair DeeDee D’Adamo supported a phased-in alternative approach to avoid discouraging groundwater recharge projects. Chair Esquivel proposed a 50 percent reduction in the fee increase, which was adopted by the board. Additionally, the board allowed water rights holders the option to apply for five-year water diversion permits at the same cost as 180-day permits, aiming to reduce staff labor and promote long-term groundwater management.
Water quality fees, including those for wastewater discharge and irrigated lands, were approved without changes, with increases ranging from 5.3 to 5.5 percent. Confined animal facility fees will also rise by 5.4 percent, except for facilities with fewer than 50 head, which will continue to pay no fees.
The SWRCB’s Division of Water Quality is planning a fall stakeholder meeting to discuss the fee increases and budgetary concerns with farmers and producers. The Ag Council, understanding the financial strain these rising fees place on its members, will continue to engage in discussions and keep members informed. Despite previous efforts to mitigate the fees through the state budget, the current deficit makes offsets unlikely.
To read more about the water rights fee increases adopted by the SWRCB, click here.
To read more about the water quality fee increases adopted by the board, click here.
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