ILRP Regulatory Information & Adopted WDRs
The Central Valley Water Board adopted waste discharge requirements (WDRs) for discharges from irrigated lands to protect both surface and groundwater. The ILRP regulates such discharges within the jurisdiction of the Central Valley Water Board, which extends from the Oregon border south to the northernmost tip of Los Angeles County.
Overview
Public Comment Requests
Stakeholders and other interested parties are invited to submit written comments on the documents listed below. Comments may be submitted to the staff member identified, by the deadline provided for each document. Please contact the identified staff member to request a copy of the document(s).
- Proposed revisions to the Waste Discharge Requirements General Order for Growers within the Sacramento River Watershed that are Members of the Third-Party Group (Order R5-2014-0030) would exempt agricultural operations located in the Pit River Subwatershed from Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program requirements. To request an electronic copy of the following documents pertaining to the proposed revisions, please contact Olivia Mathews at Olivia.Mathews@waterboards.ca.gov:
- Notice of Public Hearing
- Draft Recommendations
(this document explains the background and staff analysis of the project) - Draft Exemption Resolution
A public hearing concerning the proposed exemption resolution will be held on-line and in-person on 21/22 August 2025. Written comments are due no later than 5:00 p.m. on 27 June 2025 and may be submitted to Petra Lee via email at Petra.Lee@waterboards.ca.gov or in writing to the Central Valley Water Board (Attn: Petra Lee), 11020 Sun Center Drive, #200; Rancho Cordova, CA 95670.
Adopted WDRs
- WDRs for Growers in Coalition Groups:
- WDRs for Individual Growers
How to Apply for Regulatory Coverage Under the ILRP
All commercial irrigated lands, including nurseries, are required to obtain regulatory coverage. Coverage is not required if a property is not used for commercial purposes, is not irrigated (dryland farmed), or if commercial irrigated lands are covered under another program (i.e., Dairy, Poultry, or Bovine). If coverage is not required, an exemption claim, which will be verified by ILRP staff, should be submitted to the ILRP to prevent further action. Options for regulatory coverage include joining a Third-Party (coalition) group or obtaining Individual Regulatory Coverage. Joining a coalition group will likely be less expensive than enrolling under the Individual General WDRs. The annual fee for the Individual General WDRs is based on acreage as established in the applicable Fee Regulations (Will open CA State Water Board fees website)
Failure to obtain regulatory coverage may result in the Central Valley Water Board assessing an administrative civil liability (ACL) against you. ACLs can run as high as $1,000 per day for every day of violation. ILRP staff is available to assist you in obtaining the proper regulatory coverage.
- Coalition Groups - for growers obtaining coverage under the coalition group general WDRs.
Coalitions work with their members to assist in complying with requirements by conducting monitoring; and preparing and filing plans and reports to address water quality problems - Individual Regulatory Coverage – for growers NOT participating in a coalition group and obtaining coverage under the Individual General WDRs.
Growers take it upon themselves to conduct their own monitoring and reporting, and work directly with the Central Valley Water Board to address water quality problems.- Apply for Individual Coverage – annual cost breakdown examples are provided on the WDRs for Individual Growers webpage.
- Agricultural and Irrigated Lands Fees Schedule (Will open CA State Water Board fees website - scroll to section)
- Submit a Notice of Intent for Individual Dischargers (Not required if enrolling in a coalition group)
- Apply for Individual Coverage – annual cost breakdown examples are provided on the WDRs for Individual Growers webpage.
Other Regulatory Information
- Financial Assistance Information (Will open DFA website)
- Formal Enforcement Actions
Administrative Civil Liability Orders (ACLOs) and Cleanup & Abatement Orders (CAOs)
- Long-term Program Development
Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) - 2011 - Litigation and Petitions
- Ex Parte Notices for Irrigated Lands-related Communications
Interested persons who meet with board members must publicly disclose ex parte communication regarding General WDRs proceedings.
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Contact Us
Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program (ILRP)
- Sacramento Office
11020 Sun Center Drive, #200
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670-6114
(916) 464-4611
irrlands@waterboards.ca.gov - Fresno Office
1685 "E" Street
Fresno, CA 93706-2007
(559) 488-4396
ilrpinfo@waterboards.ca.gov - Program Contacts
