Water Board Structure
State Water Resources Control Board Mission
To preserve, enhance, and restore the quality of California's water resources,
and ensure their proper allocation and efficient use for the benefit of present
and future generations.
What the State Water Resources Control Board Does
Created by the State Legislature in 1967, the five-member Board protects water quality by setting statewide policy, coordinating and supporting the Regional Water Board efforts, and reviewing petitions that contest Regional Board actions. The State Board is also solely responsible for allocating surface water rights.
Each of the five full-time salaried board members fills a different specialized position (representing the public, engineering expertise, water quality expertise and water supply). The members are appointed to four-year terms by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate.
What the Regional Water Quality Control Boards Do
There are nine regional water quality control boards statewide. The nine Regional Boards are semi-autonomous and are comprised of nine part-time Board members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. Regional boundaries are based on watersheds and water quality requirements are based on the unique differences in climate, topography, geology and hydrology for each watershed. Each Regional Board makes critical water quality decisions for its region, including setting standards, issuing waste discharge requirements, determining compliance with those requirements, and taking appropriate enforcement actions.
State Water Board Programs
The State Water Board has four major programs.
Click on each program to view more details.
Water Boards’ Strategic Goals
- Goal 1 - The Boards’ organizations are effective, innovative, and responsive.
- Goal 2 - Surface waters are safe for drinking, fishing, swimming, and support healthy ecosystems and other beneficial uses.
- Goal 3 - Groundwater is safe for drinking and other beneficial uses.
- Goal 4 - Water resources are fairly and equitably used and allocated consistent with public trust.
- Goal 5 - Individuals and other stakeholders support our efforts and understand their role in contributing to water quality.
- Goal 6 - Water quality is comprehensively measured to evaluate protection and restoration efforts.