By: @Ophelia Szigeti
On March 5, the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) addressed a number of topics, including the status of hydrologic conditions and updates on water contaminants such as hexavalent chromium. Among the actions taken, the board scheduled adoption of proposed regulations for the contaminant on April 16 and 17, encompassing maximum containment levels and a two-tier notification system for exceedance.
Additionally, discussion on rulemaking for perfluoro-octanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluoro-octane sulfonic acid (PFOS) took place, with ongoing development of analytical methodologies for comprehensive PFAS chemical testing.
Anticipated EPA regulations on maximum containment levels for PFOS and PFOA are imminent, prompting the SWRCB to work on its own rulemaking efforts. Funded by recent budget allocations, monitoring orders will focus on well examinations in disadvantaged communities starting this April and continuing in the coming months. Customers of water systems will receive test results and explanations from SWRCB once the results are returned from the contracted laboratories.
Funds from the same allocation are also earmarked for the development of broad testing methods for PFOS and validation of Trifluoroacetic acid methods. This data will inform public exposure assessments, identify treatment needs, justify requests for additional public health goals, and regulatory decisions.
Updates on current hydrologic conditions were provided, noting that recent storms significantly bolstered the state’s water supply, with California tracking average precipitation levels. Although precipitation in the San Joaquin and Sierra Nevada regions are at 85 percent, snowpack levels for the state are slightly above average. Reservoir levels are currently above average, with some areas conducting flood-releases. Emergency regulations are in place for Scott and Shasta Rivers, with livestock prohibitions in effect through March. Improvements are observed in Dwinnell Reservoir while ten temporary permit applications for groundwater recharge have been received this year, with eight granted this water year and two from the previous water year. No flood recharge diversions have been reported.
Despite progress, thirty-seven percent of water right reports remain outstanding, prompting consideration for enforcement actions particularly among higher water usage entities that utilize more than 100 thousand acre-feet of water annually.
#AdvocacyNews
#FeatureNews#Water