San Diego Region - Who We Are and What Do We Do?

The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) and the nine Regional Water Quality Control Boards (RWQCBs) are State regulatory boards within the California Environmental Protection Agency.

The SWRCB allocates rights to the use of surface water and, with the RWQCBs, protects surface, ground, and coastal waters throughout the state.

The RWQCBs issue permits which govern and restrict the amount of pollutants that can be discharged into the ground or a water body.

An important feature in the issuance of a permit is public participation. Through this participation, all parties can be heard and their needs addressed by their RWQCB.

Actions, such as the adoption of a permit or inaction by an RWQCB can be appealed to the SWRCB. The SWRCB can uphold the action, reverse it, send the matter back with further instructions, or decide not to consider the appeal. Appeals must be made within 30 days of the RWQCB's action and they must be submitted in writing.