Fully Appropriated Stream Systems

Fully appropriated stream systems (FASS) are those where there is insufficient supply for new water right applications. The State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) maintains a list of fully appropriated stream systems, most recently updated when the State Water Board adoptedWater Right Order 98-08. Exhibit Aof Water Right Order 98-08 defines the critical reaches of each fully appropriated stream system listing, including the seasons in which water is unavailable for appropriation.

State Water Board staff has developed an interactive FASS GIS Web Map, which provides users with information on fully appropriated stream systems, including seasonal limitations, relevant court references, and Board decisions/orders. The interactive map can be accessed at the link below and includes an overview and quick reference guide. State and Federal Wild and Scenic Rivers are included as separate layers in the web map, as those systems also have limitations on new water right applications.

Announcements

This section contains links to important developments that impact FASS.  Please check back periodically for the latest information.

  • Webinar: Overview of Fully Appropriated Stream Systems GIS Web Map Tool

    When: December 19, 2019  Time: 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM

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Toll number: +1 (916) 562-0861, 733849969# (Dial-in Number)  

Please note the webinar is limited to 250 users; however, the webinar will be recorded and posted and a later time.  Please email Division of Water Right’s staff at FASS@waterboards.ca.gov with any questions about accessing the webinar.

FASS Background

Water Code sections 1205 through 1207 establish a procedure for the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) to adopt a declaration designating stream systems that are fully appropriated either year-round or during specified months.  Any declaration that a stream system is fully appropriated encompasses all upstream sources that contribute to the stream system if, and to the extent that, such upstream sources are hydraulically continuous to the stream system.  The Board is unable to accept applications for new water rights in a stream system designated as fully appropriated unless the designation allows new applications under specified conditions.  California Code of Regulations, title 23, section 871, sets procedures by which parties can petition to revise a declaration that a stream system is fully appropriated to allow the acceptance of an application for a new water right.   The revision to the declaration must occur before submission of the application.

On November 16, 1989, the State Water Board adopted the "Order Adopting Declaration of Fully Appropriated Stream Systems and Specifying Conditions for Acceptance of Applications and Registrations" (Order WR 89-25). The FASS list has been modified since that time and was most recently updated in Order WR 98-08

The following table contains links to Exhibit A of Order WR 98-08 and downloaded schematics which delineate the critical reaches of stream systems which have been declared by the State Water Board to be fully appropriated.