Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (Basin Plan)

The Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (Basin Plan) is the Board's master water quality control planning document.  It designates beneficial uses and water quality objectives for waters of the State, including surface waters and groundwater.  It also includes programs of implementation to achieve water quality objectives.

Quick Links

Basin Plan

The current Basin Plan consists of the 2019 Basin Plan edition and all amendments fully-approved after March 2019 as listed below:

Basin Plan amendments approved and in effect (approved by Office of Administrative Law) since March 2019:

  • None

Historical Editions of the Basin Plan

Adopted Amendments Pending Further Approval

Basin Plan amendments do not become effective until sequentially adopted by the Regional Water Board, and approved by the State Water Board and the California Office of Administrative Law. Amendments containing new or revised water quality standards also require the approval of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Basin Plan Amendments Approved by the Central Coast Regional Water Board:

  • Resolution No. R3-2020-0034. Amendment to the Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin to Adopt a Total Maximum Daily Load for Total Phosphorus to Address Cyanobacteria Blooms in Pinto Lake

Amendments Under Development

Amendment to Improve and Clarify Prohibition Discharge Language

Historical Basin Plan Amendments

Amendment to Revise Turbidity Water Quality Objective Units

Amending the Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin to Revise Beneficial Use Designations and to Make Editorial Changes.

Triennial Review

The California Water Code and the Clean Water Act and require Basin Plans to be reviewed and updated periodically (at a minimum every three years).

Go to the Central Coast Basin Plan Triennial Review Process page.

Information Tools and Links