WATER RIGHTS FEES


Welcome to the State Water Board's page for information regarding fees for both (1) Water Rights and (2) Water Quality Certification for Hydroelectric Facilities. Effective January 1, 2004, the Water Code was amended to require the State Water Board to adopt emergency regulations revising and establishing water right fees and water quality certification fees for hydroelectric facilities to be deposited in the Water Rights Fund in the State Treasury. The Water Code authorizes the State Water Board to periodically adjust the fees and requires the State Water Board to revise the fee schedule each fiscal year as necessary to conform to the revenue levels set forth in the annual Budget Act. (Wat. Code, Sections 1525, 1530 & 13160.1.)

  The State Water Board maintains an email list to share periodic announcements and updates by email. To subscribe, complete the Subscription Form and select the Water Rights Fees email list (under WATER RIGHTS).




Current Fees


Announcements

  • The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) will mail the Annual Water Rights Fee invoices for the 2023-24 fiscal year on November 15, 2023. Payment will be due by December 15, 2023. Fees must be paid to CDTFA https://www.cdtfa.ca.gov/services/#Make-a-Payment or via check or money order mailed to:

  • California Department of Tax and Fee Administration
    PO Box 942879
    Sacramento CA 94279-7072

  • If you are having difficulty paying your invoice due to the COVID-19 emergency, please visit the State of Emergency Tax Relief page

General Information


Fee Development

  • Fiscal Year 2018-2019 Fee Development
  • Fiscal Year 2019-2020 Fee Development