Water Sustainability & Protection Unit

The Water Sustainability and Protection Unit is an integral part of the Programs regulating discharges to land from wastewater treatment plants, water reclamation plants, onsite wastewater treatment systems (such as septic systems), confined animal feeding operations, wineries, and other waste discharges to land overseen and surface waters. The Water Sustainability and Protection Units is responsible for a large portion of the following programs:

  1. Recycled Water Program (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) & Waste Discharge Requirements)
     The San Diego Water Board regulates and issues permits for:
    • Water reclamation plants and recycled water projects. These permits can include requirements for the treatment of wastewater at the water reclamation plants and/or for reuse of recycled water.
    • Desalination projects. These permits include requirements for the discharge of waste (i.e., brine) to surface waters.
    These permits are needed to protect water quality, human health, and the environment consistent with State and Regional Water Board Plans, Policies, and applicable regulations.


    All other point sources discharges of pollutants into waters of the United States are regulated by the San Diego Water Board’s Source Control Regulation Unit.

    Links related to the Recycled Water Program:

  2. Waste Discharge Requirements (WDR) Program
    The San Diego Water Board regulates, and issues permits for:
    • Ddischarges to land from wastewater treatment systems. These systems are issued waste discharge requirements adopted by either the San Diego Water Board (i.e., an individual order) or the State Water Resources Control Board, through enrollment in Order WQ 2014-0153-DWQ, General Waste Discharge Requirements for Small Domestic Wastewater Systems (when applicable).

    • Discharges to land from certain onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS) (i.e.septic systems and supplemental/ advanced treatment systems used for subsurface disposal). OWTS are used in areas that do not have sewage collection systems and centralized wastewater treatment systems. When properly designed and maintained, OWTS treat domestic wastewater to reduce impacts to water quality and protect public health. In accordance with the State Water Board OWTS Policy, the San Diego Water Board can defer regulation of qualifying OWTS to local agencies.

    Links Related to OWTS:
  • Discharges to land from wineries and other similar facilities. Wineries may be a source of pollutants that can adversely affect the quality of waters of the state. Currently the San Diego Water Board regulates these facilities through enrollment in the State Water Resources Control Board’s General Waste Discharge Requirements for Wineries or enrollment in the San Diego Water Board’s Winery Pond Waiver.

  • Discharges to land from confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs). CAFOs may be a significant source of sediment, nutrients, and pathogens (i.e., bacteria, viruses, protozoa) which can adversely affect the quality of the waters of the state if the animals, animal activities, and animal wastes are not properly managed. Discharges from small and medium animal feeding operations may qualify for enrollment in the San Diego Water Board’s Animal Operations Waiver, or be issued individual waste discharge requirements. Discharges from large animal feeding operations may also be issued individual waste discharge requirements.

  • Discharges from CAFOs may also require an NPDES permit. Individuals and/or businesses must consult with San Diego Water Board’s Storm Water Management Unit staff to determine applicability.
  • Discharges from aggregate and/or concrete facilities. These types of facilities may be a source of pollutants that can adversely affect the quality of waters of the state. Currently the San Diego Water Board regulates these facilities through the issuance of individual WDRs or enrollment in Board’s Slurry Waiver.

  • Other Waste Discharges to Land – The San Diego Water Board also regulates other, less common, discharges of waste to land that have the potential to pose a threat to both groundwater and surface waters. Individuals and/or businesses must consult with Water Sustainability and Protection Unit staff to determine if the activities and discharges could affect California’s surface, coastal, or groundwaters.

    Related Links:

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