State Board - Cannabis Cultivation Water Quality

Overview

On October 17, 2017, the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) adopted the Cannabis Cultivation Policy- Principles and Guideline for Cannabis Cultivation (Cannabis Policy) and the General Waste Discharge Requirements and Waiver of Waste Discharge Requirements for Discharges of Waste Associated with Cannabis Cultivation Activities (Cannabis Cultivation General Order). On February 5, 2019, the State Water Board adopted the proposed updates to the Cannabis Policy and Cannabis Cultivation General Order. On April 16, 2019, the Office of Administrative Law approved the updates to the Cannabis Policy.

The Cannabis Policy will be implemented through the Small Irrigation Use Registration Program and the Cannabis Cultivation General Order. Compliance with the Cannabis Policy is required to obtain a license from the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC).

Cannabis Cultivation General Order

The Cannabis Cultivation General Order implements the Cannabis Policy requirements; specifically, those requirements that address waste discharges associated with cannabis cultivation activities.

Once an online application is submitted and the applicable fee is paid, a Notice of Applicability (NOA) will be issued to the enrollee by the State Water Resources Control Board.

The Cannabis Policy, Cannabis Cultivation General Order, and adopted documents effective as of April 16, 2019 are linked below:

• Resolution No. 2019-0007, Adopting the Updates to the Cannabis Cultivation Policy
• Cannabis Cultivation Policy
• Cannabis Cultivation Policy Staff Report
• Cannabis General Order (Order No. WQ 2019-0001-DWQ)
  • Attachment A: Cannabis Policy Attachment A
  • Attachment B: Monitoring and Reporting Program
  • Attachment C: Notice of Termination
  • Attachment D: Technical Report Guidance

Cannabis Fee Information

On September 22, 2021 the State Water Board adopted the fiscal year 2021/2022 Water Quality Fee Schedule.  To determine the correct fee amount, refer to the Tier and Risk Designation, or Waiver Type listed on the Notice of Receipt (NOR) emailed to the applicant upon submission of the completed application, or listed on an enrollees Notice of Applicability (NOA). NEW! Now Accepting Credit Cards.

Information on the Water Quality Fees Stakeholder Meetings and other stakeholder resources can be found on the Fees Stakeholder website.   All meetings will be held at the CalEPA Headquarters Building (1001 I Street, Sacramento, CA 95814) and will also be webcast (https://video.calepa.ca.gov/).

Regional Water Boards Contact Information

Regional Water Board Boundary Map