CEC Timeline

From 2000-2005, the San Diego Water Board has been monitoring the Region’s 11 hydrologic units on a rotational basis. Water chemistry, water and sediment toxicity, benthic macroinvertebrate community, physical habitat, and on occasion tissue contamination, were assessed at multiple targeted sites twice during the dry and wet seasons. The monitoring was focused on the main stem of the rivers and streams, and major tributaries within the hydrologic units. In 2006, the data for the rotational watershed effort was summarized in watershed reports for each of the 11 hydrologic units. In addition, a synthesis report was produced for an evaluation of Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) in the San Diego region. View the synthesis report and the watershed reports

The synthesis report gives four main recommendations for SWAMP in the San Diego region: (1) Improve integrative and coordinated regional monitoring to increase cost-efficiency; (2) Design a probability-based study to address the ecological health of wadeable streams; (3) Use appropriate indicators, and (4) Build an information management system. Starting 2007, the San Diego region’s SWAMP implemented the recommendations of the synthesis report.

In 2007 and 2008, SWAMP focused its efforts on bioassessment studies on reference sites and on impaired sites in the San Diego region. These bioassessment studies included the use of algae as a second bioindicator in bioassessment studies in addition to benthic macroinvertebrates (BMIs). Algal indicators are one of the most promising of the new indicators because they provide different and complementary information to BMI assemblages. As primary producers, algae directly respond to nutrients, one of the major stressors in California’s ecosystems. Also, algae assemblages can be used not only to assess overall impairment but also to diagnose certain stressors (e.g. nutrient, organic enrichment). In addition, algae assemblages usually respond faster to environmental stress than BMIs which makes algae good indicators for short‐term environmental stress while BMIs indicate environmental stress over a longer time‐period. For these reasons, SWAMP included algae as bioindicators since 2007.

• Workplan for the 2007/08 bioassessment study
• QAPP for the 2007/08 bioassessment study

The California Water Resources Control Board (“State Water Board”) adopted the Recycled Water Policy (Resolution No. 2009-0011) that mandated monitoring of chemicals with the potential for human and ecological health effects that are not uniformly regulated (aka “chemicals of emerging concern” or CECs), in approved groundwater recharge applications statewide.  This policy was later updated in 2013 and 2018.

The Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority (SAWPA) convened a CEC Workgroup, consisting of the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board and various water supply and wastewater agencies throughout the Region. The CEC Workgroup developed a Sampling and Analysis Plan that was endorsed by the Regional Water Board (Resolution No. R8-2009-0071). The Sampling and Analysis Plan focused on potential drinking water sources (recycled water recharge to underlying groundwater supplies and imported water) and comprised a 4-year sampling program, during which 22 samples of wastewater effluent, ambient water from two Santa Ana River sites and water from two imported-water aqueducts were collected. The study purpose was to characterize the presence of 13 CECs in these waters and to provide information to inform decision makers about appropriate analytical methodology and CEC requirements, including monitoring requirements and regulatory thresholds.

Final Report: 2010 Emerging Constituents Sampling Report

2010 Scientific Advisory Panel - CECs In Recycled Water - In accordance with the provisions of the Recycled Water Policy, a Science Advisory Panel was established to address questions about regulating CECs with respect to the use of recycled water. The Panel’s primary charge was to provide guidance for developing monitoring programs that assess potential CEC threats from various water recycling practices, including groundwater recharge and urban landscape irrigation. Under contract with the State Water Resources Control Board and using advice from a diverse stakeholder group, SCCWRP convened the Science Advisory Panel.

2010 Final Report: Monitoring Strategies for Chemicals of Emerging Concern (CECs) in Recycled Water – Recommendations of a Science Advisory Panel

In 2010, the National Water Research Institute and the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and Orange County Water District funded research to evaluate drinking water sources in California that included the State Water Project, Colorado River Water and the Santa Ana River.  The objectives of this project were to assess the occurrence of a wide range of endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs), pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), and organic wastewater contaminants (OWCs) in these drinking water sources, to evaluate the impact of treated wastewater discharges, and also to evaluate the fate and transport of these chemicals in each watershed.  Findings for this project are available in the report.

Final Report: Source, Fate, and Transport of Endocrine Disruptors, Pharmaceuticals, and Personal Care Products in Drinking Water Sources in California

The San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board (Region 9) conducted a pilot study in 2010 and 2011, with a follow-up study in 2015, to investigate the presence of PPCPs in the Region. The study used a targeted design where grab water samples were collected from the effluents of three wastewater treatment plants and at 12 creek sites that are receiving waters for untreated human wastes and/or wastewater treatment plant effluents, septic tank effluents, or minimal anthropogenic influences (i.e. open space). The study included a workplan and QAPP.

Final Report: Pilot Study on Pharmaceutical and Personal Care Products in the San Diego Region- Fiscal Year 2008/2009 and Fiscal Year 2009/10

In 2011, the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project Authority (SCCWRP) was contracted by the Water Board to direct and manage a team of investigators to develop bioassays as envisioned by the Panel.  Specifically, this team was tasked to (1) identify the most promising bioassay endpoints relevant to recycled water and the protection of human health; (2) develop extraction protocols for recycled water samples; (3) compare, evaluate and optimize the performance of commercially available bioassay technology; (4) deliver written bioassay protocols for successfully optimized endpoints; (5) provide interpretive guidance for bioassay results; (6) solicit stakeholder feedback and guidance on the application of bioassays; and (7) coordinate the team’s activities with related efforts, including a similarly focused project (WateReuse Research Foundation WRF10-07) led by an Australian consortium faced with water supply and quality issues of their own.

Final Report: Development of Bioanalytical Techniques for Monitoring of Constituents/Chemicals of Emerging Concern (CECs) in Recycled Water Applications for the State of California 2014.

The Los Angeles Regional Water Board conducted a screening study for CECs in the Los Angeles and San Gabriel Rivers in partnership with the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project (SCCWRP) in 2011. The goals of this study were to quantify the occurrence of target CECs and characterize fate and transport within the rivers downstream of wastewater treatment plants. Samples were collected at 7 to 9 stations stretching from above the discharge points of wastewater treatment plants to the river mouth in each of the two watersheds on two separate monitoring events. Pharmaceuticals and personal care products, commercial and household chemicals, current-use pesticides and natural and synthetic hormones were isolated and analyzed in the ng/L range using research grade analytical methods (approximately 60 constituents).

Final Report: The Occurrence and Fate of Chemicals of Emerging Concern (CECs) in Coastal Urban Rivers receiving Discharge of Treated Municipal Wastewater Effluent, 2013.

2012 Scientific Advisory Panel - CECs in Aquatic Ecosystems - In April 2012, a scientific advisory panel named the “Ecosystems Panel (Panel)” provided recommendations for the monitoring of CECs in aquatic ecosystems based on several meetings starting in 2009. The panel was convened at the request of the State Water Board to provide un-biased science-based recommendations for future monitoring for CECs.  The recommendations are presented in a report titled, “Monitoring Strategies for Chemicals of Emerging Concern (CECs) in California’s Aquatic Ecosystems.” In the report, the Panel recommended using a risk-based screening framework to identify an initial list of CECs to monitor. The Panel also recommended implementing an adaptive phased monitoring approach to assess the presence of the CECs and their potential risk to the environment. The Panel was funded by the State Water Resources Control Board and the David and Lucile Packard Foundation.

The SAWPA continued the sampling efforts with 15 CECs in 2012 based on recommendations from the Recycled Water Policy Advisory Panel.  A second round of samples was collected June of 2011.  A third round of samples was collected in June of 2012 and a fourth round of samples collected in June 2013.  Results from the sampling program showed that CECs were detected at many of the sampling sites at extremely low concentrations. Where detected, CEC concentrations fell well within the range of where other studies have shown that "no adverse health effects would be expected." The Regional Board accepted the final CEC program results via Resolution No. R8-2013-0019.

Final Reports: 2011 Annual EC Sampling Report and 2012 Annual EC Sampling Report

Other relevant information: Aquatic Ecosystems Staff Report (September 7, 2012)

In 2013, the Recycled Water Policy (State Water Board Resolution 2013-0003) was adopted with goals to increase the use of recycled water, stormwater, water conserved, and the substitution of as much recycled water for potable use.  This policy was later amended in 2018.

The San Francisco Bay Regional Water Board have investigated the occurrence and potential adverse impacts due to CECs since 2001 through the discharger-funded San Francisco Bay Regional Monitoring Program (SF Bay RMP). The SF Bay RMP has conducted screening monitoring for many CECs including flame retardants (PBDEs and alternates), PFAS, pharmaceuticals, surfactants, personal care products, pesticides, microplastics. Screening includes targeted monitoring of Bay water, sediment and biota and some source monitoring (POTW and urban runoff). In 2013, the SF Bay RMP produced a synthesis of all its CECs data (Pulse_2013_CECs.pdf) and its first strategy for ongoing CECs monitoring and studies (SF Bay RMP CECs_Strategy.pdf). The synthesis and strategy analyzed and compiled CECs data into a tiered risk framework (high, moderate, low, or possible concern).

The Los Angeles Regional Water Board conducted a follow-up study to the 2011-2013 screening study in 2013, again in partnership with SCCWRP. One objective of this study was to determine the occurrence of CECs in the Santa Clara River during low flow conditions and to characterize fate and transport downstream of wastewater treatment plants. Water samples were collected at 10 stations stretching from the upper watershed to the estuary on two separate monitoring events. Another objective was to investigate the occurrence of high priority CECs in sediments and fish tissue from coastal embayments in the Los Angeles Region. Surficial sediment samples were collected from 21 coastal embayments and marinas across southern California, including the San Gabriel River Estuary, Los Angeles River Estuary, Santa Clara River Estuary, Marina del Rey and Ballona Creek Estuary in the Los Angeles Region. Fish were collected from the Santa Clara River Estuary, the upper Santa Clara River watershed, and inside and outside of the Los Angeles/Long Beach Harbor complex.

Final Report: Multi-media screening of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in coastal urban watersheds in southern California, 2016.

In 2013, SAWPA finalized the results of a 4-year CEC monitoring study focused on drinking water sources within the Santa Ana Watershed. The objectives of the study were to characterize the presence of CECs (13-15 compounds) and provide information about analytical methods and regulatory thresholds.  Findings are provided in the 2013 Annual EC Sampling Report.

Other relevant information: CECs Stakeholders and Technical Advisory Kick-off Meeting Presentations - 9/12/2013

CEC Stakeholder (05/09/2014) and Technical Advisory (05/02/2014) Mid-term Meeting Minutes and Presentations

October 2015 Workshop - CECs In Recycled Water - The State Water Board held a workshop on October 27-28, 2015 in Costa Mesa focused on the state of the science, monitoring techniques, and water treatment reliability for CECs in recycled water. The goal of the workshop was to help the State Water Board identify knowledge gaps to identify and prioritize CEC monitoring and treatment activities that will ensure water supplies from recycled water, including potable reuse, are protective of public health and the environment.

October 27-28, 2015 Workshop Summary

SCCWRP in collaboration with the State’s Expert Panel and the Water Boards devised an updated, tiered monitoring and assessment framework that is applicable for all CECs (Maruya et al. 2015). This framework features new monitoring methods, including bioanalytical screening tools to address the wide range of CECs, and non-targeted chemical analysis (NTA) to better identify bioactive contaminants

Other relevant information:

• Monitoring of Constituents of Emerging Concern (CECs) in Aquatic Ecosystems - Pilot Study Guidance (2015)
• Monitoring of Constituents of Emerging Concern (CECs) in Aquatic Ecosystems - QA/QC Guidance (2015)

The State Water Board published a CEC Pilot Study Monitoring plan in 2016 to implement the second phase of the recommendations from the Scientific Advisory Panel which is to gather data to determine the occurrence and biological impacts of CEC. The result of pilot study will help the State Water Board to develop a statewide CEC monitoring strategy and control action.

Final Plan: Constituents of Emerging Concern (CEC) Pilot Study Monitoring Plan (January 2016)

In 2016, a study was carried out to characterize the extent and magnitude of plastic debris in San Diego Bay in the various habitats and to evaluate the potential ecological impact of plastic debris on fish communities in the bay. The study had three main objectives: 1) How do the quantities and types of debris in different habitats vary during dry and wet seasons; 2) What types of riverine debris do wet weather flows transport to San Diego Bay; 3) What species caught in the bay have ingested plastic pieces? This study was funded by the California Regional Water Resources Control Board and in part by the National Science Foundation.  Findings from the study are provided in the report.

Final Report: San Diego Bay Debris Study Special Study Plastic Debris Monitoring Report (October 2016)

SWAMP CECs in Aquatic Ecosystems Workshop - The May 1, 2017 workshop shared the current state of knowledge on CECs and study efforts underway in the Bay-Delta, Los Angeles, and other areas of California. The May 2 workshop presented the most recent information regarding how to monitor and study CECs in California and the proposed monitoring designs and strategies presented by stakeholders in Region 5. May 1 Slides, Video of Presentations. May 2 Slides

The SF Bay RMP updated its Strategy document that guides RMP special studies on CECs. A revision of the Strategy was completed in 2017 (2017 Revision).

Other relevant documentation: Constituents of Emerging Concern (CECs) Presented at the State Water Resources Control Board Workshop by Regional and Statewide Programs. (February 22, 2017)

The Recycled Water Policy (Resolution No. 2018-0057) was amended to include the methodology and appropriate criteria for the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) and the Regional Water Boards to use when issuing permits for recycled water projects.

The SF Bay RMP updated its Strategy document on CECs in a 2018 Update.

2018 Scientific Advisory Panel - CECs In Recycled Water
In accordance with the provisions of the Recycled Water Policy, Resolution 2016-0061, and Resolution 2017-0034, the State Water Board provided a grant to the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project (SCCWRP) to reconvene the 2010 Science Advisory Panel for Recycled Water that presented recommendations for monitoring CECs in recycled water. The Panel reviewed the conceptual framework developed in the 2010 report, evaluated the scientific literature since the Panel last met, and assessed the potential health risks associated with CECs in various water recycling qualities allowed under the California Code of Regulations, Title 22, and use of recycled water for augmentation of surface water reservoirs used to supply drinking water.

Final Report: Monitoring Strategies for Constituents of Emerging Concern in Recycled Water: Recommendations of a Science Advisory Panel

March, 2018 - The North Coast Regional Water Board (Region 1) coordinated with Southern California Coastal Water Research Project (SCCWRP) and San Francisco Estuary Institute (SFEI; also referred to as the Aquatic Science Center or ASC) to implement a 3-year pilot study (2015-2018) to screen for CECs in the Russian River watershed.  These efforts were based on the recommendations from the Scientific Advisory Panel.  Monitoring began in the spring of 2016 and concluded in 2017 and included up to 31 CECs measured in aqueous, sediment, and fish tissue.  Major findings are summarized in the final report (2018). A presentation is also available on this study.

June, 2018 - The SF Bay RMP produced a synthesis of all the PFAS collected to date, reviews the classification of PFAS detected using the 2013-tiered framework, and recommends a monitoring strategy for certain PFAS.  The data summarized includes samples collected from water, sediment, bivalves, prey fish, sport fish, bird eggs, and harbor seals.

July, 2018 - The Delta Regional Monitoring Program approved a work plan for a study of CECs in the Central Valley based on the State Water Board’s Constituents of Emerging Concern (CECs) Statewide Pilot Study Monitoring Plan. The study aims to conduct sampling to customize a monitoring program that fits the region's needs while at the same time contributes to our statewide understanding of the CEC problem. In addition to implementing a regional monitoring program, Region 5 would like to coordinate with State Board and other Regional Boards to develop a comprehensive program to reduce the amounts and types of CECs that are discharged to publicly-owned treatment works, sewer systems, and storm drains.

April, 2019 – DWQ Issued investigative orders for a one-time sampling effort at airports (30) and landfills (196) identified as potential PFAS source locations. DDW issued separate orders to the adjacent water systems.

June, 2019 – SAWPA reconvened to update previous CEC sampling efforts because the State Water Board amended the Recycled Water Policy, which included related CEC monitoring requirements. Samples were collected and analyzed for various CECs including several PFAS analytes.

Final Report: 2019 EC Sampling Report

October, 2019 – DWQ Issued investigative orders for a one-time sampling effort at suspected Chrome Plating Facilities (271) that may have stored or used fume suppressants or other substances that may have contained PFAS.  

2020 Scientific Advisory Panel - CECs in Aquatic Ecosystems - In April 2020, the State Water Board asked that the panel to be reconvened to address additional tasks revolving around marine, estuarine and freshwater wildlife, ecosystems.

1. Determine the classes of CECs that could have adverse impacts and their beneficial uses,
2. Update the risk prioritization framework developed in the 2012 report,
3. Determine the sources, pathways, and rate of inputs leading to the presence of classes of CECs
4. Determine the matrices that should be screened in marine, estuarine, and freshwater ecosystems considering the physical, chemical, and biological processes that affect the transport and fate of classes of CECs,
5. Provide the most important (known and unknown) biological effects for specific or classes of CECs and the approaches to be used to assess biological effects of classes of CECs, and
6. Provide approaches so that state management agencies can better address classes of CECs by using the risk prioritization framework.

The Panel’s final report is planned to be published by the end of 2021.

August, 2020 - DDW issued a general order for public water systems to sample and expand outward based on the 2019-2020 PFAS results.

October, 2020 – The State Water Board created a Recycled Water Policy Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) Template for CEC Monitoring.

February, 2021 - DDW issued a general order for public water systems to sample and report PFAS within and adjacent to Department of Defense facilities in the State of California. This Order pertains to facilities that have been identified as having used Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) known to contain PFAS chemicals through the Comprehensive, Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) process.

March, 2021 – DWQ issued Investigative Orders to Refineries and Bulk Fuel Terminals (161) for a one-time sampling effort to determine whether soil, groundwater, surface water, and influent and effluent wastewater at their locations were impacted by PFAS.