Construction Stormwater Program

Welcome to the Construction Stormwater Program

The California State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) regulates stormwater discharges from construction sites because of its potential to mobilize pollutants and discharge into waterbodies or watersheds. By regulating these discharges, the State Water Board is preserving, enhancing, and restoring California's waterbodies and its resources.

Construction activity subject to this permit includes clearing, grading and disturbances to the ground such as stockpiling, or excavation, but does not include regular maintenance activities performed to restore the original line, grade, or capacity of the facility. Dischargers whose projects disturb one (1) or more acres of soil or whose projects disturb less than one acre but are part of a larger common plan of development that in total disturbs one or more acres, are required to obtain coverage under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Construction and Land Disturbance Activities.

Announcements

NEW! Sites directly impacted by the Los Angeles and other wildfires

Construction Stormwater General Permits

2022 Construction Stormwater General Permit

The State Water Board adopted the 2022 Construction Stormwater General Permit, Order 2022-0057-DWQ, on September 8, 2022, and it went into effect on September 1, 2023.

Construction Stormwater General Permit Order 2022-0057-DWQ

2009 Construction Stormwater General Permit

The State Water Board adopted the 2009 Construction Stormwater General Permit on September 2, 2009, and became effective July 1, 2010. This permit expired and no longer allows new enrollments. Existing construction sites previously enrolled under the 2009 Construction General Permit may continue permit coverage until August 31, 2025. New construction activities must file for coverage under the 2022 Construction Stormwater General Permit

Construction Stormwater General Permit Order 2009-0009-DWQ

*Dischargers that obtained permit coverage under the 2009 permit prior to the 2022 permit's effective date, may continue coverage under the 2009 permit for up to two years after the 2022 permit's effective date. On September 1, 2025, all existing Notices of Intent covered under the 2009 permit will be administratively terminated, and new permit coverage under the 2022 permit must be obtained if construction is still active.

Lake Tahoe Basin Construction Stormwater General Permit

The Lahontan Regional Water Board adopted a general NPDES permit to regulate stormwater discharges from construction activity in the Lake Tahoe Hydrologic Unit. Owners of construction projects in this watershed must apply for the Regional Water Board permit rather than the statewide permit.

Construction Stormwater General Permit for the Lake Tahoe Basin Order R6T-2016-0010

SMARTS Login

SMARTS provides a platform where dischargers, regulators, and the public can enter, manage, and view data associated with California's Stormwater General Permits.

Visit SMARTS

Water Quality Fees

Find information regarding water quality fees for permits, pay invoice(s) online (EFT or credit card), find our tax ID number, and find fee related information for stakeholders.

Learn About Fees