Water Quality Control in California

The Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act, effective January 1, 1970, completely revises California's 20-year-old water pollution law. Esthetics and protection of fish and wildlife have been added to beneficial uses of water to be protected. Area-wide planning for the solution to water pollution problems is encouraged. The interrelationships of water quality and water quantity as expressed by water rights are recognized. The State Water Resources Control Board now administers the related functions of water rights determination and water quality control. The State Board establishes policy and guidelines for nine Regional Water Quality Control Boards. The regional boards adopt water quality control plans and establish waste discharge requirements to meet the water quality objectives enunciated in the water quality control plans which must be approved by the State Board. Violators of waste discharge requirements may now be assessed civil penalties of up to $6,000 per day for each day of violation.