State Water Resources Control Board: drought planning.

(1) Existing law establishes within the Natural Resources Agency the State Water Resources Control Board and the California regional water quality control boards. Existing law requires the work of the state board to be divided into at least 2 divisions, known as the Division of Water Rights and the Division of Water Quality. Existing law requires the state board to formulate and adopt state policy for water quality control. This bill would create a Drought Section within the state board, as specified. The bill would require the state board, in consultation with the Department of Fish and Wildlife, to adopt principles and guidelines for diversion and use of water in coastal watersheds, as specified, during times of water shortage for drought preparedness and climate resiliency. The bill would require that the principles and guidelines provide for the development of watershed-level contingency plans to support public trust uses, public health and safety, and the human right to water in times of water shortage, among other things. The bill also would require the state board, prior to adopting those principles and guidelines, to allow for public comment and hearing, as provided. The bill would require the state board to adopt those principles and guidelines no later than March 31, 2024. (2) Existing law authorizes the state board to issue a cease and desist order against a person who is violating, or threatening to violate, certain requirements relating to water use. Existing law authorizes a person or entity in violation of a term or condition of a permit, license, certificate, or registration issued by, an order adopted by, or regulations adopted by, the state board to be held civilly liable for an amount not to exceed $500 for each day that the violation occurs. This bill would authorize the state board to issue a cease and desist order when a diversion or use violates or threatens to violate an applicable limitation or requirement adopted by the state board for the diversion and use of water in specified coastal watersheds during times of water shortage. The bill would authorize a person who violates a principle, guideline, or requirement adopted by the state board for the diversion and use of water in specified coastal watersheds during times of water shortage to be held liable in an amount not to exceed the sum of $500 for each day that the violation occurs.