State Water Board issues largest change in sanitary sewer system regulations since 2006; action required by June 2023

Mar 29, 2023

The updated order requires four actions

The State Water Resources Control Board, which regulates sanitary sewer systems through the statewide Sanitary Sewer Systems General Order, issued updated requirements that impact several sanitary sewer agencies. All public sewer systems greater than one mile in length must apply for regulatory coverage under the order and comply with corresponding system management and spill reporting requirements.

The State Water Board reissued the updated statewide Order 2022-0103-DWQ on Dec. 6, 2022, with an effective date of June 5, 2023. The reissuance is the largest change in sanitary sewer system regulations since its first adoption in 2006.

All existing sanitary sewer agencies currently enrolled in the 2006 order must re-enroll in the reissued order by June 4, 2023. Beginning April 5, the Legally Responsible Official of the sanitary sewer agency can re-enroll through the online California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) Sanitary Sewer System database.

To maintain regulatory compliance, complete the following four actions by June 4, 2023:

  • Certify continuation of coverage.
  • Designate a Legally Responsible Official that meets the updated qualifications in the reissued order.
  • Update your Spill Emergency Response Plan.
  • Upload your existing Sewer System Management Plan.

The State Water Resources Control Board will send important, time-sensitive notifications to the Legally Responsible Officials and Data Submitters that are currently listed in CIWQS. The League of California Cities encourages all existing sewer agencies to take a few moments to ensure that the correct agency staff are identified for these roles in CIWQS. You can look up your facility online and can sign up for updates from the State Water Resources Control Board.

The following resources are available to help educate members about the requirements in the reissued Order:

For more information, please contact Cal Cities Legislative Affairs Lobbyist Nick Romo.