University of California Cooperative Extension is offering a Water Measurement and Reporting Course in Sonoma and Mendocino counties.

The training is offered for those who divert (store) more than 100 acre-feet per year would like to be able to install and maintain water measurement devices without having to hire a ‘qualified’ individual. Diverters with less than 100 AF also have the option to attend if desired.

These courses are occasionally offered in other regions of the state; thus, you are encouraged to take advantage of attending if applicable. The same course is offered at two locations on Tuesday, November 12: 8am in Cloverdale and 1:00pm in Ukiah.

Senate Bill 88 requires that all water right holders who have previously diverted or intend to divert more than 10 acre-feet per year (riparian and pre-1914 claims), or who are authorized to divert more than 10 acre-feet per year under a permit, license, or registration, to measure and report the water they divert. Detailed information on the regulatory requirements for measurement and reporting are available on the State Water Resources Control Board Reporting and Measurement Regulation webpage.

Law concerned diverters

The legislation as written requires for diversion (or storage) greater than or equal to 100-acre feet annually that installation and certification of measurement methods be approved by an Engineer/Contractor/Professional.  Diverters across California were concerned about this requirement. 

Related:UC course helps landowners track water use

California Cattlemen’s Association heard from their membership and worked with Assemblyman Frank Bigelow, R-O'Neals, on a bill that would result in a self-certification option. Assembly Bill 589 was passed and became law on January 1, 2018.

This bill, until January 1, 2023, allows any diverter, as defined, who has completed this instructional course on measurement devices and methods administered by the University of California Cooperative Extension, including passage of a proficiency test to be considered a qualified individual when installing and maintaining devices or implementing methods of measurement. The bill requires the University of California Cooperative Extension and the board to jointly develop the curriculum for the course and the proficiency test.

The classes

November 12, 2019 at Cloverdale Citrus Fairgrounds, 1 Citrus Fair Drive, Cloverdale. Pre-registration is required. No on-site registration is available! Cost: $25. Register online http://ucanr.edu/sb88. Questions: UCCE Sonoma 707-565-2050.

Sign-in begins at 7:30 am; training begins at 8:00 am and concludes at 11:30 am. Sponsored by the Sonoma County Farm Bureau.

November 12, 2019 at UCCE Mendocino Office, 890 N. Bush Street, Ukiah. Pre-registration is required. No on-site registration is available! Cost: $25. Register online http://ucanr.edu/sb88mendo. Questions: UCCE Mendocino 707-463-4495.

Sign-in begins at 12:30 pm; training begins at 1:00 pm and concludes at 4:30 pm. Sponsored by the Mendocino County Farm Bureau.

Source: University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.