TO: Technical Advisory Group for the Napa County Groundwater Sustainability Agency
FROM: Brian D. Bordona, Director of Planning, Building and Environmental Services
REPORT BY: Jamison Crosby, Natural Resources Conservation Manager
SUBJECT: State Waterboard – Recharge Project Options
/
RECOMMENDATION
title
Mike Conway, State Water Resources Control Board, will provide an overview of options available for temporary recharge permits (180-day and 5-year permits) and also floodwater diversion without a permit (Water Code Section 1242.1).
body
Procedure
Staff introduces.
Questions and answers with the TAG.
Public comments.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
During previous meetings, preliminary information has been shared with the TAG regarding the NCGSA’s interest in preparing an application for a temporary recharge permit. At the November meeting, Mike Conway of the State Water Resources Control Board Division of Water Rights, will provide information on some options for Napa County to consider, including a 180-day or 5-year temporary permit and also an option that involves no permit for floodwater diversions under Water Code Section 1242.1. In June 2026, NCGSA submitted a letter of interest to the Department of Water Resources (DWR) for technical support services for assistance with the preparation of a permit application, and a kickoff meeting occurred on October 27 to initiate work on the permit and necessary components.
On the State Water Board website, the Board describes that temporary permits are not water rights. Temporary permits are a conditional approval to divert and use available water that has not been claimed by a water right holder. Temporary permits are junior to all water rights and include terms and conditions that prohibit diversions in times of water shortage when the demands of other right holders may not be met. There are two options for temporary permits for groundwater recharge (180-day permits and 5-year permits). Temporary permits can usually ...
Click here for full text