By: Justin Murphy

On Feb. 8, 2017, the State Water Resources Control Board adopted a resolution extending the current drought regulations. The regulation will remain in effect for 270 days unless the State Water Board determines that it is no longer necessary due to changed conditions or the Board renews the regulation due to continued drought conditions. Given the wet weather this winter, the drought conditions are improving. As such, the resolution also includes language (1) directing the Executive Director to consider promptly modifying or repealing the regulation if the Governor lifts the declaration of a drought state of emergency, and (2) requiring the Board to meet in May 2017 to consider repealing the regulation based on hydrologic and supply conditions at the end of the rainy season if the regulation remains in effect on May 1st.