On February 4, 2015, the Deputy Director for Water Rights issued Order WR 2015-0002-DWR (Informational Order) to 1,061 Statement holders in the Sacramento and San Joaquin watersheds and Delta. This Informational Order, adopted as part of the integrated emergency drought response and extended in force through September 13, 2016, requires affected diverters to report their water diversions for each month by the fifth day of the succeeding month. Even though the Informational Order remains in force, the Division of Water Rights (Division) recognizes that recent precipitation and coincident seasonal reduction in agricultural irrigation have reduced pressure on the State's water system.
In light of the current conditions, but mindful of the ongoing long-term drought, the Division exercised its discretion and is temporarily suspending the requirement for monthly reporting of water diversions under Order WR 2015-0002-DWR for the month of January, 2016 (which would otherwise be due on February 5, 2016). The Division will continue to monitor conditions and will make future decisions with respect to monthly reporting as conditions develop. This temporary suspension does not affect the enforceability of the order, as to responses previously required, or for the other annual reporting responsibilities of all water users under their water rights.