Construction Stormwater Program
Welcome to the Construction Stormwater Program The California State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) regulates stormwater discharges from construction sites because of its potential to mobilize pollutants and discharge into waterbodies or watersheds. By regulating these discharges, the State Water Board is preserving, enhancing, and restoring California's waterbodies and its resources. Construction activity subject to this permit includes clearing, grading and disturbances to the ground such as stockpiling, or excavation, but does not include regular maintenance activities performed to restore the original line, grade, or capacity of the facility. Dischargers whose projects disturb one (1) or more acres of soil or whose projects disturb less than one acre but are part of a larger common plan of development that in total disturbs one or more acres, are required to obtain coverage under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Construction and Land Disturbance Activities. * NEW! 2022 CGP Qualifying Precipitation Event Guidance * Sites directly impacted by the Los Angeles and other wildfires
2022 Construction Stormwater General Permit
The State Water Board adopted the 2022 Construction Stormwater General Permit, Order 2022-0057-DWQ, on September 8, 2022, and it went into effect on September 1, 2023. Construction Stormwater General Permit Order 2022-0057-DWQ
Lake Tahoe Basin Construction Stormwater General Permit
The Lahontan Regional Water Board adopted a general NPDES permit to regulate stormwater discharges from construction activity in the Lake Tahoe Hydrologic Unit. Owners of construction projects in this watershed must apply for the Regional Water Board permit rather than the statewide permit.
Construction Stormwater General Permit for the Lake Tahoe Basin Order R6T-2016-0010
SMARTS Login
SMARTS provides a platform where dischargers, regulators, and the public can enter, manage, and view data associated with California's Stormwater General Permits.
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Water Quality Fees
Find information regarding water quality fees for NPDES Stormwater Permits, pay invoice(s) online (EFT or credit card), find our tax ID number, and find fee related information for stakeholders.
Learn About Fees Pay Invoices
Report a Stormwater Violation
Inform the Water Boards about potential permit violations or water quality concerns resulting from construction activities. CalEPA Environmental Complaint System
Email Subscription List
To receive updates on the Construction Stormwater Program, subscribe to the "Stormwater Construction Permitting Issues" email list.
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Contact Us
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General Inquiries:
stormwater@waterboards.ca.gov
1-(866)-563-3107
(Page last updated 11/17/2025)
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