The University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) will host a short course designed to train participants on appropriate water diversion measurement methods. Assembly Bill 589 (AB589) created standards for water measurement techniques mandated by Senate Bill 88 (SB88), which requires water users diverting 10 acre-feet or more of surface water annually to implement a method of accurately measuring their diversion and to report their diversion to the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB). AB587 also allowed the UCCE and SWRCB to establish and administer instructional courses. Those who complete the course and pass a proficiency test can self-certify their measurement method. Previously, some diverters were required to hire an engineer or credentialed professional to certify their methods.
The course will start at 9:00 AM on November 6, 2023 at the UCANR building at 2801 Second St. in Davis. The course should last about 3.5 hours and may cover measuring flow in open ditches, weirs, pipes, and ponds.
If you divert greater than 10 acre-feet of water and are not currently reporting your water diversion and use to the SWRCB, you may be out of compliance with SB88. If you are unable to attend the course, or need help determining how to comply, our staff of engineers and qualified professionals are available to assist. We have worked with growers and ranchers in the Central Valley comply with the requirements of SB88 through:
- Pump tests
- Flow meter calibration
- Equipment upgrades
- Irrigation pond volume calculations
- Telemetry
- Data logging
- eWRIMS assistance