This is a summary of how water right holders who share a ditch comply with SB 88, and report correctly to the Water Board. So, why I am I using the Measurement Method Form Instructions below? Because, this has the best summary that I have seen, of how a shared ditch is measured and reported. In short:
- every water right holder on a ditch has to sign onto the same form;
- each person’s split, land use, and irrigated acreage must be reported;
- the ditch manager and each person is responsible to report leaving the agreement – presumably this covers every property sale, too.
Excerpts from the Instructions:
“…Examples of Measurement Methods include: Multiple water right holders on a single surface supply may propose a collaborative measurement approach.
“…Attach maps, aerial photographs, or other renderings showing the area covered by the Method and delineating the acreage of each place of use served. For the area covered by the Method, include a list of assessor’s parcel numbers and the current owner of each parcel. Attachments can be uploaded in Section H of the online form.
“…A Measurement Method based on using a shared measuring device shall include the following information:
- Description of the methodology used to apportion the volume of water delivered to each diverter covered by the Measurement Method.
- Description of the field or flow condition at each diverter’s delivery point, including duration of or period of water delivery, annual water use patterns, irrigated acreage, crops planted, and on-farm irrigation system.
- Description of the consumptive use of water for each individual diverter, if available….”
“…A Measurement Method based on using a shared measuring device shall be accompanied by a written agreement signed by each diverter covered by the Measurement Method.
“…Each participant in a Measurement Method plan must sign the form or an “opt-in” form which must be retained by the Measurement Method manager. (Attach an excel spreadsheet listing of participants, as needed). Each Measurement Method participant shall acknowledge that the method will substantially comply with the measurement and monitoring requirements.
“…Each Measurement Method participant is responsible for promptly informing the Division of Water Rights or the Delta Watermaster, as appropriate, if the participant withdraws from the Method. The Method manager is responsible for promptly informing the Division of Water Rights or the Delta Watermaster, as appropriate, if the Method is modified or abandoned….“
