Page 38 - Beaumont Basin Watermaster
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Section 3
Status of the Basin and Administration of the Judgment
9 Developing a methodology to account for new yield from capturing local stormwater in
the basin, and
9 Developing a methodology to account for recycled water recharge in the basin.
In preparing this annual report and through the review of previous annual reports, we have
identified a number of issues/activities that should be considered by the Watermaster to
ensure accurate accounting of production, transfers, recharge, and storage. It should be
noted that many of the recommendations provided in this section have been previously
documented in prior annual reports. Our recommendations are as follows:
Develop a protocol to increase the accuracy and consistency of data reported to the
Watermaster. Watermaster should identify a person and/or entity to be the central
repository for data collection, transfer, and exchange. This person/entity shall be
responsible for the collection and distribution of all groundwater production, water
level, groundwater recharge, and water quality information. Quality control of the data
in its various forms including checks for errors, omissions, and inconsistencies
between the reporting agencies and/or parties should be part of this process.
Develop a policy to account for transfers of water that may result when an
Appropriator provides water service to an Overlying Party. Section 7 of the Rules and
Regulations, Adjustments for Rights, provides initial guidelines to execute this
transfer; however, it needs to be enhanced in the following areas: a) data
requirements to complete the transfer, b) review process by Watermaster, c)
schedule for completion so that proper accounting of transfers can be given and
documented in the annual report.
As indicated earlier, Watermaster should revisit the Rules and Regulations to ensure that its
activities are consistent with the requirements of the Judgment. The following inc
onsistencies between guidelines provided in this document and current Watermaster
activities were identified:
Watermaster has not conducted a meter maintenance program, as required under
Section 3.1 of the Rules and Regulations, to make sure groundwater production is
reported accurately. Individual parties may or may not maintain and calibrate their
production meters at acceptable intervals.
Under Section 3.2 of the Rules and Regulations, producers producing in an excess of
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10 ac-ft/yr. should report on a monthly basis by the 15 day of the ensuing month
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while those producing less should file on an annual basis by the 15 of July. This
provision should be revised as it was written for fiscal year accounting. Overlying
Parties producing less than 10 ac-ft/yr should report by the 15 of January now that
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calendar year accounting is used. Proper supporting information should be provided.
Watermaster has not enforced the submittal of notices of transfers prior to accounting
for said transfers as defined in Sections 7.1 through 7.5 of the Rules and Regulations.
Beaumont Basin Watermaster 2017 Annual Report – DRAFT – February 2018 3-15
