Ombudsman to the State Water Resources Control Board
The Ombudsman to the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) is responsible for responding to general inquiries regarding State and Regional Board Programs; questions regarding the State Water Board’s Recycled Water Policy in accordance with Water Code §13552.5; as well as questions regarding Small Business compliance with State Water Board’s rules and regulations in accordance with Government Code §11148.
To contact the Ombudsman, please call (916) 341-5250, or e-mail Gita Kapahi at gkapahi@waterboards.ca.gov.
Water Recycling
The responsibilities of the Water Recycling Ombudsman (Water Code §13552.5) are currently being fulfilled by the Ombudsman to the State Water Board. In fulfilling this legislative requirement, it is the intention of the Board to coordinate and facilitate communication on recycled water; to coordinate the issuance of water reclamation requirements or waste discharge requirements; and to promote water recycling while using ensuring reasonable protection of water quality in accordance with the applicable provisions of State and federal water quality law.
Water Code
13552.5. (f) (1) The state board shall designate an ombudsperson to coordinate and facilitate communication on recycled water, on the issuance of water reclamation requirements or waste discharge requirements, as applicable, pursuant to Section 13523 or 13525.1 or this section, and in the promotion of water recycling while ensuring reasonable protection of water quality in accordance with applicable provisions of state and federal water quality law.
(2) The person appointed pursuant to paragraph (1) shall facilitate consultations between the state board and the regional boards relating to matters described in that paragraph.
Small Business
The responsibilities of the Small Business Ombudsman (Government Code §11148) are currently being fulfilled by the Ombudsman to the State Water Board. In fulfilling this legislative requirement, it is the intention of the Board to assist small businesses in this State in complying with regulatory standards designed to protect the public by providing information electronically or via printed materials. It is the responsibility of the Small Business Ombudsman to serve as a liaison between Small Businesses and the Board by receiving and responding to complaints; and providing technical advice and assisting small businesses in resolving problems and questions regarding compliance with the State Water Board’s rules and regulations.
Government Code
11148. (a) It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this article to assist small businesses in this state in complying with regulatory standards designed to protect the public.
(b) It is the further intent of the Legislature:
(1) That, to improve compliance results, information be provided by regulatory agencies by printed material or electronically, including at each agency’s Internet Web site, to all small businesses, as defined for that purpose, that would state in clear, plain language the actions required to comply with the regulation.
(2) That each agency that significantly regulates small business designate at least one individual to serve as the small business liaison with the role and responsibility of ombudsman for that agency.