Stay Informed on Construction Industry Water Quality News
News on recent important developments in water quality regulatory and policy-making activities in California and Washington D.C.
Construction & Building Industry News
Each month, CICWQ collects news and information on water quality and water supply reliability topics. Articles cover a wide range of issues affecting the construction industry: water quality and wetlands regulations and policies, water supply, sewer system, and stormwater drainage improvement efforts, and multi-benefit, regional water supply reliability project development.
CICWQ also publishes technical articles and reports periodically and prepares presentations that emphasize water quality research and findings specific to the construction industry.
LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS
Water Quality and Supply Issues Monthly Update-APRIL 2025
April 2025 Update: Spring in California brings more than sunshine—it's a critical time for water and infrastructure. From peak snowpack and runoff to key water quality legislation and the latest Infrastructure Report Card, important changes are on the horizon for builders, developers, and public works professionals.
Water Quality and Supply Issues Monthly Update-MARCH 2025
March 2025 Update: Key water policies are evolving. A Supreme Court ruling may reshape stormwater compliance, SB 601 could raise building costs, and stormwater credit trading offers funding solutions. Plus, wildfire response highlights water supply challenges.
January 2025 Wildfire in Los Angeles County and Water Supply Reliability – What Happened and What Can We Learn
Wildfires and water supply are deeply connected. ICICWQ’s Principal Technical Director, Mark Grey, examines how water reliability impacted firefighting efforts in LA County’s recent wildfires. He debunks misconceptions, highlights key response lessons, and explores how communities can better protect their homes and businesses.
Water Quality and Supply Issues Monthly Update-FEBRUARY 2025
February 2025 Update: As California’s rainy season continues, construction sites must be storm-ready! Plus, CASQA is now the official SWPPP training operator. Meanwhile, the State is shaping a new stormwater capture policy. Stay informed—your input matters!
Water Quality and Supply Issues Monthly Update-JANUARY 2025
January 2025 Update: CICWQ extends heartfelt sympathy to those affected by the LA County wildfires. As rebuilding begins, we urge construction pros to prepare for California’s rainy season by inspecting sites, updating SWPPP compliance, and staying informed on stormwater policy updates.
Water Quality and Supply Issues Monthly Update-DECEMBER 2024
December 2024 Update: The Delta Conveyance Project took a major step forward this December, with the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California approving $142 million for critical pre-construction activities. CICWQ has long advocated for the project, providing testimony and comment letters and collaborating with business and labor organizations to ensure its success.
Water Quality and Supply Issues Monthly Update-NOVEMBER 2024
November 2024 Update: We remind construction site stormwater management professionals in California that the QSD/QSP credential administration is transitioning from Sacramento State University Office of Water Programs to CASQA. Additionally, we spotlight Proposition 4, the Climate Bond, which brings new funding for statewide water quality and reliability projects.
Water Quality and Supply Issues Monthly Update-OCTOBER 2024
October 2024 Update: Autumn is here, and as we prepare for the wet season, we highlight two key topics. The new 2024 CASQA Construction BMP Handbook is now available, ensuring compliance with stormwater regulations. Proposition 4, the 2024 Climate Bond, includes $3.8B for water supply protection.
Water Quality and Supply Issues Monthly Update-SEPTEMBER 2024
September 2024 Update: Santa Ana Regional MS4 Permit Update: CICWQ fights to cut costly, ineffective stormwater rules in the Santa Ana Region of southern California. Sites Reservoir Project in Northern California: Seeking approval of a plan to divert up to 1.5 million acre feet per year of water from the Sacramento River to increase California water supplies by adding more surface storage. California Water Watch: Lets you track daily precipitation, reservoir levels, and more across the state.
Water Quality and Supply Issues Monthly Update-AUGUST 2024
August 2024 Update: Revised California Construction General Permit for Stormwater – First Year Implementation Issues Presentation – 39th Annual Tri-State Seminar; Revised California Construction General Permit for Stormwater Training Workshop – August 28-29, 2024 -- San Diego, California; and the CASQA Conference in October – Sacramento – Construction General Permit for Stormwater Information and Education Sessions
Water Quality and Supply Issues Monthly Update-JULY 2024
July 2024 Update: The 39th Annual Tri-State Seminar – August 5-8, 2024 -- Las Vegas, Nevada; The 18th Annual Southern California Water Conference – August 9, 2024 -- Ontario, California; The New California Stormwater Construction General Permit Workshop – August 28-29, 2024 -- San Diego, California; and the Proposed Santa Ana River Watershed Regional MS4 Permit – Construction Industry Comments.
JUNE 2024 CICWQ Recap
Stay informed! Key updates from CICWQ June 2024 Recap: State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) - Construction General Permit Renewal – 2022 CGP Implementation Issues, Santa Ana Watershed Regional MS4 Permit Renewal, California Water Supply and Reliability Issues, and California 2024 Legislative Session Update
California Department of Water Resources - Urban Stormwater Runoff Capture and Management Strategy
The California Department of Water Resources is seeking public comments on draft strategies for the California Water Plan Update 2023. Released in April 2024, the plan guides water resource management for various stakeholders.
Regional MS4 Permit for Santa Ana River Watershed Released for Public Review and Comment
The Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board has released a draft Phase I MS4 permit for public review and comment until July 3, 2024. This new permit merges three county permits into one regional permit, impacting development and stormwater management in the Santa Ana watershed.
Water Quality and Supply Issues Monthly Update-JUNE 2024
June 2024 Update: Revised California Construction General Permit for Stormwater—first-year implementation issues; California Department of Water Resources—benefit cost analysis for the Delta Conveyance Project; Proposed Santa Ana River Watershed Regional MS4 Permit—public review; Learn more!
CICWQ-MAY 2024 Recap
Stay informed! Key updates from CICWQ May 2024 Recap: SWRCB's "Making Conservation a Way of Life" Regulation, California Water Plan 2023 Updates, Delta Conveyance Project Analysis, and the Santa Ana River Watershed Regional MS4 Permit.
Water Quality and Supply Issues Monthly Update-MAY 2024
May 2024 Update: California's new urban stormwater strategies and positive water supply news for State Water Contractors. Learn more!
CICWQ-APRIL 2024 Recap
The Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board proposes a new Phase I MS4 Permit, consolidating three existing permits for better stormwater management. Concerns arise over the slow progress of LA County's Safe Clean Water Program. Recent Supreme Court rulings impact the EPA's definition of "waters of the United States.” Lastly, efforts persist to address California's water supply and reliability issues.
Water Quality and Supply Issues Monthly Update-APRIL 2024
Spring brings hope for California's water supply. Positive snowpack levels ease concerns, with focus on sustainability and a new stormwater pollution permit in the Santa Ana River watershed.
CICWQ-MARCH 2024 Recap
New tools for CGP compliance & SWPPP training. Proposed MS4 permit for Santa Ana region. Public comment open for water conservation regulations. Snow survey results released by DWR. Stay updated!
CICWQ FOUNDED IN 2001 BY OUR TRADE ASSOCIATION MEMBERS
Major funding for CICWQ is provided by the Construction Industry Advancement Fund and the Fund for Construction Industry Advancement