From the State Water Board:
The State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) is inviting your participation in the review of the Draft Guidance on Designating Tribal Beneficial Uses (TBUs).
Since time immemorial, California Native American Tribes have stewarded California’s waterbodies to support cultural, spiritual, ceremonial, subsistence and/or traditional practices, lifeways and rights. Tribal Beneficial Uses recognize and honor Tribal Nations’ unique and ongoing relationships with water and ensure that these uses are considered and safeguarded in water quality policies, planning, and permitting regulatory processes.
The newly released Draft Guidance on Designating Tribal Beneficial Uses explains the history of Tribal Beneficial Uses, what TBUs are, how TBUs are designated into water quality control plans, and how to engage in the process. This draft guidance does not create any legal requirements or make them more specific, rather it is intended only to describe existing requirements and practices.
The State Water Board is currently seeking feedback on the Draft Guidance. Here are ways to engage:
- Review the Draft Guidance
- Submit Written Comments
- Participate in the State Water Board Workshop
Review the Draft Guidance
The Draft Guidance on Designating Tribal Beneficial Uses can be downloaded at: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/tribal_affairs/beneficial_uses/draft_guidance.html
For more information on Tribal Beneficial Uses, visit: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/tribal_affairs/beneficial_uses/
Submit Written Comments
All written comments must be submitted by 12:00pm (noon) on
August 31, 2026. Comments received after this time and date may not be considered.
Please email your written comments to commentletters@waterboards.ca.gov and include “Comment Letter: TBU Guidance Document” in the subject line. You may also mail, or hand deliver your written comments to the following address:
State Water Resources Control Board
Attention: Courtney Tyler, Clerk to the Board
P.O. Box 100, Sacramento, CA 95812-0100 (by mail)
1001 I Street, 24th Floor Sacramento, CA 95814 (hand delivery)
Attend the Board Workshop
The State Water Board will host a workshop to review the draft Guidance on Designating Tribal Beneficial Uses and gather feedback from Tribal representatives and other partners. The workshop will also highlight progress taking place across the state, with presentations from Tribal representatives and Water Board staff. Participants may choose to watch the workshop or provide verbal comments during the public comment portion.
- Date: Wednesday, July 22, 2026
- Time: 9AM
- Location: Coastal Hearing Room (second floor), CalEPA Headquarters, 1001 I street, Sacramento, CA 95814
- Watch via webcast: calepa.ca.gov OR youtube.com/user/BoardWebSupport
More Information
To sign up for the Water Boards Tribal Matters email subscription, visit: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/about_us/public_participation/tribal_affairs/
For other questions, please contact Tribal-Liaison@waterboards.ca.gov
