Watermaster Description
Stetson Engineers was appointed to the position of Watermaster for the San Gregorio Creek Stream System in August 2006 by the San Mateo County Superior Court. There were three prior Watermasters, who each served relatively short terms, before Stetson’s appointment in 2006. As the Court-appointed Watermaster, Stetson is responsible for administering the adjudicated surface water rights and performs duties described in the 1993 San Gregorio Creek Stream System Decree (“Decree”).
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- Some of the Watermaster’s primary duties and regular responsibilities include:
- Monitoring the available water supply and ensuring proper distribution of water in accordance with the priorities and water allocations established by the Decree.
- Conducting field investigations to measure and monitor stream flow and diversions within the watershed.
- Notifying water users of the need to reduce or cease diversions, according to priority of use, if and when the available supply warrants such notifications.
- Answering questions from water users and other parties pertaining to the adjudication, the 1993 Decree, and water use and water rights within the San Gregorio Creek Watershed.
- Evaluating water right transfers or petitions in the exercise of Decreed water rights and preparing written findings to the Court, with an opinion as to whether the transfer or petition would injure any legal user of water or unreasonably affect fish or other in-stream beneficial uses.
- Responding to and helping resolve water disputes amongst water users.
- Maintaining a water right holder mailing list and database of Decree allotments.
The Watermaster is available to Decree water right holders to meet in person or by phone to help answer any questions regarding Decree water rights or any water-related issues within the San Gregorio Creek Watershed. The Watermaster is also available to provide assistance on the proper measurement/metering of water diversions and can provide information and resources related to filing annual reports required by the State Water Resources Control Board. Please Contact us for more information.