History of the San Gregorio Creek Adjudication
On March 26, 1979, the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) received a petition for a determination of the water rights in the San Gregorio Creek Stream System, pursuant to Chapter 3, Part 3, Division 2 of the Water Code, commencing with Section 2500. The SWRCB conducted a preliminary field investigation to determine the facts concerning issues of water supply and distribution. Based on the results of the preliminary field investigation report, the SWRCB granted the petition and ordered a detailed investigation of the stream system.
All known water users were Noticed of the SWRCB’s action and were also advised they should notify the SWRCB of their intention to file Proofs of Claim to water from the stream system. The SWRCB’s detailed field investigation was undertaken between 1980 and 1983. Proofs of Claim were filed and there was a process allowing objections to the Proofs of Claims, followed by hearings on the claims and objections.
A Preliminary Order of Determination of Water Supply and Use of Water was made by the SWRCB in 1984, followed by another series of hearings on objections and exceptions which resulted in a Revised Order of Determination in 1990. Hearings on the matter continued in the San Mateo County Superior Court during 1991 and 1992 and the Court eventually affirmed the SWRCB’s Revised Order of Determination (with modifications) which established the Decree on January 29, 1993. Paragraph 30 of the Decree specifies the requirements for Appointment of a Watermaster.