Introduction:

The Beaumont Basin Watermaster is the entity charged with administering adjudicated water rights and managing groundwater resources within the Beaumont Groundwater Basin. It was created on February 4, 2004 by a Judgment entered in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Riverside (Case No. RIC 389197). Pursuant to the Judgment, the Watermaster committee is comprised of representatives from the City of Banning, the City of Beaumont, the Beaumont-Cherry Valley Water District, South Mesa Mutual Water Company, b and the Yucaipa Valley Water District.

Watermaster’s area of jurisdiction, which is also known as the adjudicated boundary, overlies a portion of the Santa Ana River Watershed. San Timoteo Creek, which is tributary to the Santa Ana River, is one of the major surface streams traversing the area as well as portions of Little San Gorgonio Creek and Noble Creek. Click here to view a map of the Beaumont Basin.

Mission Statement:

The Beaumont Watermaster’s mission is: “TO MANAGE THE BEAUMONT GROUNDWATER BASIN IN THE MOST BENEFICIAL MANNER AND TO EQUITABLY ADMINISTER AND ENFORCE THE PROVISIONS OF THE BEAUMONT BASIN JUDGMENT”, Case No. RIC 389197.

Responsibilities and Functions:

Watermaster’s primary responsibilities include the following:

  • Determine the amount of groundwater that each producer is entitled to extract without incurring a replenishment obligation for the succeeding fiscal year.
  • Collect production, water quality, water level, and other relevant data from producers.
  • Approve and facilitate the storage of water in the Basin.
  • Implement consensus plans regarding the management of the Basin.
  • Acquire and spread replenishment water as needed.
  • Manage and control the replenishment of water supplies in the Basin.
  • Coordinate or participate in local efforts to preserve and restore the quality of groundwater in the Basin.
  • Assist and encourage regulatory agencies to enforce water quality regulations affecting the Basin.
  • Prepare an annual report of Watermaster activities, including financial activities and summary reports of pumping and diversion.