Santa Margarita River Watershed Watermaster Summary
On January 25, 1951, the United States of America filed Complaint No. 1247 in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California, United States v. Fallbrook Public Utility District, et al., Civil No. 51-cv-1247-GPC-RBB, to seek a judicial determination of all respective water rights within the Santa Margarita River Watershed. The Final Judgment and Decree was entered on May 8, 1963, and appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals. A Modified Final Judgment and Decree was entered on April 6, 1966. Among other things, the Decree provides that the Court:
. . . retains continuing jurisdiction of this cause as to the use of all surface waters within the watershed of the Santa Margarita River and all underground or sub-surface waters within the watershed of the Santa Margarita River, which are determined in any of the constituent parts of this Modified Final Judgment to be a part of the sub-surface flow of any specific river or creek, or which are determined in any of the constituent parts of this Modified Final Judgment to add to, contribute to, or support the Santa Margarita River stream system.
In March 1989, the Court appointed a Watermaster to administer and enforce the provisions of the Modified Final Judgment and Decree and subsequent instructions and orders of the Court. The appointing Order described the Watermaster’s powers and duties as well as procedures for funding and operating the Watermaster’s office.
Due to the large number of parties and their diversity in SMR region, in 1989, the Court appointed a Steering Committee that is currently comprised of representatives from the United States, Eastern Municipal Water District, Fallbrook Public Utility District, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, Pechanga Band of Luiseño Mission Indians, Rancho California Water District, and Western Municipal Water District.
The purpose of the Steering Committee is to assist the Watermaster and Court in the oversight management of the case. The Steering Committee is responsible for coordinating the conduct of litigation in the following manner:
- Recommend to the Court a candidate for the position of Watermaster in the Santa Margarita Watershed.
- Recommend to the Court the scope of reference for the Watermaster’s duties and responsibilities.
- Assist the Watermaster by providing information and data as requested.
- Meet with the Watermaster on a quarterly basis to discuss the status of the Watermaster’s activities.
- The Steering Committee shall review and make recommendations on the budget and proposed expenditures of the Watermaster.
- Any other tasks as determined to be necessary by the Court.