SACRAMENTO— The State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) has named attorney Craig M. Wilson to serve in the newly created Watermaster position. The new Delta Watermaster is a more than 30-year veteran of dealing with California’s complex water issues. Wilson is currently a lawyer at Stoel Rives LLP specializing in water issues. He was the State Water Board’s Chief Counsel from 2000 until 2005. Prior to that, he had 24 years of experience in a variety of capacities with the Water Board.

“Craig Wilson is an expert who clearly understands the interests and views of the competing parties as well as the science and law of water in the Delta. It is no exaggeration to say that the state’s environmental and economic future may stand or fall on how California deals with the Delta in the next few years. Craig’s expertise will play a key part in that chapter of our water history,” said State Water Board Chair Charlie Hoppin.

The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Reform Act of 2009 (SB X7 1, Steinberg) requires the State Water Board to appoint a “Delta Watermaster” and to delegate authority to the Delta Watermaster, including authority to require monitoring and reporting, and take enforcement actions. The Delta Watermaster will act with a high degree of independence within the Delta to implement and enforce existing water rights laws and State Water Board permits, licenses, and decisions and authority to issue a notice of proposed cease and desist order or administrative civil liability complaint.

Wilsonis expected to begin work in his new position within 30 days. Last year’s law created the position, and a Delta Watermaster serves a four-year term
In addition to appointing the new Delta Watermaster, the State Water Board will also soon consider a report on water flow through the Delta, which is currently being assembled by Board staff based on the findings of a variety of scientific experts...