Rincon Receives Treatment as State for Water Quality

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) is the primary federal agency responsible for administering the Clean Water Act (CWA). Federally recognized Tribes are eligible to administer certain activities of the CWA including the development of water quality programs and standards. On April 3, 2018 the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians was granted treatment in a manner similar to a state (TAS) by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under Clean Water Act §§ 303(c) and 401. With this authority, the Rincon Tribe can develop water quality standards for waterways within the reservation, similar to the process used by states under the Clean Water Act. After the Tribe develops the standards, and EPA approves, the Tribe can then administer surface water quality standards, building upon existing successful environmental programs. In 2021-2022, pursuant to its TAS, the Rincon Band developed its Tribal Water Quality Standards.

The Rincon Environmental Department manages and analyzes collected water quality data and provides information and outreach materials to the community, and organizes community events to promote and encourage water conservation and the responsible management of water.

The goals of the Rincon Environmental Department’s water quality monitoring program are to assess whether water quality criteria are being met and beneficial uses are being supported in the waters of the Rincon Reservation, to establish a baseline of water quality condition for all waters, and to identify changes in water quality. Monitoring is also conducted to evaluate whether there are water quality impacts on groundwater from nonpoint source pollution originating from land use and management activities, and to identify and prioritize the need for adaptive management or restoration.

Protecting Rincon’s Waters for a Sustainable Future

Go back to Rincon Environmental Department (RED) Page.