The San Diego River: A Natural, Historic, and Recreational Resource

In 2002, the California Legislature created the San Diego River Conservancy, formally recognizing the importance of the River to the public as a natural, historic, and recreational resource. The purpose of this article is to briefly consider the historical importance of the San Diego River, to examine the water quality challenges impacting the River today, and to analyze the principal regulatory programs administered by the Regional Board to meet these challenges. The premise is that the water quality of the River is essential to its functional integrity and future. Water quality monitoring indicates that the River has been impacted adversely by population growth and development in the San Diego watershed. The political will of state and local authorities will continue to be tested as this assault on water quality continues.