California Code, Water Code - WAT § 1259.4

(a)(1) On or before January 1, 2008, the board shall adopt principles and guidelines for maintaining instream flows in coastal streams from the Mattole River to San Francisco and in coastal streams entering northern San Pablo Bay, as part of state policy for water quality control adopted pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 13140) of Chapter 3 of Division 7, for the purposes of water right administration.

(2) The board may adopt principles and guidelines for maintaining instream flows not described in paragraph (1), as part of state policy for water quality control adopted pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 13140) of Chapter 3 of Division 7, for the purposes of water right administration.