Determine the Water Requirements

for Cannabis Cultivation

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    CALCULATING YOUR WATER NEEDS

     

    The exact amount of water it takes to grow cannabis depends on several factors such as the location, size of plants, type of soil, strain, etc. General consensus reached by the Emerald Growers Association in Humboldt County is that it takes approximately 100 – 200 gallons of water to produce one pound of the processed flower. Water requirements are based on the amount of cultivation, the property location, and the local fire protection authority standards.

     

    If you plan to divert water from a watercourse or water body, you should first ensure that you have a legal right to that water source. As good stewards of the environment, marijuana cultivators should develop water storage systems to collect and capture water during the wet season for use during the dry/growing season, in compliance with your water rights. This will help to minimize the impact of cannabis cultivation on aquatic ecosystems during the dry season and is especially important during drought years.

    The California State Water Board adopted the Cannabis Cultivation Policy to establish guidelines for water quality and the quantity of water used for cannabis cultivation in the state. The Cannabis Cultivation Program is a water quality permit known as the Cannabis General Order and through Cannabis Small Irrigation Use Registrations, relating to water rights.

    > California State Water Board Cannabis Cultivation Policy

    The General Order includes cannabis cultivators in the Central Valley Region whose cultivation activities occupy and/or disturb more than 1000 square feet. Cannabis cultivators whose cultivation activities occupy and/or disturb less than 1000 square feet are not required to obtain coverage under the General Order.

    Cannabis cultivators whose cultivation operations are not in compliance with local/county ordinances cannot obtain coverage under the General Order, but should abide by all Discharge Prohibitions and Discharge Specifications, and implement all applicable Best Management Practices outlined in the General Order, to ensure their operations do not impact water resources.

    Rainwater harvesting is a sustainable source of clean water. Rainwater catchment systems collect run-off from rooftops which is then stored for later use. Since collecting rainwater in this way does not require additional state permitting in most areas, it is a cost-effective solution to meeting water needs.

    > Learn More

    FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS FOR CULTIVATION

     

    The majority of fire departments in California are associated with a fire protection district that manages inspections, permits, enforcement directed by the County Fire Chief. Each County provides fire and building codes, fire sprinkler requirements, fire flow standards, inspection and permit process for fire protection. If the parcel is zoned “Forestry Recreation FR” or “Timber Production Zone TPZ” it must be approved by the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL-FIRE).

    A Fire & Life Safety Inspection is before starting an operation, even if there aren’t any improvements to the property being proposed. If more water is needed in case of fire emergencies, the water source must have the necessary firefighting adapter and nozzles.

    We offer complete permit submittal packages that include California engineer stamped detailed drawings as well as the tank foundation design for an easy process to spec for projects. Pioneer Water Tanks are constructed on-site with a proprietary jacking system that doesn’t require heavy machinery for an accelerated installation.

    FIRE PROTECTION

    If more water is needed in case of fire emergencies, the water source must have the necessary firefighting adapter and nozzles. Learn More:
    (Fire Department Requirements for Cannabis Cultivation)

    WATER STORAGE SOLUTIONS

    We’re here to provide water storage solutions for the cultivation industry that aligns with state requirements.

    Our BPA-free water storage tanks are designed to your needs with cost-efficient capacities approved for drinking water, irrigation and fire protection.

    Tank Link

    Diameter

    Wall Height

    10,000-Gallon Water Tanks15′ 5″7′ 2″
    15,000-Gallon Water Tanks19′ 9″”7′ 2″
    20,000-Gallon Water Tanks22′ 0″7′ 2″
    30,000-Gallon Water Tanks26′ 4″7′ 2″
    40,000-Gallon Water Tanks30′ 9″7′ 2″
    50,000-Gallon Water Tanks35′ 2″7′ 2″
    65,000-Gallon Water Tanks39′ 6″7′ 2″
    100,000-Gallon Water Tanks39′ 6″10′ 7″

    CALL (877) 223-7784