How long do you have to report a bypass to DWR?

• A. 12 Hours
• B. 48 Hours
• C. 24 Hours
• D. 72 Hours

Answer: (C)

When a bypass occurs, it needs to be reported to the regulatory agency promptly to protect water quality and ensure proper oversight. The standard reporting window is 24 hours from discovery of the bypass, so the agency can assess impact, take corrective actions, and enforce permit conditions if needed. Reporting sooner helps minimize environmental risk and demonstrates responsible operation.

Windows of 12 hours or 72 hours aren’t the typical regulatory requirement, and 48 hours is longer than the standard expectation, making it more likely to be viewed as late.