Jackson’s wastewater plant releases treated wastewater into Jackson Creek, which ultimately flows into Lake Amador – a drinking water source for Jackson Valley. The new permit requires the city to keep its wastewater disposal at no more than 5% of the total volume of Lake Amador. The state could have required the city to meet that 5% limit at the point where the treatment plant drops wastewater into the creek – a much more difficult target to meet. Next step for the city is to conduct a study into the effects on the creek’s aquatic life if city wastewater flows are reduced. While the state water board wants less wastewater in the creek, fish and game officials may want to maintain the wastewater flows, which currently support the creek habitat. Downstream water users may also have water rights that could affect proposed changes in the city’s discharge. The city has 2 years to complete this study.