(a) Water Quality is not guaranteed. The Secretary does not warrant the quality of water released or delivered under Storage and Interstate Release Agreements, and the United States will not be liable for damages of any kind resulting from water quality problems. The United States is not under any obligation to construct or furnish water treatment facilities to maintain or improve water quality except as may otherwise be provided in relevant Federal law.

(b) Required water quality standards. All entities, in diverting, using, and returning Colorado River water, must:

(1) Comply with all applicable water pollution laws and regulations of the United States, the Storing State, and the Consuming State; and

(2) Obtain all applicable permits or licenses from the appropriate Federal, State, or local authorities regarding water quality and water pollution matters.

(a) Ensuring environmental compliance. The Secretary will complete environmental compliance documentation, compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended, and the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended; and will integrate the requirements of other statutes, laws, and executive orders as required for Federal actions to be taken under this part.

(b) Responsibility for environmental compliance work. Authorized entities seeking to enter into a Storage and Interstate Release Agreement under this part may prepare the appropriate documentation and compliance document for a proposed Federal action, such as execution of a proposed Storage and Interstate Release Agreement. The compliance documents must meet the standards set forth in Reclamation's national environmental policy guidance before they can be adopted.

(c) Responsibility for funding of Federal costs. All costs incurred by the United States in evaluating, processing, and/or executing a Storage and Interstate Release Agreement under this part must be funded in advance by the authorized entities that are party to that agreement.