The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) provides a framework for sustainable management of groundwater supplies by local authorities, with a role for State intervention if necessary to protect the resource. The SGMA requires the formation of local groundwater sustainability agencies (GSAs) that are responsible for the adoption and implementation of management plans to achieve long-term groundwater sustainability. The Department of Water Resources (DWR) established a June 30, 2017 deadline for the establishment of local GSAs.
DWR’s GSA Map Viewer reflects the current status of areas covered by a GSA. Of note, there are no substantial unmanaged areas in the Sacramento Valley, and the San Joaquin Valley is not far behind.
RCRC recently collaborated with the Northern California Water Association (NCWA) on a groundwater fact sheet titled The State of Sacramento Valley Groundwater. We’ve circulated this document amongst numerous policy makers in Sacramento, and encourage RCRC Board Members to share the fact sheet with their respective Boards and local municipal organization.
The Central Valley Water Board is providing a 30-day public comment period for its recently released Groundwater Quality Management Plan. Prior to Executive Officer approval, Central Valley Water Board staff will consider stakeholder comments to determine whether the plan meets program requirements and goals and contains all of the information needed in a management plan. Please submit written comments to Dana Kulesza at Dana.Kulesza@waterboards.ca.gov by August 18, 2017.