Safe, clean water is essential to California, its nearly 39 million residents, its vibrant and diverse economy, and diverse natural ecosystems. California’s supply of accessible, affordable water, however, is limited. Meeting all needs sustainably is one of the state’s greatest challenges.
Groundwater provides more than one-third of the water used by all Californians each year (more than half in drought years). During California’s drought cycles, excessive groundwater pumping causes overdraft, failing wells, water quality impairments, environmental harm, and irreversible land subsidence that damages infrastructure and diminishes underground storage capacity.
Maintaining our quality of life while accommodating continued growth requires careful planning and forward-thinking management of the state’s water resources. The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) is a step in the right direction.
LGC’s newest Ahwahnee Water Principles Factsheet, “Smart Water, Smart Planning,” details how local governments can implement SGMA and start working toward sustainable groundwater management in their own jurisdictions.
Download “Smart Water, Smart Planning”
Livable Places Update (Oct 2016): Managing California’s Groundwater
How to Comment on Groundwater Sustainability Plans
Resources
Department of Water Resources (DWR), the agency responsible for SGMA implementation, is the first line of support for agencies navigating the new legislation. DWR offers technical support, financial assistance, and guidance in understanding SGMA regulations. Regional offices provide workshops, training, and resources to local planning agencies. Sources of immediate, reliable, and long-term state and local funding are available to local agencies specifically for planning and implementing SGMA activities.
Additional Resources
State agencies and NGOs are also offering resources and technical assistance to local governments and agencies implementing SGMA activities.
State Agencies
- OPR for general plan updates technical assistance
- State Water Board for free GSA facilitation services
NGOs
- CA Forward for EIFDs
- NGO Groundwater Collaborative (Clean Water Fund)
Other Resources
- Ahwahnee Water Principles Guidebook
- Collaborating for Success
- Measuring What Matters: Setting Objectives to Achieve Sustainable Groundwater Management in California
- CRWFS Applying the Connectivity Approach to the Kings Basin
- Sharing Groundwater: A Robust Framework and Implementation Roadmap for Sustainable Groundwater Management in California
