With Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs) approved and determination of boundaries largely complete, GSAs are undertaking the challenging task of drafting Groundwater Sustainability Plans (GSPs).
For growers, it’s wise to determine which GSA they are a part of and get involved.
Although portions of GSPs are highly technical in nature, engagement is a requirement for plan preparation, as GSPs will guide groundwater management into the future, potentially including irrigation pumping limits and recharge projects.
Here are steps you can take to get ahead of the game:
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Determine which GSA covers your property. An online mapping tool created by California Department Water Resources (DWR) allows you to see which “Exclusive GSA” covers your property by entering a street address into the tool. |
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If you are interested in determining your “Exclusive GSA” for multiple properties, be sure to enter each address separately, as different locations could fall under different GSAs. |
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Sign up to be part of an “interested parties” list to receive information about the planning process, as the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) requires that members of this group are notified about public meetings concerning GSPs. At these meetings, you will have the opportunity to help shape your area’s GSP by ensuring that issues and decisions affecting your ability to irrigate and farm are considered during this planning process. If you are particularly interested in the planning process, consider joining the GSA board or an advisory committee. |
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GSPs will also identify areas and methods that are of interest for groundwater recharge. Almond Board of California (ABC) has identified almond orchards that show promise for winter recharge through an online map, and is researching potential impacts to orchard health from winter flooding. To manage basins sustainably in the meantime, you can suggest that seasonal flooding of agriculture through over-irrigation, maintaining water in unlined canals or other methods in appropriate areas be included in the plan.
SGMA has been described as a local empowerment law, with many decisions under local control, so be sure to take advantage of this opportunity and participate in development of GSPs that affect your farming operation.
For more information on GSP development and effective stakeholder engagement, visit water.ca.gov/Programs/Groundwater-Management/SGMA-Groundwater-Management.
