California Water Commission Meeting on Groundwater Issues

News Summary

The California Water Commission will hold a critical meeting on August 20 to discuss groundwater trading and the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). The meeting aims to gather insights from state and local entities on SGMA implementation and provide an update on groundwater trading practices. It is open to the public and will be live-streamed, ensuring broad participation. Additional agenda items include land subsidence management and potential changes to the Water Storage Investment Program regulations.

Sacramento, California – The California Water Commission is set to hold a significant meeting on August 20, focusing on the critical topics of groundwater trading and the implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). The gathering will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the California Natural Resources Building located on P Street in Sacramento.

This meeting aims to bring together state and local perspectives on the implementation of SGMA, which was enacted to ensure sustainable groundwater management throughout California. Key staff from the California Department of Water Resources and the State Water Resources Control Board will share insights and outline their roles in the enforcement and oversight of SGMA.

One of the main features of the meeting will be an update on the Commission’s 2022 white paper concerning groundwater trading. This update is expected to shed light on the state’s evolving stance on groundwater trading practices and their impact on local water management strategies.

Additionally, representatives from the Mid-Kaweah Groundwater Sustainability Agency will present their ongoing efforts related to groundwater trading practices, highlighting local initiatives and methods that have been implemented to respond to California’s water scarcity challenges.

Public Participation and Accessibility

The meeting is open to the public and will be live-streamed online, allowing for broader participation from interested parties. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in the discussion through remote commenting options, which will be detailed in a public participation guide available during the meeting.

Additional Agenda Items

Aside from discussing groundwater trading, the agenda includes a presentation on land subsidence management in California, a pressing issue resulting from extensive groundwater extraction. The commission will also consider potential changes to the Water Storage Investment Program regulations, seeking to address funding regulations and inflationary adjustments. These considerations come in the wake of the Los Vaqueros Reservoir Expansion Project’s withdrawal and the passage of Proposition 4 in 2024.

Focus on Stakeholder Interests

During the meeting, the California Water Commission will work towards balancing stakeholder interests in groundwater management. They recognize the importance of including small- and mid-scale farmers in the discussions, aiming to ensure that a diverse range of voices is heard regarding groundwater sustainability strategies in the state.

Background on SGMA

SGMA was passed in 2014 to enable local agencies to develop and implement sustainability plans to manage groundwater supplies. With California facing prolonged droughts and shrinking water resources, SGMA represents a vital step toward effective groundwater management. Its implementation requires cooperation among various stakeholders, including water users, local governments, and the state.

Groundwater trading, which allows users to buy and sell water rights, has emerged as a controversial yet critical tool within this framework. Proponents argue it can help allocate water resources more efficiently, while critics express concerns about equity and the potential for environmental degradation if not properly regulated.

The August 20 meeting is part of the Commission’s ongoing efforts to address the complexities associated with groundwater sustainability, and it reflects an proactive approach in dealing with water management issues that are vital to California’s agricultural sector, urban communities, and the environment as a whole.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

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• Wikipedia: Groundwater Management
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• Google Search: California groundwater trading
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• Google Scholar: Groundwater Sustainable Management Act
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• Encyclopedia Britannica: Groundwater in California
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• Google News: California water storage