News Summary
The California Water Commission will meet on August 20 to address groundwater trading and the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). Presentations will include updates from the California Department of Water Resources and local agencies. The public is encouraged to participate, with remote commenting options available. The agenda includes discussions on land subsidence management and proposed changes to the Water Storage Investment Program regulations. This meeting aims to enhance groundwater management and ensure inclusivity among stakeholders, particularly small and mid-scale farmers.
Sacramento, California – The California Water Commission will convene on Wednesday, August 20, at 9:30 a.m. to discuss critical issues surrounding groundwater trading and the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). The meeting, taking place at the California Natural Resources Building, will provide state and local perspectives on SGMA implementation aimed at addressing the state’s groundwater sustainability challenges.
The session is set to feature presentations from staff at the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) and the State Water Resources Control Board, who will outline their roles in the ongoing implementation of SGMA. An important update regarding the Commission’s 2022 white paper on groundwater trading will also be presented, shedding light on new developments and recommendations for stakeholders.
Representatives from the Mid-Kaweah Groundwater Sustainability Agency will participate to discuss their experiences and practices related to groundwater trading. This focus aims to share local insights and strategies that can help improve groundwater management across the state.
The upcoming meeting is designed to be inclusive, with opportunities for public participation. The public is encouraged to attend in person or view the proceedings live online. A public participation guide will be available, which will include options for remote commenting to ensure that diverse voices are heard during discussions on groundwater management.
Another key item on the agenda will be a presentation on land subsidence management in California, an issue directly related to groundwater usage and sustainability. The California Water Commission aims to address how land subsidence – the gradual sinking of the ground due to groundwater extraction – can be mitigated effectively through smarter management practices.
As part of the meeting, the California Water Commission will also consider potential changes to the Water Storage Investment Program regulations. These proposed changes may include early funding regulations and adjustments to account for inflation, following the withdrawal of the Los Vaqueros Reservoir Expansion Project and the recent passage of Proposition 4 in 2024.
It is vital for the Commission to strike a balance among various stakeholder interests, particularly the inclusion of small and mid-scale farmers in the discussions. Recognizing the significance of diverse perspectives, the Commission is committed to ensuring that all segments of the agricultural community are represented in efforts to develop effective groundwater management strategies.
The California Water Commission plays a critical role in overseeing water resource management in the state. Since the implementation of SGMA, which was enacted in 2014, the Commission has been tasked with ensuring that groundwater sustainability is achieved at both local and regional levels. This governing body is part of California’s broader response to significant challenges posed by prolonged drought conditions and climate variability, which have made sustainable groundwater management paramount.
The August meeting will provide essential updates and engage stakeholders in discussions that could shape California’s water management future. With increasing awareness of the importance of groundwater as a resource, the outcomes of this meeting could have lasting implications for agricultural practices, environmental protection, and overall community resilience in the face of water scarcity.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Action News Now
- Wikipedia: Groundwater
- Daily Republic
- Google Search: Sustainable Groundwater Management Act
- ScienceDirect
- Google Scholar: Groundwater trading
- Civil Eats
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Water Management
- Wired
- Google News: California water storage investment
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