Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP)
Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP)
In response to a state law enacted in 2014 – the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) – a roadmap for how groundwater will be managed over the next two decades will be finalized by January 2022. The goal is to balance the amount of groundwater pumped with the amount that is replenished by nature or humans.
Why do we need a plan?
State-wide extended drought and historic overpumping threaten the long-term future of groundwater resources necessary to support our needs, including urban, domestic, agricultural, industrial, and environmental. The State requires local agencies to develop and adopt a GSP by January 2022. If the Subbasin fails to meet state-mandated requirements, the State may intervene at a much higher cost than if we retain local control.
What is in the plan?
The GSP describes the physical setting and characteristics of the aquifer system. It assesses current, historical, and projected future groundwater conditions and articulates how groundwater management will avoid significant adverse impacts to beneficial users. The Plan considers projected conditions such as changes in climate, water use demand, groundwater recharge, etc. It also identifies potential methods and strategies to help achieve and maintain sustainability.
What is the impact on you?
The state-required plan has the potential to impact those who heavily rely on groundwater, including agricultural and municipal users. Domestic users (single well, no crops or large landscapes) are managed differently under State requirements, but still have the potential to be affected under certain circumstances. Therefore, your participation is essential for effective GSP development and implementation!
Who is developing the GSP?
Since 2017, the Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs) have been working to develop the GSP with support and input from subject-matter experts, stakeholders, and the community.