Sustainable Groundwater Management Act of 2014
The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act of 2014 (SGMA) is comprehensive legislation that governs the management and use of groundwater in California. SGMA’s intent is to provide for sustainable management of groundwater basins and to locally manage groundwater basins while minimizing state intervention to only when necessary.
The preservation of local management of the region’s groundwater is a fundamental principal for implementing SGMA in the Kings River region.
SGMA defines sustainable groundwater management as the management and use of groundwater in a manner that does not cause undesirable results including:
- Chronic lowering of groundwater levels
- Reductions in groundwater storage
- Seawater intrusion
- Degraded water quality
- Land subsidence
- Surface water depletion that has adverse impacts on beneficial uses
In accordance with SGMA there are several agencies in the region leading efforts to develop Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs) and Groundwater Sustainability Plans (GSPs). For information about how you and/or your organization can get involved in one or more of these efforts please contact us.
Sustainable Groundwater Management Act of 2014
Read the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, and related provisions.
GSA Development
SGMA requires the creation of Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs) to implement the law. Learn which ways these agencies can be created, what local efforts are underway, and how you can get involved.
Implementation Timeline
View the statutory schedule for SGMA implementation, including adoption of state regulations, governance formation, development of a sustainability plan and achieving sustainability.
Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) Regulation
Follow California DWR’s development of SGMA Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) Emergency Regulation.
Groundwater Basin Modifications
The Basin Boundary Emergency Regulation was developed by DWR and went into effect November 2015. Boundary modification proposals were submitted in March 2016.
SGMA Resources
Maps, materials, infographics, presentations, and links