From the Department of Water Resources, Sustainable Groundwater Management Program:
2018 SGMA Basin Prioritization Draft Results Released: Webinar May 30
On May 18, 2018, DWR released a draft prioritization of groundwater basins as required by the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). Draft prioritization can be viewed using the newly developed 2018 Prioritization Dashboard. To learn more about basin prioritization, please refer to the 2018 SGMA Basin Prioritization Frequently Asked Questions.
The DWR Sustainable Groundwater Management Program will host a webinar to present the 2018 SGMA Basin Prioritization results and introduce the 2018 Basin Prioritization Process on Wednesday, May 30, 2018. Register to view the live webinar.
The 2018 SGMA Basin Prioritization is scheduled to be finalized by fall 2018 after a 60-day public comment period that will close on July 18, 2018. During the public comment period, DWR is seeking additional data or information that is consistent with statewide datasets identified in the Basin Prioritization Process and Results Document. To submit a comment, data, or information, please visit the website here. Comments submitted, as well as any information uploaded in support of comments, will be posted and visible to the public on DWR’s webpage for DRAFT 2018 Basin Prioritization Public Comments.
When the 2018 SGMA Basin Prioritization is finalized, the basins newly subject to SGMA must form Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs) within two years and develop Groundwater Sustainability Plans (GSPs) within five years, or submit an Alternative Plan within two years. To access and learn more about the services and resources DWR provides to local agencies and GSAs implementing SGMA, please visit the Assistance and Engagement webpage.
For more information, please visit the Basin Prioritization webpage.
Basin Boundary Modification Request Submission Period Ends June 30, 2018
SGMA establishes a process for local agencies to request that DWR revise the boundaries of existing groundwater basins or subbasins, including establishing new subbasins. The submission period for 2018 basin boundary modification requests is open until June 30, 2018, and the final basin boundary modifications are anticipated in fall/winter 2018.
DWR’s Basin Boundary Modification Request System (BBMRS) enables local agencies to submit requests for basin boundary modifications online and the public to view those requests and provide comment. All information to support a basin boundary modification request should be submitted using the BBMRS.
Once a modification request is submitted, and after DWR considers it complete, a 30-day public comment period is initiated for each modification request. All public comments should be submitted using the BBMRS.
SGMA requires that DWR reassess basin prioritization following basin boundary modifications (see Water Code § 10722.4(c)). As a result, if any basin modifications are made in response to the 2018 requests, those modifications may require changes to the 2018 SGMA Basin Prioritization results. DWR anticipates that only basins that are modified will require reassessment.
Access DWR’s online Basin Boundary Assessment Tool to get a visual depiction of existing Bulletin 118 groundwater basins.
For more information, please visit the Basin Boundary Modifications webpage.
State Water Resources Control Board – Proposition 1 Groundwater Grant Program
The State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) is administering $800 million to prevent or cleanup contamination of groundwater that serves or has served as a source of drinking water.
The Round 2 solicitation for Concept Proposals is open now. More information regarding the Round 2 solicitation process is available on the Proposition 1 Groundwater Grant Program website. The Helpful Hints provide a snapshot of key information regarding eligibility. The Concept Proposal solicitation is anticipated to close in July 2018. The final close date will be announced at least 30 days prior.
For questions, email gwquality.funding@waterboards.ca.gov, with the Subject Line: Prop 1 Groundwater Grant Program – Round 2 Solicitation.
DID YOU KNOW?
The 109 groundwater basins designated as high or medium priority account for approximately 91 percent of the average annual statewide groundwater use and 52 percent of the 2010 population overlying the groundwater basin area.
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