From the Department of Water Resources Sustainable Groundwater Management Office:
SAVE THE DATE DWR to Host GSA Forum
The Department of Water Resources (DWR) will host a free, public Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) Forum for GSA members and stakeholders on March 21, 2019, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., in the Sacramento area. The forum will highlight various GSA efforts to facilitate the exchange of ideas, establish professional networks and foster successful stakeholder engagement.
The GSA Forum will include two panel discussions, each with up to five representatives from different GSAs, focused on how the GSAs have approached communication, coordination, engagement and outreach. A diverse group of GSAs will be represented to showcase various governance structures, stakeholder outreach and engagement strategies. Each panelist will provide a brief presentation, followed by a Q&A session with the audience.
The forum will not be webcast. Boxed lunches will be available for purchase for the networking lunch. The specific venue and agenda will be shared once details are finalized.
The GSA Forum is free to attend, but space is limited so please register.
NEW Final Prioritization for Unmodified Basins Released
In early January, DWR announced Final Basin Prioritization for 458 unmodified basins, identifying 56 basins that are required to create groundwater sustainability plans. Frequently Asked Questions on Basin Prioritization was updated to reflect this. For questions, email sgmps@water.ca.gov.
NEW Sacramento Valley Subsidence Report Released this Week
On Tuesday, DWR released the Sacramento Valley GPS Subsidence Network Report and accompanying fact sheet conducted in coordination with 19 state and local agencies. The report on the findings of the 2017 GPS Survey of the Sacramento Valley Subsidence Network shows most of the Sacramento Valley has experienced little to no subsidence, however, some areas have experienced subsidence of up to 2.14 feet compared with baseline measurements recorded in the same location in 2008. For questions, email sgmps@water.ca.gov.
REMINDER Submit Your GSP Initial Notification
Groundwater sustainability agencies (GSA) are required to notify DWR, in writing, prior to initiating development of a groundwater sustainability plan (GSP). GSAs must submit all applicable GSP initial notification information to DWR using the SGMA Portal – GSP Initial Notification System. The SGMA Portal – GSP Initial Notification System also allows edits to be made to a previously submitted Initial Notification, including the ability to withdraw a submittal.
Also, remember, “If the geographic area to be covered by the plan includes a public water system regulated by the Public Utilities Commission, the groundwater sustainability agency shall provide the written statement to the commission.” See Water Code § 10727.8.
For more information, please see Frequently Asked Questions on GSP Initial Notification Requirements or contact the Regional Coordinators in DWR’s four Regional Offices.
For assistance with the system, please email monica.reis@water.ca.gov.
Connect with Your Basin Point of Contact
DWR has designated Basin Points of Contact to assist local agencies and GSAs as GSPs are developed and implemented and to assist with applications for Technical Support Services and Facilitation Support Services. To determine your basin point of contact, please see the following links that provide maps and contact information:
For regional inquiries, please contact sgmp_rc@water.ca.gov.
For general inquiries, please contact sgmps@water.ca.gov.
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