What is SGMA and why should homeowners care?

SGMA (Sustainable Groundwater Management Act) is California's 2014 law requiring sustainable management of groundwater basins. Homeowners should care because it can affect your ability to drill new wells, may require well registration in some areas, could eventually include pumping fees, and will impact groundwater levels and reliability in your basin.

Am I exempt from SGMA as a domestic well owner?

Domestic wells using less than 2 acre-feet per year (about 650,000 gallons) are classified as 'de minimis extractors' and are generally exempt from most fees and metering requirements. However, you're not exempt from overall basin management—if water levels decline, your well can still be affected. You may still need to register your well with the GSA.

What is a GSA and how does it affect me?

A Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) is the local agency responsible for managing groundwater in your basin under SGMA. GSAs can require well registration, implement pumping restrictions, charge fees, require metering, and regulate new well drilling. Find your GSA through the California DWR SGMA portal.

Can I still drill a new domestic well under SGMA?

In most basins, yes, but it's getting more complicated. Some critically overdrafted basins have moratoriums or restrictions on new wells. Even where allowed, you may need GSA notification or approval in addition to the county permit. The process and requirements vary by basin, so check with your GSA before planning a new well.

Will I have to pay pumping fees for my domestic well?

Currently, de minimis domestic users (under 2 acre-feet/year) are generally exempt from pumping fees in most GSAs. However, some GSAs charge registration fees or flat annual fees. As basins work toward sustainability, fee structures may change. Large domestic users or those in critically overdrafted basins may face fees sooner.

What are 'undesirable results' under SGMA?

Undesirable results are negative conditions GSAs must prevent, including: significant and unreasonable lowering of groundwater levels, reduction in groundwater storage, seawater intrusion, land subsidence, degraded water quality, and impacts to interconnected surface water. If your well goes dry due to declining levels, that's an undesirable result the GSA should be working to prevent.

How do I find out what basin my property is in?

Use the California DWR SGMA Data Viewer at https://sgma.water.ca.gov/webgis/. Enter your address to find your groundwater basin, its priority level, the responsible GSA, and links to the Groundwater Sustainability Plan. Your county environmental health department can also help identify your basin.

What if my well goes dry due to SGMA management?

This is a complex issue. GSAs are supposed to prevent 'undesirable results' including significant drops in water levels. However, domestic well impacts haven't always been prioritized. Some GSAs are developing programs for well owners affected by declining levels. If your well is threatened, document the situation, attend GSA meetings, and consider consulting a water rights attorney.