Learn about the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), which was adopted by the California Legislation in 2014 in response to the severe over-pumping of groundwater in what was then the third year of an historic drought.

This factsheet gives a brief overview of SGMA, its implications for communities, and how to get involved in the process.

Available in Spanish.

Under SGMA, Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs) were formed to manage groundwater. This opinion piece describes key elements to consider when forming effective GSAs.

This blog post gives recommendations for designing Groundwater Sustainability Agency in a way that most effectively facilitates effective groundwater management.

Frequently Asked Questions and answers about SGMA, compiled by the Community Water Center.

Available in Spanish.

Under SGMA, Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs) were formed to manage groundwater. This opinion piece describes key elements to consider when forming effective GSAs.

Find out which groundwater basin area you live in, whether it’s a medium or high priority basin, and what that means under SGMA.

This factsheet gives an overview of SGMA and describes the roles that different entities (cities, tribes, local agencies, stakeholders etc.) can play in Groundwater Sustainability Agencies.

In this video, the Manager of the State Water Board Groundwater Management Program discusses the timeline for Groundwater Sustainability Agencies after July 1st, 2017.

Consolidation of small water systems can create economies of scale that improve water access in disadvantaged communities. This report synthesizes a workshop aimed at identifying lessons learned from consolidations and building dialogue among stakeholders.

“In this article, we draw on insights from research on common pool resource management and natural resources governance to develop guidelines for institutional design for local groundwater governance, grounded in California’s developing experience.”

This report responds to concerns expressed by groundwater sustainability advocates that underrepresented farmers have not been included in the development and implementation of Groundwater Sustainability Plans.