Sustainable Groundwater Management Act
Critical Overdraft
The Cuyama Valley relies entirely on groundwater for its water supply. The region does not have surface water sources nor does it receive water from the State Water Project or other sources. Among 515 water basins in the state, Cuyama is one of only 21 considered in “critical overdraft”. Current hydrological models estimate that the Cuyama Basin loses 26,000 acre-feet of water each year with current water use, which has led to the critically overdrafted condition of the aquifer (or basin).
Sustainability Plan
SGMA requires that a locally-led Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) develop a Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP). In Cuyama, the GSA is assisted by a Standing Advisory Committee of local residents and stakeholders. Together these groups will develop the GSP to end critically overdrafted conditions in the Cuyama Valley and bring the basin into balance by 2040, and beyond.
The CVFRC is working diligently to ensure that all members of the community are informed, engaged and heard in this historic process.
Get Involved!
Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) meetings take place on the 1st Wednesday of every month, 4:00 – 6:00pm. Meetings are held at the CVFRC. Childcare and live translation is available on request.
GSA’s Standing Advisory Committee (SAC) meetings take place on the last Thursday of every month, 4:00 – 6:00pm. Meetings are held at the CVFRC. Childcare and live translation is available on request.
Helpful Links:
- Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) website
- Union of Concerned Scientists toolkit: Getting Involved in Groundwater (in English and Spanish)
- Understanding SGMA (several good guides in English and Spanish on this page. San Joaquin Valley focused.)