Key Technical Aspects of DWR Reviews on Submitted 2020 GSPs Developed by Lisa Porta, M&A, with input from Marcus Trotta/Sonoma Water, Abhishek Singh/INTERA, and Samantha Adams/West Yost, of the GRA Technical Committee
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basin is not pumping more than its overall sustainable yield. he California Department of Water Resources However, a water budget only provides a general view of (DWR) has released their reviews on the the amount of water available in the basin, how much is Groundwater Sustainability Plans (GSP) submitted extracted and replenished and if use of groundwater has by Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs) in January stayed consistent over time or increased. It does not provide 2020. These first plans were developed for critically an indication of localized impacts on beneficial users overdrafted basins that have to overcome a myriad of water within the basin. This is where Sustainable Management resources challenges to achieve sustainability by 2040. The Criteria (SMCs) and the local definition of undesirable DWR reviews identified deficiencies in a number of GSPs results come into play. Sustainable management is only and provide some insights on improvements to technical truly achievable with an adaptive plan that relies on a wellanalysis, data collection and use, and interpretation of developed monitoring current information, network and policies that as they relate to the trigger action in response Sustainable Groundwater to basin conditions. Management Act (SGMA) DWR provided two types of reviews on the The interplay of water Legislation and the GSP 2020-submitted GSPs: accounting, monitoring, Regulations. and actionable/adaptable One of the key disconnects 1. Approved GSPs with minor deficiencies where policies with robust in the GSPs found to be DWR included recommended corrective actions, stakeholder outreach and deficient by DWR, is that which can be addressed in the 5-year update. engagement provide the sustainability was often 2.GSPs deemed incomplete that have to address best tools for GSAs to measured in terms of a specific deficiencies within 180 days, and resubmit manage their basins for balanced groundwater the GSPs to DWR for review. long-term sustainability. budget – e.g., sustainability
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is achieved as long as the
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