Kings Subbasin GSAs coordinate in response to DWR’s comments on Groundwater Sustainability Plans

The Kings Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs), including MAGSA, are meeting to discuss and respond to the California Department of Water Resources’ (DWR) comments on the subbasin’s Groundwater Sustainability Plans (GSPs). 

As the regulating and assisting agency under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), DWR had two years to evaluate the GSPs. The agency submitted its evaluation prior to the January 31, 2022 review deadline, determining the plans to be incomplete. This status was given to all San Joaquin Valley GSPs. DWR’s comments indicate they are looking for further information about the data MAGSA used to establish certain criteria in the GSP along with greater consistency among the subbasin’s GSPs. DWR’s full assessment of the Kings Subbasin GSPs can be accessed here.

The Kings Subbasin GSAs are coordinating on revisions based on DWR’s comments, and each GSA will resubmit their GSP within the mandated 180 days after receiving the comments.  Groundwater is managed locally by MAGSA through policies, programs and projects, but long-term sustainability requires the collaboration of the entire Kings Subbasin. Click here to read more about how the subbasin has already collaborated through investment in 600 acres of prime groundwater recharge land. 

ABOUT THE GSP: MAGSA’s GSP is a roadmap for how the region will avoid negative effects of groundwater overdraft and achieve sustainability by 2040. MAGSA actively sought landowner feedback during GSP development and continues to do so through the Stakeholder Committee and other channels. MAGSA is committed to securing a sustainable groundwater supply through collaboration with landowners and the implementation of innovative recharge projects. To learn more about MAGSA’s GSP, visit the Groundwater Sustainability Portal on the MAGSA website.