Two draft policies released for stakeholder input

Two new draft policies were released for public and committee review at the September 2nd Board Meeting. The Groundwater Export and Water Banking policies are open for public comment until September 30th. Their proposed adoption date is October 7th.

The Groundwater Export Policy clarifies and expands on the groundwater pumping restriction referenced in MAGSA’s Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) as a management action to achieve sustainability. The policy will allow MAGSA to oversee, manage, and reasonably regulate groundwater extraction within its boundaries effectively and equitably. This includes groundwater pumping within MAGSA for any use outside of MAGSA.

The Water Banking Policy establishes guidelines and principles for MAGSA on water banking within its service area. The policy outlines measures MAGSA may implement for its oversight of any water banking activities within its boundaries.

The draft policies can be reviewed and comments submitted via MAGSA’s Board Policy page. MAGSA stakeholders and landowners are encouraged to engage in this foundational aspect of the groundwater management process.