California Marks 10th Anniversary of Groundbreaking Groundwater Management Law

more than 250 local Groundwater Sustainability Agencies have been established to manage water resources,Photo byImanionUnsplash

Today marks the 10th anniversary of California’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), a landmark law passed during a historic drought to combat overpumping and safeguard the state’s groundwater supplies. Groundwater is crucial to California's water system, providing up to 60% of the state’s water during droughts and serving 85% of the population for some portion of their water needs.

In the decade since its enactment, more than 250 local Groundwater Sustainability Agencies have been established to manage water resources, protect drinking wells, and promote groundwater recharge. Governor Gavin Newsom emphasized the importance of continuing efforts to preserve this vital resource, as climate change intensifies California’s water challenges.