GSP FAQs
Frequently-asked questions about Groundwater Sustainability Plans and their related concepts are gathered on this page, and will be added to over time.
What is SGMA?
The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) is the term used to reference AB 1739, SB 1168 and SB 1319. See also Water Code Div. 6 Part 2.74, Sustainable Groundwater Management [10720 – 10738].
Authority to act under the law known as SGMA as a Groundwater Sustainability Agency requires adoption of a groundwater sustainability plan (GSP) or alternative plan. Read more about provisions and regulations here.
When did FCGMA become a groundwater sustainability agency (GSA)?
On January 9, 2015, by Resolution No. 2015-01, the FCGMA Board accepted the authority of a Groundwater Sustainability Agency.
What is a groundwater sustainability plan (GSP)?
A groundwater sustainability plan (GSP) specifies measures to ensure that basins operate within its sustainable yield (required for high- and medium-priority basins). The GSP is required to contain: historical data; groundwater levels, quality, subsidence; groundwater – surface water interaction; historical and projected demands and supplies; recharge areas; measurable objectives; interim five-year milestones; goal: sustainability within 20 years; 50 year planning and implementation horizon; and monitoring data.
FCGMA prepared GSPs in compliance with the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). The Fox Canyon GMA Board adopted the GSPs at a public hearing on December 13, 2019. The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) approved the GSPs for the Oxnard and Pleasant Valley Basins on November 22, 2021, and the Las Posas Valley Basin on January 13, 2022.
What are the requirements for implementing a GSP?
To assist groundwater sustainability agencies with implementing or updating their groundwater sustainability plans, the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) has published several helpful resources to identify best management practices and guidance documents for GSAs.
Regarding deliverables, DWR has published an updated guide that includes guidelines and requirements for Annual Reports, Periodic Evaluations, and Plan Amendments. This deliverable builds off guidelines included in the GSP Regulations.
For further information from DWR, please visit their GSP page.