Events

Yolo Subbasin Groundwater Agency Updates Nov 2023

Groundwater Sustainability Plan

The YSGA submitted the 2022 Yolo Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) in January 2022 as required. The State recently approved the 2022 GSP, although there were 24 recommended actions for the YSGA to incorporate into the 2027 Yolo Subbasin GSP to maintain compliance with SGMA.DWR’s statement of findings regarding the approval of the 2022 Yolo Subbasin GSP under SGMA can be read at yologroundwater.org.

GSP Implementation Funding

In September 2023, DWR announced the final funding recommendation for the SGMA Implementation Grant program and the YSGA was awarded $7.9 million to complete projects to enhance groundwater sustainability efforts in the Yolo Subbasin. The following projects were selected to receive funding: Yolo Subbasin GSP Implementation, Yolo-Zamora Groundwater Recharge Pilot Project, Dunnigan Area Recharge Program, City of Winters Feasibility Studies, and YCFC&WCD Winter Water Recharge Program.

Ag Well Drilling Permits

Permits for domestic wells and replacement wells are exempt from the Governor’s Executive Orders N-7-22 and N-3-23 (EO). The YSGA is in the process of updating the Well Permit Procedures as part of providing written verification for permitting new agricultural wells in compliance with the EOs.

The Board of Supervisors were contacted by some landowners whose wells went dry and asked that a well moratorium be implemented. County staff was directed to work with the YSGA to gather information about groundwater in the county.Effective September 26, the County imposed a 45-day moratorium on issuing well permits in Dunnigan Hills, Central Yolo, and North Yolo Management Areas.

The YSGA identified Areas of Special Concern and data gap regions that are collectively referred to as “Focus Areas” where additional data and information and may be required for completing the well permitting process for new ag wells (stock wells are likely exempt). Technical data and information reviewed to create the draft Focus Areas map included groundwater levels, geologic and geomorphologic maps, reported citizen concerns on proximity and cumulative impact of agricultural wells to domestic wells and declining groundwater levels, domestic well density and small water systems, and reported dry wells.

The public comment period for the draft Focus Areas map closes on November 14 and more information is available on the YSGA’s website at yologroundwater.org. The YSGA Board of Directors will consider the next steps related to adopting the map and defining the parameters of additional data and information at the meeting on November 20 at 3 p.m. at the Woodland Police Department.