Indian Wells Valley Water District plans outreach postcard for groundwater awareness

The Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Sustainability Agency (IWV GSA) convened on February 21, 2019, in Ridgecrest, Kern County, to discuss various operational and outreach issues concerning groundwater management in the region. The meeting began with a proposal to explore the availability of additional microphones for future meetings, emphasizing the need for better communication tools as attendance grows.

A significant portion of the discussion focused on the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) and the Public Advisory Committee (PAC) reports. Members expressed concerns about the length of TAC meetings, which are expected to extend further due to the increasing workload. The committees are tasked with developing groundwater sustainability plans (GSP), and members highlighted the importance of ensuring that all stakeholders, including domestic well owners, have their voices heard in the modeling scenarios being developed.

The board discussed the necessity of public outreach, particularly regarding the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) and its implications for local residents. A proposal was made to send out a postcard to all parcel owners in the valley, providing essential information about SGMA, the GSA's role, and how residents can engage with the process. The estimated cost for this outreach effort was approximately $9,000, which the water district expressed willingness to cover.

Public comments during the meeting underscored the need for effective communication strategies to ensure that all stakeholders are informed and engaged. Several attendees suggested that the postcard should include more compelling language to capture attention and emphasize the critical nature of the groundwater situation in the valley. There was a consensus that the outreach should not only inform but also motivate residents to participate actively in the groundwater management process.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to refine the outreach materials and ensure that they effectively convey the urgency of the groundwater issues facing the community. The board agreed to revisit the outreach plan in future meetings, aiming to enhance public understanding and involvement in groundwater sustainability efforts.