Monterey County Water Agency proposes new groundwater monitoring fees for Salinas Valley

The Monterey County Board of Supervisors convened on June 3, 2025, to discuss a significant regulatory fee structure for groundwater monitoring, aimed at enhancing the management of the Salinas Valley Basin's water resources. The proposed fees, which are set to take effect on July 1, 2025, include charges for well registration, groundwater extraction reporting, and monitoring of groundwater levels and quality.

The fee structure includes an initial registration fee of $160.16 per well, an annual renewal fee of $21.86, and additional fees for groundwater extraction reporting ($64.82), groundwater level monitoring ($117.68), and groundwater quality monitoring ($73.92). These fees are designed to recover costs associated with the groundwater monitoring program, which has been developed in response to the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) enacted by the state in 2014.

During the meeting, Ara Hajdarian, General Manager of the Water Resources Agency, emphasized the importance of these fees for sustainable groundwater management. He noted that the program aims to provide reliable data to ensure the long-term viability of groundwater resources, which are crucial for both agricultural and residential users in the region.

The discussion also highlighted concerns from supervisors regarding the fairness of the fee structure, particularly for de minimis users—those who extract less than two acre-feet of water per year. Some supervisors expressed apprehension that these users, who represent a small fraction of total water consumption, would disproportionately bear the costs of the program. Suggestions were made to explore potential funding sources to assist low-income residents with the initial registration fees.

Public comments reflected a mix of support and concern. Stakeholders acknowledged the need for comprehensive data to manage groundwater effectively but raised questions about the potential financial burden on small well owners. Some suggested that existing data from the Environmental Health Bureau could be leveraged to avoid duplicative fees.

As the board deliberated, it became clear that while the need for a groundwater monitoring program is recognized, the implementation of the fee structure requires careful consideration to balance the financial implications for all well owners. The board is expected to revisit the proposal, potentially incorporating feedback from stakeholders to ensure a fair and effective approach to groundwater management in Monterey County.