During the recent State Water Resources Control Board hearing on September 17, 2025, significant discussions centered around community engagement in groundwater sustainability planning. Board members acknowledged the considerable efforts made to involve local communities in the revisions of Groundwater Sustainability Plans (GSPs). However, they expressed concerns about the effectiveness of outreach efforts, particularly given the eight-year gap in coordinated community engagement.

The board highlighted that while feedback from community pop-up events and workshops was incorporated into the GSP revisions, there remains a noticeable disconnect between community needs and project management actions. Members emphasized the importance of ensuring that community feedback is not only gathered but also reflected in actionable plans that address groundwater access and quality protections.

Despite the progress made, board members concluded that more work is necessary to enhance public participation in General Services Agency (GSA) board meetings and workshops. They stressed that ongoing efforts are vital to ensure that community voices are heard and integrated into future planning processes.

As the meeting wrapped up, the board reiterated its commitment to improving coordination and engagement with local residents, recognizing that achieving sustainable groundwater management requires a collaborative approach that truly reflects community priorities. The next steps will focus on addressing these gaps and fostering a more inclusive dialogue moving forward.