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City staff: Kern County subbasin removed from probationary stance under SGMA after collaborative work
Summary
City staff reported that following a public hearing and collaborative work among local agencies, the state determined the Kern County Subbasin has substantially addressed plan deficiencies and will not be placed on probation, avoiding potential pumping restrictions for disadvantaged communities including Wasco.
City staff updated the Wasco City Council on local groundwater management and said the Kern County Subbasin will not be placed on probation under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) after state review.
A city representative reported that the Kern County Subbasin had been at risk of probation because initial plans were deemed inadequate by the Department of Water Resources. Staff said that, through regional collaboration under the Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) process, the subbasin has “substantially addressed the deficiencies” identified by the state. As a result, staff said the Department of Water Resources will return oversight and the probationary designation is not necessary.
Council members and staff praised the interagency work, and the council specifically acknowledged the contributions of city water staff and surrounding water districts. City staff warned that while probation was avoided, SGMA implementation is ongoing and may require continuing effort and coordination.
Ending: Council members called the update good news and commended staff for the collaborative effort; no action was required.
