Mid Kings GSA adopts domestic-well mitigation program, begins funding study including $2 million reserve

On Aug. 12, 2025 the Mid Kings Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) Board of Directors adopted a domestic well mitigation program intended to supply emergency water and longer-term mitigation if groundwater pumping, subsidence or falling water levels cause rural domestic wells to fail. The board voted 6–0 (one member absent) to approve the program after a staff presentation and questions from board members.

The GSA staff presentation, led by Amir (GSA staff), framed the program as a required element for the GSA's Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) and as part of the agency's response to state oversight under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). Staff said the program will be appended to the GSP and is designed to give impacted households interim drinking water and then evaluate mitigation options up to and including replacement of an affected domestic well where the impact is caused by lowered groundwater levels or subsidence.

Under the adopted plan, eligibility is limited to impacts that occurred on or after Jan. 1, 2015 (the start of SGMA implementation). Rural domestic wells are the primary focus; community and municipal wells are eligible for a separate, technical‑assistance track. Staff told the board the program distinguishes between (1) emergency/interim water supply, (2) a mitigation track for wells shown to be impacted by groundwater declines (including measures up to replacement drilled to deeper levels), and (3) a technical assistance track…