The State Water Resources Control Board voted Dec. 2 to return the Kaweah (Cahuilla) Subbasin to Department of Water Resources jurisdiction after staff concluded 2024 ground-water sustainability plan (GSP) revisions substantially addressed deficiencies identified under SGMA.

"We are here today for you, the board, to consider staff's recommendation for the Kaweah Subbasin to exit the state intervention process and return to the Department of Water Resources jurisdiction under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act," said Natalie Stork, director of the Office of Sustainable Groundwater Management.

Board staff outlined the subbasin's history in state intervention after DWR found 2022 GSPs inadequate for groundwater levels and land subsidence. The three Groundwater Sustainability Agencies revised their plans, adopted a coordination agreement in November 2024 and worked with board staff through many technical meetings in 2024. Staff's October 2025 assessment found most deficiencies resolved or substantially resolved and recommended returning the subbasin to DWR jurisdiction while identifying remaining tasks for continued implementation.

Those remaining items include filling groundwater quality and monitoring data gaps identified in the GSAs' work plan, further developing models to quantify surface-water depletion, clarifying mitigation program funding and technical assistance for infrastructure threatened by subsidence, and refining sustainable management criteria for interconnected surface water in line with forthcoming DWR guidance.

A broad set of local stakeholders — GSA leaders, farmers, researchers and community advocates — spoke in support of returning the basin and praised the collaborative process. "We're celebrating leaving probation," said Aaron Fukuda, one commenter. Community Water Center and the Leadership Council likewise urged the return while stressing accountability during implementation.

Board members lauded the GSAs' coordination and public engagement. The board moved, seconded and adopted the resolution unanimously; staff will notify DWR and continue to support GSA implementation as the subbasin works toward sustainability by 2040.

Board staff emphasized the action returns oversight to DWR but leaves clear expectations that GSAs must continue to fill data gaps, implement mitigation commitments and adjust plans as needed.