Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Water Management topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Riverbank endorses Modesto Subbasin GSP revisions, commits to well-mitigation timeline
Summary
The City of Riverbank approved revised groundwater sustainability plan changes coordinated through the Modesto Subbasin GSA and committed to development of a well-mitigation program by Jan. 31, 2026 and implementation of management actions by Jan. 31, 2027 to address DWR-identified deficiencies.
Riverbank — The City Council voted unanimously to accept revisions to the Modesto Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) intended to remedy two deficiencies identified by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR).
Director of Public Works Cody Bridgewater explained the GSA's proposed approach: add analysis and justification for sustainable management criteria, provide a well-impact analysis and outline feasible projects and management actions. Bridgewater said the GSA proposes to develop a well-mitigation program by Jan. 31, 2026, and to implement management actions no later than Jan. 31, 2027, to address chronic groundwater lowering and overdraft concerns.
During discussion council members asked about funding sources and who would bear costs if mitigation is needed. Bridgewater said the GSA will pursue grants and that costs are generally borne by water districts, GSA fees and other funding mechanisms allowed under Proposition 218 and local agreements. He also noted the GSP revision must be submitted to DWR by mid-July.
A member of the public (telephone commenter) asked whether local property owners would shoulder the expense; staff replied that during development of the mitigation plan the GSA would identify funding pathways and assistance for impacted well owners.
The council approved the item by roll call vote 5-0. The GSA will use the next 18 months to prepare the mitigation and management-action packages for DWR review and for the board to consider further implementation steps.
Next procedural steps include GSA coordination with neighboring subbasins and development of a detailed well-mitigation plan to estimate costs, funding sources and implementation schedules.
