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Waterford council adopts groundwater management program and well-mitigation plan to comply with SGMA
Summary
The council unanimously approved a groundwater-use management program and a companion well-mitigation plan for the Modesto Groundwater Subbasin to meet Sustainable Groundwater Management Act requirements, setting demand-management implementation deadlines and an application window for impacted domestic wells.
The Waterford City Council voted unanimously to adopt a groundwater use management program for the Modesto Groundwater Subbasin and a well-mitigation plan intended to address drinking-water wells adversely affected by basin management actions. "Staff has reviewed the plan and recommends council adopt the resolution," the presenting staff member said, describing allocation of sustainable yield across four management areas and an implementation schedule.
Why it matters: The resolutions advance compliance with the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) and the subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP), set deadlines for demand-management actions and create a process to assist residents whose wells are impacted during implementation.
Key details: Resolution 2026-02 recognizes the need to implement demand-management actions and to develop action plans so that demand-management identified in the program is under implementation by January 31, 2027, with an ultimate sustainability target by February 22, 2042. The well-mitigation plan (Resolution 2026-03) focuses on water-supply mitigation for domestic drinking-water wells that suffered impacts after January 31, 2022; applications for impacts occurring between Jan. 31, 2022 and the program adoption must be submitted within six months of adoption, and the mitigation program includes processes consistent with California Government Tort Claim procedures.
Council discussion and public comment: Amanda, a resident, asked what responsibilities domestic well owners might have under the program. Staff replied that the plan, at this stage, focuses on landowner/acreage-based measures and that details for domestic-well response are being developed. Staff also noted that as of the presentation they were not aware of any currently dry domestic wells in Waterford.
Outcome: Both resolutions were adopted by unanimous vote (4-0). The program will next be forwarded to the Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) for consideration and implementation activities across the subbasin management areas. Staff said the program provides a framework for allocation of sustainable yield among management areas and allows local stewards to develop area-specific demand-management strategies.
Provenance: Presentation and council adoption (topic introduction SEG 1313; adoption recorded SEG 1530).
