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Experts tell lawmakers large recharge push and fallowing are likely under SGMA; DWR, PPIC outline options
Summary
Researchers and DWR officials told the committees that even with new recharge and FIRO tools, the San Joaquin Valley may require 500,000–900,000 acres to fallow by 2040 to meet SGMA goals, with large economic impacts unless supplemented by infrastructure and markets.
Caitlin Peterson of the Public Policy Institute of California told the committee that groundwater sustainability plans collectively target roughly 1,000,000 acre‑feet of additional recharge per year by 2040 but that supply solutions alone will likely address only about half of the deficit. "The numbers that Undersecretary Birdsong cited came from us," she said when restating modeled reductions.
DWR witnesses described watershed studies, forecast‑informed reservoir operations (FIRO) pilots and DWR technical assistance. Deputy Director Paul Gosselin said DWR will issue draft Prop 4 grant guidance with a focus on watershed resiliency, groundwater recharge and groundwater banking pilots. Panelists pressed the committee on practical barriers — conveyance constraints, crediting for on‑farm recharge, and the need to coordinate downstream contract holders so flood diversions can be used safely for recharge.
