What does the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) aim to achieve?

The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) aims to regulate groundwater pumping and ensure sustainable use. This legislation was enacted in California to address the critical problems of groundwater depletion and to promote long-term sustainability of groundwater resources. The act requires local agencies to develop and implement Groundwater Sustainability Plans (GSPs) that outline how groundwater basins will be managed to prevent overdraft and to ensure that water supplies remain viable for future generations. By promoting careful management of groundwater resources, SGMA focuses on balancing water use with recharging groundwater supplies, aiming to prevent negative effects such as land subsidence and increased salinity. This holistic approach is essential for protecting both the ecosystem and community water needs, making sustainable groundwater management a priority.