Sustainable Groundwater Management - SGMA

Groundwater Management In Merced County

In 2014 Governor Jerry Brown signed three laws collectively known as the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) requiring local management of groundwater.  Merced County includes portions of four groundwater subbasins requiring sustainable groundwater planning and management under SGMA.  Each subbasin will implement a Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP), developed and managed by locally-driven Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs).  All GSPs in Merced County must be developed by 2020 or 2022.  

Merced County takes its SGMA responsibilities seriously and is committed to working collaboratively with local water agencies to develop policies that lead to groundwater sustainability.  

SGMA Implementation Timeline

September 2014 - The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act was signed into law.

June 30, 2017 - Establish GSAs for all high and medium priority sub-basins.

January 31, 2020 - Critical condition basins must have adopted and be managed by a GSP.

April 1, 2020 - GSA’s provide report on progress towards sustainability to the Department of Water Resources.

January 31, 2022 - All other high and medium priority basins must adopt and be managed by a GSP.

January 31, 2025 - GSA’s provide assessments and updates during implementation of the GSP’s.

January 31, 2040 - Critical condition basins must achieve groundwater sustainability.

January 31, 2042 - All other high and medium priority basins must achieve groundwater sustainability.

Mailing List

Sign up for the Merced Subbasin GSA Mailing List

Groundwater Resources

California Department of Water Resources SGMA Portal

California Department of Water Resources Groundwater Information Center

State Water Resources Control Board SGMA Program