Board Approves Reserve Fund for Monitoring Wells Network

The North Kings GSA Board approved to establish a reserve fund to support a network of 10 dedicated groundwater monitoring wells. Dedicated monitoring wells are used solely for tracking groundwater conditions, not for pumping water. This marks a significant commitment to reliable data collection at a time when many are focused on SGMA projects.

The reserve will draw from rollover funds from the Fiscal Year 2024–2025 budget, and the Fiscal Year 2025–2026 budget, along with operating reserves from member agency fees. By combining these sources, the GSA can move forward without increasing costs for member agencies.

Filling Data Gaps and Improving Accuracy

Reliable groundwater data is the foundation of effective management. Currently, the GSA collects data from 32 wells, many of which are active agricultural wells. While these wells provide valuable information, they aren’t always available for consistent monitoring because they are used for irrigation and other purposes. The new monitoring wells will be dedicated solely to tracking groundwater conditions, allowing the GSA to collect more consistent and accurate data.

The wells will be installed in areas where information is limited, helping fill important data gaps across the region. Bradley & Sonas and Provost & Pritchard will complete the installation and maintenance work.

Supporting SGMA Compliance

Accurate groundwater data helps the GSA meet state reporting requirements under SGMA and demonstrate year-to-year progress toward sustainability. By establishing this reserve, the Board is making a proactive investment in keeping groundwater management in local hands.