Fall 2024 groundwater level report reveals water table holds steady
The North Kings GSA is pleased to share highlights from the Fresno Irrigation District’s (FID) Fall 2024 Groundwater Level Conditions Report and monitoring of the wells in the North Kings GSA representative monitoring network, which provides insights into the state of groundwater within the North Kings GSA boundary.
Based on the Fall 2024 groundwater level measurements, groundwater levels show minimal change compared to Fall 2023. This stability is a positive sign of a recovering aquifer and reflects the ongoing efforts of local agencies and landowners to manage and replenish groundwater resources effectively.
This report relies on measurements from a network of wells across FID and the North Kings GSA, offering a detailed snapshot of groundwater depth and trends over time. FID accounts for most of the North Kings GSA service area including the North Kings GSA representative monitoring wells, making its report a reliable indicator of groundwater levels throughout the GSA.
The steady levels can be attributed to the capture and use of surface water during wet periods like the historic 2023 water year, and the long irrigation seasons which kept groundwater pumps off for extended periods of time.
The heavy storm events from the 2022-2023 historic water year delivered significant rainfall and snowpack, creating unprecedented opportunity for recharge and a water supply surplus that could be stored and used as a buffer the following year. Across the Kings Subbasin, an estimated 500,000 acre-feet was recharged in 2023.
The surface water availability also reduced reliance on groundwater to meet demands. By using available surface water groundwater pumping needs were reduced, allowing the aquifer to stabilize and recharge.
While the 2023–2024 water year was considered an average year, FID ran a 5-month delivery season to its customers. The available surface water combined with the positive impacts of the prior year’s recharge efforts are evident today.
The North Kings GSA attributes much of this success to its member agencies, who have developed and maintained the infrastructure necessary to capture and recharge surface water efficiently. Strategic investments in recharge basins and water conveyance systems have been critical to these efforts.
Contributions from agricultural producers also cannot go unrecognized. Growers’ commitment to efficiently using groundwater through drip irrigation, soil moisture sensors, and other conservation measures reduces over-pumping and its impacts. Additionally, growers who took advantage of surface water deliveries to keep pumps off or to directly recharge on-farm made a positive impact to stabilize the water table.
Looking ahead, the GSA is committed to improving data collection and monitoring capabilities. Plans are underway to install additional dedicated monitoring wells to provide more precise data on groundwater conditions. This data will help refine management strategies that will aid in ensuring long-term groundwater sustainability.
