The Kings Subbasin Enters Agreement to Fill Interconnected Surface Water Data Gaps

The Kings Subbasin made further progress towards filling critical data gaps by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to move forward on a multi-agency effort to further study interconnected surface water conditions along the San Joaquin River. The MoU outlines a framework for cooperation among the Kings Subbasin GSAs, the Madera Subbasin GSAs, Friant Water Authority, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR), and the San Joaquin River Restoration Administrator.

This agreement establishes a technical committee and facilitates the sharing of data, ensuring transparent collaboration between the agencies. As the primary affected party in the Kings Subbasin, North Kings GSA plays a leading role by funding ongoing study costs (the San Joaquin River runs along the northern boundary of the North Kings GSA).

Understanding the interaction between surface and groundwater is an important facet for sustainable management under SGMA. Interconnected surface water depletion is one of SGMA’s seven sustainability indicators, serving as a key measure for evaluating groundwater conditions. These indicators are benchmarks for identifying and addressing undesirable results, such as reduced surface flows caused by groundwater pumping.

Starting this data gathering effort is critical for assessing potential impacts of groundwater pumping on the San Joaquin River. Once enough information is gathered, it will enable the agencies to develop strategies to avoid negative effects on surface flows and balance groundwater extraction with surface water resources.

Filling the interconnected surface water data gap is part of the Kings Subbasin’s efforts to meet the State’s requirements. The Department of Water Resources (DWR) approved the Kings Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Plans (GSPs) in 2023 on the condition that their corrective actions, including further study of surface and groundwater interactions, were addressed.