Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA)
The historic passage of SGMA in 2014 set forth a statewide framework to help protect groundwater resources over the long-term. SGMA is comprised from a three-bill legislative package, including AB 1739 (Dickinson), SB 1168 (Pavley), and SB 1319 (Pavley), and subsequent statewide Regulations. In signing SGMA, then-Governor Jerry Brown emphasized that “groundwater management in California is best accomplished locally.”
SGMA requires local agencies to form groundwater sustainability agencies (GSAs) for the high and medium priority basins. GSAs develop and implement groundwater sustainability plans (GSPs) to avoid undesirable results and mitigate overdraft within 20 years.
DWR serves two roles to support local SGMA implementation:
1) Regulatory oversight through the evaluation and assessment of GSPs
2) Providing ongoing assistance to locals through the development of:
- Best management practices and guidance
- Planning assistance
- Technical assistance
- Financial assistance
Learn more about SGMA and the importance of groundwater:
- View the video below,
- View or download the SGMA Overview Brochure (available in English in an online version or an 11-inch by 17-inch printable version, and Spanish in an online version or an 11-inch by 17-inch printable version) NEW
- View, the SGMA Groundwater StoryMap,
- Read, more about SGMA implementation in an Op-ed by the Department (Publish Date: Mar 2022).
Groundwater: California's Vital Resource
Video also available in the following languages:
SGMA Portal
The SGMA Portal allows local agencies, GSAs, and watermasters to submit, modify, and view the information required by SGMA. It also enables you to view submitted information and provide comments, where applicable. You don't need a login for public access.
Data & Tools
We have a long history of data collection, monitoring, and reporting. With the passage of SGMA, there is an increased need for local and state agencies and the public to easily access water data in order to make informed management decisions. Here you will find a curated set of data, interactive mapping tools, and reports which are important resources to inform sustainable groundwater management decision-making.
SGMA Facilitation & Technical Support Services
Our Facilitation Support Services (FSS) aim to help local agencies work through challenging water management situations. Professional facilitators are sometimes needed to help foster discussions among diverse water management interests and local agencies as they strive to implement SGMA.
Our Technical Support Services (TSS) supports GSAs as they develop their GSPs. TSS’s goal is to provide education, data, and tools to GSAs to build the capacity needed to achieve sustainability.
Sustainable Groundwater Planning Grant Program
The Sustainable Groundwater Planning (SGWP) Grant Program provides funds for projects that develop and implement sustainable groundwater planning and projects consistent with groundwater planning requirements outlined in Division 6 of the California Water Code, commencing at §10000.
Contact Us
General Inquiries:
sgmps@water.ca.gov
Regional Inquiries:
sgmp_rc@water.ca.gov
Basin Points of Contact:
Northern Region
North Central Region
South Central Region
Southern Region
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