News
DWR Has Launched a New Website – New Year, New Look, Same Commitment
February 14, 2018
On February 12, DWR debuted a new digital look, launching its website redesign. With this digital redesign, we renew our commitment to open and transparent communication. The site is still located at https://www.water.ca.gov, but with a new look and feel as we aim to tell the big-picture story of our work. A key aspect of that work includes information about our Sustainable Groundwater Management Program and assistance resources. On our new pages, you will find items reorganized but more accessible. From the Groundwater Management page you can access the:
SGMA Portal
Data and Tools
SGMA Facilitation & Technical Support Services
CASGEM
Sustainable Groundwater Planning Grant Program, and more
GSAs Required to Use New GSP Initial Notification System – Tutorial Now Available
February 14, 2018
Effective immediately, Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs) are required to submit all applicable GSP notification information to DWR using the SGMA Portal – GSP Initial Notification System. The SGMA Portal can be accessed using the following URL: http://sgma.water.ca.gov/portal/#gsp
On January 19, 2018, DWR held a webinar featuring the new GSP Initial Notification System. The recording of the webinar as well as presentation materials are now available online.
A Frequently Asked Questions reference is available to inform GSAs about the GSP initial notification requirements, as described in the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) and GSP Regulations. Instructions on how to comment on submitted GSP Initial Notifications can be found here. And check out the GSP Initial Notification Map Viewer here.
If GSAs have questions about initial notifications, please contact the Regional Coordinators in DWR’s four Regional Offices or DWR Headquarters in Sacramento:
Northern Region: Bill Ehorn
North Central Region: Paul Wells
South Central Region: Amanda Peisch-Derby
Southern Region: Brian Moniz
Headquarters (Sacramento): Monica Reis
Find more information at https://www.water.ca.gov/Programs/Groundwater-Management/SGMA-Groundwater-Management/Groundwater-Sustainability-Plans
Reminder: Alternative Submittals – First Annual Reports Deadline – April 1, 2018
February 14, 2018
The SGMA established a process for local agencies to develop an Alternative in lieu of a Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) for evaluation by DWR. An Alternative is required to be submitted to DWR for review no later than January 1, 2017 and every 5 years thereafter. The first annual report submittal deadline is April 1, 2018.
DWR has developed an online Alternative Reporting System that allows local agencies to submit Alternatives and the public to review and comment on the Alternatives. For more information on requirements and evaluation criteria please visit https://www.water.ca.gov/Programs/Groundwater-Management/SGMA-Groundwater-Management/Groundwater-Sustainability-Plans and reference the Groundwater Sustainability Plan Regulations.