What we are doing

Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) submitted for review

After forming, the first step of the Turlock Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs) was the development of a Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) to achieve sustainability by 2042. The Turlock Subbasin GSP was submitted to California’s Department of Water Resources on Jan. 28, 2022. The GSAs must submit annual progress reports to DWR and update the GSP every five years.

Based on DWR’s comments in their review of the Turlock GSP, the document has been revised. The Final Revised GSP was submitted to DWR before the July 16, 2024 deadline.

GSAs are provided tools and authorities through SGMA to develop and implement GSPs. For example, GSAs can require registration of wells, require reporting, assess fees to fund SGMA efforts, measure and manage extractions, and develop programs and facilities for groundwater recharge. All of which are intended to help manage groundwater and comply with SGMA. The Turlock Subbasin must be covered by a DWR-approved GSP by January 31, 2022.

The Turlock GSAs are planning to adopt a single GSP covering the entire Turlock Subbasin. GSPs require a significant amount of information and analysis to determine the best approach for achieving sustainability and avoiding undesirable results. GSPs also require significant education and outreach.