Historic 2023 Water Year Boosted Groundwater Supplies

SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) has released the latest Semi-Annual Groundwater Conditions report, and the data show that California achieved 4.1 million acre-feet of managed groundwater recharge during Water Year 2023, which is nearly the water storage capacity of Shasta Lake. The report also details an increase in groundwater storage of 8.7 million acre-feet.

Water Year 2023 is the first year since 2019 that there has been a reported increase in groundwater storage. A significant reduction in groundwater pumping in 2023 also led to favorable groundwater conditions, including a decrease in land subsidence, or sinking of the land. Some areas that had previously experienced subsidence actually saw a rebound (uplift) in ground surface elevation from reduced pumping in the deeper aquifers and refilling of groundwater storage.

The groundwater report released today includes, for the first time, groundwater sustainability plan Annual Report data reported by local groundwater sustainability agencies (GSAs) across 99 groundwater basins which make up over 90 percent of the groundwater use in the State.

Groundwater is one of California’s most important natural resources and, more likely than not, groundwater is part of your life. Nearly 85 percent of Californians depend on groundwater for some portion of their water supply, and in dry years when surface water supplies are lacking, communities turn to groundwater to fulfill the needs of households, agriculture, and businesses. California’s rich and abundant ecosystems also rely on groundwater to sustain the natural plant and animal communities that make California such an exceptional place to live, work and recreate.

While the last two rainy seasons have been good news for California’s groundwater basins, there is still a lot of work to do. Long-term groundwater storage remains in a deficit of nearly 40 million acre-feet over the past two decades, due in part to years of pumping out more water than has been replenished. It would take nearly five consecutive above average, not just average, water years like 2023 to fill that gap. California needs to replenish what nature provides by expanding groundwater recharge projects, upgrading water infrastructure, and modernizing our water distribution system through projects like the Delta Conveyance Project, to be able to move water during high flows to maximize storage.

“California is invested in preparing for weather extremes by maximizing the wet years to store as much water as possible in preparation for the dry years,” said Paul Gosselin, DWR Deputy Director of Sustainable Water Management. “The impressive recharge numbers in 2023 are the result of hard work by the local agencies combined with dedicated efforts from the state, but we must do more to be prepared to capture and store water when the wet years come.”

During the 2023 Water Year, more than 1.2 million acre-feet of groundwater recharge was permitted by state agencies, more than 400,000 acre-feet of flood water was recharged using the Governor’s Executive Orders, and millions more acre-feet of managed and naturally occurring recharge was achieved. Groundwater recharge projects have proved critical during flood response, as we saw in 2023 when thousands of acre-feet of water were diverted off of streams, away from flood-prone areas, and put onto available open lands to recharge groundwater basins. Learn more about water infrastructure projects in your community at build.ca.gov.

Since groundwater is out of sight, beneath our feet, we need data and information from the underground aquifers to make informed groundwater management decisions that are backed by the most current science. DWR’s Semi-Annual Groundwater Conditions report provides current data to support the comprehensive California’s Groundwater (Bulletin 118) publication which is updated every five years. This suite of reports provides the latest knowledge and understanding about California’s groundwater system, helping state and local agencies manage groundwater resources for long-term water supply resiliency.

Ten years ago, the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act was signed into law to address ongoing impacts of groundwater declines throughout the state. As a result of this important legislation, we are collectively learning more than ever before about California’s groundwater basins from data being collected and reported by local GSAs as well as from state investments in new technologies and expanded groundwater monitoring.

The Semi-Annual Groundwater Conditions report includes the latest data and discussion on statewide groundwater levels, groundwater storage, recharge, land subsidence, well infrastructure and the status of California’s groundwater basins. These reports are not just for water managers, they are also important resources for anyone who wants to gain an understanding of their local water supply.

Groundwater is essential for human well-being, ecosystems, agriculture, and economies. Each year we’re learning more about how to address the challenges of a changing climate, and the data and information contained in DWR’s Semi-Annual Groundwater Conditions report provides the latest and best understanding of the vital water resource that lies beneath our feet.

For more information:

DWR Semi-Annual Groundwater Conditions Updates

California’s Groundwater (Bulletin 118)

California’s Groundwater Live

DWR Basin Characterization Program

Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA)

May 2024 Priority Issues Update Now Available

The May 2024 Priority Issues Update is now available online to members.

The update is a summary of the latest developments on issues of interest to ACWA members. This issue contains information on the climate resilience bond, Bay-Delta Plan, Proposition 218 legislation and more.

The new and previous Priority Issues Updates can be found here.

Vista Irrigation District Announces Student Contest Winners

VISTA – Vista Irrigation District awarded college scholarships to three high school seniors and selected three fourth-grade students from the local community as winners of two separate district‑sponsored contests.

Scholarships in the amount of $2,000 were awarded to Elizabeth Fellars and Juan Paz from Rancho Buena Vista High School and Ilona Medina from Vista High School as winners in the Vista Irrigation District 2024 scholarship contest.

Bailey Backer, a fourth grade student from Empresa Elementary, received first place honors from the district for her entry in the 2024 Water Awareness Poster Contest; she received a $100 award.  Juliette Stoiloff and Skylar Butner from Tri-City Christian School received a second ($50) and third ($25) place awards, respectively, for their entries in the contest.

The purpose of the scholarship contest, which is open to high school seniors living or attending school within the district’s service area, is to increase the knowledge and awareness of water related issues affecting Vista Irrigation District.  The district received eight applications this year.

The poster contest, which targets students in the fourth-grade, is designed to promote understanding of water issues in elementary schools.  This year’s theme was “Love Water, Save Water.”  The three winning posters were selected from 205 entries based upon their depiction of the theme, artwork, originality, and poster design.  All three winners’ artwork will appear in the 2025 Water Awareness Calendar, which will be available, free of charge at the district’s office in November 2024.

Vista Irrigation District is a public agency governed by an elected five-member board.  The district provides water service to roughly 130,000 people in the city of Vista, and portions of San Marcos, Escondido, Oceanside, and unincorporated areas of the county of San Diego.

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Drip Drop, Hip Hop: Engaging Children in Water Efficiency

William Land Elementary School in Sacramento was flowing with excitement on April 22 as children engaged in a unique blend of art and education during the Earth Day performance of Drip Drop, Hip Hop: A Journey Through the American River Watershed.

Developed collaboratively by the NorCal School of the Arts (NorCal Arts) and the Regional Water Authority (RWA), the event showcased a three-person play aimed at educating children and families about water efficiency and caring for the American River Watershed.

Sacramento Councilmember Rick Jennings shared his insights on Earth Day during the event, saying, “Each individual’s action, no matter how small, is a testament to the collective power we hold in safeguarding our planet. Let Earth Day be a reminder that our efforts, together, can shape a sustainable future for all.”

Councilmember Lisa Kaplan, who starred in the play as the narrator, highlighted the transformative power of art-based education, saying, “Through art, the Drip Drop, Hip Hop program inspires children about the importance of saving water, while at the same time reinforcing the significance of being a leader and taking action to preserve our water resources and beautiful rivers for years to come.”

The event, attended by 250 elementary school children, also marked the unveiling of a new water efficiency Public Service Announcement (PSA) featuring local children spreading the water efficiency message. The PSA is available at BeWaterSmart.info/dripdrophiphop.

“We’re grateful for the generous grant funding of $300,000 from the City of Sacramento’s Capital Region Creative Corps and the California Arts Council, which has made this project possible,” said NorCal Arts Executive Director, Michele Hillen-Noufer. “Drip Drop, Hip Hop exemplifies our commitment to using the arts as a catalyst for education and empowerment.”

“This Earth Day performance is just one example of our ongoing efforts to reach out to communities and encourage water efficiency,” said RWA Manager of Government Relations Ryan Ojakian. “Through programs like Drip Drop, Hip Hop, we aim to empower children, our future water stewards, to champion water efficiency throughout their lives.”

About the Northern California School of the Arts and Regional Water Authority

NorCal School of the Arts (NorCal Arts) utilizes the arts to educate our community and address relevant issues facing young people such as mental wellness, violence prevention and water conservation. NorCal serves students in Title 1 schools in Sacramento and Yolo Counties. More than 10,000 students and their families and over 400 teachers in K-12 public schools are reached by NorCal’s programming every year, making it one of the most comprehensive arts education programs in our region. Learn more at norcalsota.org.

The Regional Water Authority (RWA) is a joint powers authority representing 20 water providers serving 2 million people in the greater Sacramento region. Formed in 2001, its primary mission is to help its members protect and enhance the reliability, availability, affordability, and quality of water resources. Learn more at BeWaterSmart.info and rwah2o.org.

This activity is funded in part by the California Arts Council, a State agency.

EVMWD Celebrates 50 years of Safe Drinking Water Act During Drinking Water Week

LAKE ELSINORE – Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District (EVMWD) proudly joins communities across North America in commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) during Drinking Water Week. From May 5-11 this year, EVMWD celebrates this significant milestone and emphasizes the crucial role of safe drinking water in daily life.

“As we mark 50 years of the Safe Drinking Water Act and Drinking Water Week, we reaffirm our commitment to resilience in providing clean and reliable water services to our community 24/7,” said General Manager Greg Thomas of EVMWD. “Our highly qualified employees work tirelessly to ensure that our customers receive the highest quality water, meeting stringent standards set forth by the SDWA. They are the backbone of our operations, embodying our dedication to excellence in water service delivery.”

The passage of the SDWA in 1974 marked a pivotal moment in ensuring water quality standards and regulatory measures to protect public health and safety. EVMWD celebrates this legacy by continuously investing in partnerships and infrastructure to address the evolving needs of our community. Collaborating with local entities like the City of Lake Elsinore, City of Canyon Lake, City of Wildomar, the County of Riverside and Lake Elsinore Storm Stadium, and regional partners such as Western Water, EVMWD leverages these relationships to enhance watershed stewardship and community engagement.

Highlighting our dedication to environmental stewardship, EVMWD is advancing key initiatives through the expansion of the Horsethief Canyon and Regional Water Reclamation Facilities. These expansions are strategically designed to enhance our capacity to receive, treat, and supply recycled water. EVMWD recycles 100% of our water, meeting and exceeding regulatory requirements. This increase in recycled water capacity not only upholds our commitment to sustainability but also plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological health of Lake Elsinore. Providing the lake with 100% recycled water aids in preserving its natural balance and supporting its ongoing vitality.

EVMWD actively fosters community involvement and education on sustainable water management throughout the year with programs for students from kindergarten through 12th grade and various community events, including the annual STEM science fair in collaboration with the Lake Elsinore Valley Unified School District. In March 2024, EVMWD opened its doors to over 800 people in the community for our annual Splash Into Spring event.

Integrity is a cornerstone of EVMWD’s mission, underscoring our dedication to transparency. This commitment is highlighted each year with the release of our Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). This report offers a detailed look at water quality standards and testing results, ensuring that our community is well-informed about the safety and management of their water supply. We strongly encourage all residents to access and review this important document, available at www.evmwd.com/CCR. Please look for the latest report, set to be published on July 1, 2024.

During Drinking Water Week, we are taking additional steps to promote water efficiency by giving away free reusable water bottles to any resident within our service area. We invite residents to visit our offices to collect their reuseable water bottle Monday through Thursday, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., while supplies last. By making this small change, we hope to inspire larger, lasting impacts on water conservation and sustainability in our community.

#### EVMWD provides service to more than 159,000 water and wastewater customers in a 97-square-mile area in Western Riverside County. The EVMWD team delivers total water management that powers the health and vibrancy of its communities so life can flourish.

Santa Margarita Groundwater Basin Conditions Improved in 2023

Rainfall data for the 2023 Water Year:

• 71.0 inches of rain at Boulder Creek, 140% of average
• 53.8 inches of rain in Scotts Valley, 130% of average
• 241,000 acre-feet (AF) of annual flow measured on the San Lorenzo River at Big Trees in Felton, 250% of average

From a water-use perspective, demand was the lowest in nearly 40 years. Approximately 3,702 AF of water was used in the Basin during the time period. It also marked the lowest groundwater use dating back to 1985 at 2,361 AF. The wet year also allowed the Basin to use more surface water for supply, leaving groundwater in storage for future needs. As a result, groundwater storage, increased substantially during the Water Year.

Projects to improve the conditions in the groundwater basin were implemented during the year, including water use efficiency programs by Scotts Valley Water District and San Lorenzo Valley Water District to reduce overall demand, as well as improvements to San Lorenzo Valley Water District’s water storage tanks to reduce losses of water. A monitoring well network was also constructed during the year to improve the assessment of groundwater basin conditions through time.

Following Board approval at its Feb. 29, 2024, meeting, the Annual Report was submitted to DWR on March 7, 2024. The report describes the water year conditions and water year use, what SMGWA achieved toward implementing elements of its state-mandated groundwater sustainability plan, and what the results were for those efforts.

ABOUT SANTA MARGARITA GROUNDWATER AGENCY The Santa Margarita Groundwater Agency (SMGWA) oversees groundwater management of the Santa Margarita Groundwater Basin in Santa Cruz County, California. The agency was formed in 2017 by the San Lorenzo Valley Water District, Scotts Valley Water District and the County of Santa Cruz to comply with the requirements of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) of 2014. The SMGWA Board of Directors includes two representatives from each of the member agencies, one from the City of Scotts Valley, one from the City of Santa Cruz, one from the Mount Hermon Association Community Water System and two private well owner representatives. Learn more at www.smgwa.org, on Facebook and on Instagram.

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Desert Water Agency Welcomes New Management Team Member

Desert Water Agency is pleased to announce Victoria Llort as its new Director of Public Affairs and Conservation. Llort started on April 22, 2024, and will oversee public awareness, conservation, legislative and community involvement programs.

“Victoria is well-versed in the federal, state and regional water landscape, and brings extensive public agency experience to DWA,” said General Manager Steve Johnson. “She is adept at advocating on behalf of critical water issues affecting the region and in leading comprehensive community outreach and conservation campaigns. We are thrilled that she has joined our team.”

Desert Water Agency is a State Water Project Contractor located in Palm Springs that manages and imports water for a 325-square-mile area in the western Coachella Valley.

Llort most recently served as Government and Regional Affairs Manager at Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) for more than two years. At CVWD, she directed government affairs programs, led outreach to elected officials and policymakers, and coordinated special projects.

“I am honored to join the hardworking team at DWA and continue to champion water matters for the state and region,” said Llort. “As we look to the future, ensuring healthy water supplies and resiliency via conservation, education, policy and new delivery system projects is crucial. I look forward to working with our partners and the community to build on the efforts already taking place.”

Prior to her position at CVWD, Llort was Programs and Public Affairs Manager at Mission Springs Water District, where she developed comprehensive public outreach campaigns for topics such as COVID-19 and redistricting. She previously worked as Strategy and Policy Advisor for the Office of Riverside County Supervisor V. Manuel Perez and interned with Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz.

In addition to her work experience, Llort is a long-time active member of the community. She currently participates on the Board of Directors for the Inland Southern California United Way, Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce, and American Outreach Foundation. She also serves as the chair of the Business Legislative Advocacy Committee for the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Llort holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in history and government from the University of Redlands and a Master of Science in political science from the University of Nebraska, Omaha.

For more information, please visit www.dwa.org or contact Public Affairs Manager Xochitl Peña at (760) 323-4971, ext. 272, or Xpena@dwa.org.

County-Wide Festival Highlights the Importance of Conservation

• Save water whenever possible — practice water-wise habits
• Install water-efficient appliances
• Take showers that last 5 minutes or less
• Use less than a full tub when taking a bath
• Turn water off while brushing your teeth
• Fill a sink with water instead of running the faucet to wash up
• Flush the toilet only when necessary
• Use a broom instead of a hose to clean sidewalks and driveways
• Use a bucket of water when cleaning your car
• Use self-shutoff nozzles on hoses

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Regional Agriculture Program Expands to San Diego and Riverside Counties

In a move set to transform regional agriculture, the Regional CropSWAP program, originally initiated by the Rancho California Water District (Rancho Water), announces its expansion into neighboring counties with the partnership of Fallbrook Public Utility District (FPUD), Rainbow Municipal Water District (Rainbow Water), City of Oceanside, Valley Center Municipal Water District (Valley Center MWD), and City of Escondido. This groundbreaking initiative offers significant financial incentives for implementation of sustainable practices, with the goal of empowering farmers to use water more efficiently while fostering a resilient agricultural economy.

CropSWAP, implemented in 2016 by Rancho Water, began as a response to severe drought conditions in the Temecula Valley and a struggling local agricultural economy.  The original program paid agricultural water users to swap-out high-water-use crops with lower-water-use varieties, improving water use efficiency, and bolstering the resiliency of local farms. With the support of federal, state, and local agencies, coupled with funding contributions from regional partners and a substantial $5 million grant from the California Department of Water Resources (DWR), the CropSWAP program now offers incentives for additional sustainable practices including irrigation system improvements, avocado tree stumping, rootstock replacements, and regenerative agricultural practices such as nutrient management and cover crops.

“Agriculture is a keystone to Southwest Riverside County. As stewards of our region’s water resources, Rancho Water is proud to have spearheaded the expansion of the Regional CropSWAP program. This initiative not only empowers our farmers to thrive but also strengthens our commitment to sustainable agriculture and water resiliency,” said Robert Grantham, Rancho Water General Manager.

“Fallbrook agriculture has experienced numerous challenges over the past decade, including high costs of imported water,” said Jack Bebee, general manager of Fallbrook Public Utility District. “This will help our local farmers get some of the resources they really need.”

According to Valley Center MWD General Manager Gary Arant, “Our District has a long history going back into the early 1990’s of assisting agriculture through seeking and securing over $156M wholesale ag water discounts, and helping growers to participate in various on-farm improvement programs through the San Diego County Water Authority (SDCWA) and the Mission Resources Conservation District (MRCD). Now, we are very excited that our neighbor to the north, Rancho California Water District, has invited our agency, along with other San Diego County Water agencies, to participate in their expanded and extended CropSwap “2” Program.  Building off of their original program, the new expanded program will provide state grant funding to help growers switch crops, rejuvenate existing orchards as well as improve horticultural and irrigation practices here in Valley Center and North County.  We look forward to working with Robb Grantham and the Rancho Water staff to preserve and possibly expand commercial agriculture in Valley Center.”

“The innovative program will allow Rainbow Water to reinvest in our agricultural growers, a fabric of our community,” said Jake Wiley, Rainbow Water General Manager. “This is an exciting opportunity to partner as a region to focus on water use efficiency projects that help support sustainable water rates for all our customers.

“The City of Escondido is excited to participate in this groundbreaking regional program initiated by Rancho Water, which will provide grant funding to our local agricultural customers,” said Angela Morrow, Interim Director of Utilities for the City of Escondido. “Escondido is committed to supporting our agricultural community through emerging programs and innovative solutions.”

Lindsay Leahy, Water Utilities Director at the City of Oceanside said, “The City of Oceanside is excited to offer this program in support of our agriculture customers.  They are valued contributors to the history and diversity of our Oceanside community.”

For more information on how the Regional CropSWAP program is shaping the future of sustainable water for agricultural production, visit RegionalCropSWAP.com.

ACWA Spring Conference Explores Top California Water Issues

SACRAMENTO — The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) Spring Conference & Expo May 8-9 will draw local water agency leaders from throughout California to Sacramento for updates, analyses and perspectives on multiple issues affecting the state’s water community.

Panel discussions will explore critical challenges facing the state, including climate extremes, groundwater sustainability, water use efficiency regulations, financing water infrastructure projects and Sacramento-San Joaquin Bay-Delta water management.

Keynote speakers will include California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot and Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) President and CEO Tani Cantil-Sakauye, who served as California Chief Justice between 2011 and 2022.

A conference brochure with more information is available online,along with guidelines for news media coverage of ACWA events. For media credentials, contact ACWA Communications Director Heather Engel at heathere@acwa.com or (916) 669-2387.

WHAT:             ACWA 2024 Spring Conference & Expo

WHEN:            Wednesday, May 8, and Thursday, May 9

WHERE:           SAFE Credit Union Convention Center, downtown Sacramento