SACRAMENTO – Governor Newsom spotlights a new release from the Department of Water Resources (DWR) regarding information about California’s groundwater and the work of state and local communities to preserve and recharge this vital resource. Across the state, over 80 percent of Californians rely on groundwater for some portion of their water needs. Flowing beneath the earth’s surface, this water collects through rain, drainage, and other water sources. When groundwater is used in excess of recharge, it causes land to subside and puts water infrastructure and supply at risk.  

The state is collecting more groundwater data than ever before, and strengthening partnerships with water agencies to ensure that more groundwater is collected. This week, during Groundwater Awareness Week, DWR issued a new report outlining California’s strategy.

DWR’s new report outlines a comprehensive report of groundwater monitoring, conditions, and management across California – providing a guide for the state and local agencies to continue to manage and protect groundwater supplies. The report shows considerable progress made by California and local agencies towards reaching the goals of groundwater sustainability outlined in the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), even as the state continues to recover from the effects of a historic multi-year drought. Among the successes noted in the report, California has seen improvements in groundwater recharge efforts, drinking well protection, and increased funding for Tribal projects.