As California’s farmers adjust to restrictions on groundwater pumping under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), tools to foster adaptation can be a big help. Groundwater markets are one promising tool, but how can groundwater sustainability agencies (GSAs) design groundwater markets to protect those who might be affected by trading? … The flexible, decentralized nature of markets makes them powerful, but they can be unpredictable. Groundwater markets need clear rules that support SGMA, prevent overpumping, and reduce local economic impacts. Good market design requires careful thought, planning, and communication with farmers and the broader community.

Other groundwater news:

• ABC10 (Sacramento, Calif.): Citrus Heights’ new wells don’t just pump water out—they put it back in
• KJZZ (Phoenix, Ariz.): Center for Biological Diversity sues Arizona water agency over Benson groundwater designation
• Realtor.com: Blog: Nearly $2 billion worth of home value wiped out in California’s Central Valley—for a surprising reason