The Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority (IWVGA) and Searles Valley Minerals have reached a comprehensive settlement agreement, marking a significant step toward achieving groundwater sustainability in the Indian Wells Valley. The agreement states that both IWVGA and Searles have permanently dropped (“dismissed with prejudice”) the separate lawsuits they filed against each other. While the main, comprehensive water rights lawsuit continues, Searles has agreed not to challenge the scientific and technical findings of the valley’s mandated Groundwater Sustainability Plan and will instead work with the IWVGA to implement the plan.