Water managers throughout the San Joaquin Valley are closely watching the latest groundwater twist in the Merced subbasin, which could see the region headed back under the enforcement thumb of the [State] Water Resources Control Board. Even though Merced’s groundwater plan initially got the green light from the Department of Water Resources in 2023, subsidence still isn’t being dealt with to the state’s liking. Consequently, the subbasin’s plan got an “incomplete” rating on a recent five-year review. That’s just one step away from “inadequate,” which would send it back to the Water Board and possible probation, which comes with a host of fees and reporting requirements. Merced’s three groundwater sustainability agencies (GSAs) have 180 days to address deficiencies outlined in an Oct. 8 letter  from the DWR. 

Other groundwater news:

• SJV Water (Bakersfield, Calif.): Madera County to hold groundwater resource fair