A decade after the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act became law, many California farmers still feel lost in the bureaucracy surrounding its implementation. A new study finds that, despite widespread awareness, real engagement remains low. According to research from CSU-WATER — an initiative encompassing 23 California State University campuses — significant logistical and representational barriers have prevented farmers from meaningfully engaging with their Groundwater Sustainability Agencies. The research is part of SGMA WAVE — short for Water and Valley Economy — a project led by CSU-WATER, a water policy initiative involving all 23 CSU campuses. The study focuses on 72 GSAs across the San Joaquin Valley counties of Madera, Fresno, Tulare, Kings, and Kern.    

Other SGMA news:

• SJV Water: Desert groundwater feud commandeers Kern County legislative policy debate
• KERO (Bakersfield, Calif.): Kern County Supervisors discuss groundwater management bills AB 1413 and AB 1466
• The Bakersfield Californian: Opinion: False narratives persist surrounding management of California water resources​