The state Water Resources Control Board Tuesday passed a resolution to send the Chowchilla subbasin back under the purview of the Department of Water Resources. So far, it is the only subbasin of seven in the San Joaquin Valley to have succeeded in making the U-turn away from potential probationary status.  Water Board members noted that early engagement from Chowchilla’s four groundwater sustainability agencies (GSAs) was key. … The Chowchilla subbasin has experienced more than five feet of subsidence in the last decade alone, especially in its western portion where a significant layer of Corcoran clay exists. In its newest groundwater plan, managers cranked down allowable groundwater pumping with both voluntary and mandatory policies, capping subsidence rates at two feet in 2025, with a goal of zero subsidence after 2040. 

Other groundwater news:

• State Water Resources Control Board: News release: Chowchilla Subbasin
• Action News Now (Chico, Calif.): Tehama County delays action on sinking land issue until 2026
• SJV Water: Public invited to Kern groundwater workshops
• Sierra Sun (Truckee, Calif.): Local water agencies host public meeting on Martis Valley Groundwater Plan
• Western Water Notes: Blog: Groundwater matters
  — Colorado River groundwater loss, a local and national problem