Keeping on the state’s good side was paramount in the decision by a southwestern Kings County groundwater agency to cut pumping allocations to less than one acre foot per acre of land. The new allocation was one of a flurry of policies enacted by the Southwest Kings Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) over the last few weeks, after the GSA had not met in six months. Effective immediately, growers in Southwest Kings will only be allowed to pump .66 acre feet per acre. Growers who go over that amount will be fined $500 per acre foot over the allotment starting Oct. 1, according to the policy approved by the board at its Feb. 13 meeting.

Other groundwater news:

• Arizona Republic (Phoenix): New Arizona ‘ag-to-urban’ water law draws first group of home builders​