2014 Sustainable Groundwater Management Act

The 2014 Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) is California’s law aimed at preventing overuse of groundwater, which is underground water stored in aquifers. It requires local agencies to develop and follow plans that ensure groundwater levels stay sustainable, supporting ongoing water needs for agriculture, industry, and communities. The law promotes careful management, monitoring, and recharge of aquifers to avoid problems like land subsidence and water shortages, ensuring groundwater remains a reliable resource for the long term. SGMA emphasizes collaborative, science-based solutions to balance water use with natural recharge rates.