Project and management action concepts discussed at Board workshop

At the October 18th Board workshop, the South Fork Kings GSA’s technical consultant Geosyntec introduced potential management concepts for mitigating groundwater overdraft in the South Fork Kings area. SGMA requires subbasins become sustainable by the year 2040; the means to achieve that mandate are the projects and management actions that will be included in the Tulare Lake Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP).

A reduction in groundwater use, an increase in groundwater recharge, and the implementation of programs and management actions to increase water use efficiency are broad strategies for establishing a trajectory toward sustainability.

Project concepts to reduce groundwater use include the acquisition of additional surface water, or crop conversion to less water demanding crops. Both solutions carry the potential to offset groundwater demand. Increasing the amount of groundwater recharged in the South Fork Kings area to stabilize water levels can be accomplished a number of ways, either through the construction of additional dedicated recharge basins or through “incidental” means by way of flood irrigation and canal seepage.

To provide flexibility, the GSA seeks to provide a menu of programs and management actions for landowners in its service area. Program concepts may include water markets and groundwater crediting systems, allowing water trading among growers within the GSA and consequently incentivizing water use efficiency.

The management concepts discussed are in the early stages of consideration. The South Fork Kings GSA is working to factor local conditions, economic constraints, and stakeholder input as it identifies a project portfolio that achieves State-mandated sustainability.