Madera County GSA reinstates groundwater well review resolution after drought changes

Madera County's Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) took a significant step towards ensuring the responsible management of local water resources during its recent meeting on July 1, 2025. The committee unanimously approved a motion to reinstate a crucial resolution regarding the review of new or altered groundwater wells, which had been previously rescinded.

The reinstatement of Resolution 2022-072 comes in response to a clarification regarding California's drought status. In March 2022, the governor issued an executive order mandating that all Groundwater Sustainability Agencies verify new or modified well requests to ensure compliance with established groundwater sustainability plans. This procedure was initially adopted by the Madera County GSA in May 2022. However, in January 2025, the board repealed this resolution, mistakenly believing that the drought designation had been lifted statewide.

Recent updates revealed that the drought termination only applied to 19 counties, excluding Madera and much of the San Joaquin Valley. As a result, the GSA recognized the need to reinstate the previous resolution to continue effectively managing groundwater resources in the region.

The motion to reinstate the resolution was met with swift approval, passing with a 2-0 vote. This decision underscores the agency's commitment to sustainable water management practices and ensures that any new well developments will be thoroughly reviewed for consistency with local sustainability goals.

As Madera County navigates ongoing water challenges, this reinstatement is a critical measure to safeguard the community's water supply and uphold environmental standards. The GSA's proactive approach reflects a dedication to responsible resource management, which will be vital for the region's future.