The board acting as the Madera County Groundwater Sustainability Agency on Dec. 9 approved rules for a domestic‑well mitigation program to help households whose wells have gone dry because of declining groundwater levels in the Madera Sub‑Basin.

Stephanie Agneson, director of Water and Natural Resources and GSA manager, outlined the program cap of $35,000 per eligible well, clarified that the program applies only within the Madera Sub‑Basin (not Chowchilla, Delta or Mendota) and noted the program may fund new connections to existing systems where feasible (SEG 1995–2006). Based on public feedback, staff added an owner‑for‑12‑months requirement to reduce “flipping” risks, payback provisions tied to sale or transfer (100% repayment if sold within one year; 50% if sold within two years) and a habitability requirement for the dwelling. Staff also proposed a 30‑year well‑age threshold — wells older than 30 years would generally be ineligible — and quarterly and annual reporting to the board on applications and results (SEG 2044–2150, SEG 2110–2136).

During public comment and board discussion, speakers raised practical concerns: the interim self‑help list availability, the lien position impact on homeowners who already hold HELOCs, how the county will contract/pay drillers directly and whether the cap is sufficient in some communities (SEG 2200–2290). Staff said the payback mechanism would be a lien placed on the property (like self‑help enterprise practice) and that county counsel will advise on the lien position and contract mechanics.

Board action: After questions and clarifications, the GSA directors moved and adopted the domestic‑well mitigation rules (roll‑call approval recorded in the transcript). The program will be managed by an external consultant and staff will finalize administrative details and reporting processes.

What happens next: Staff will finalize the application and contract templates, confirm lien‑position practice with county counsel, and return implementation details and periodic reports to the board as the program enrolls eligible households.