A printable version of these FAQs can be downloaded below.

Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA)

What is SGMA?

The Groundwater Sustainability Act (SGMA) legislation passed in 2014, establishes a new structure for managing groundwater resources in California at the groundwater basin/subbasin level. Groundwater basins and subbasins are defined in the Department of Water Resources (DWR) Bulletin 118 document. SGMA requires Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs) to manage groundwater at the local level through the development and implementation of Groundwater Sustainability Plans (GSPs). The GSPs must ensure sustainable conditions by 2042.

What is SGMA compliance?

The SGMA compliance process in the Subbasin started with the formation of the Wyandotte Creek GSA and subsequent development and submittal of the Wyandotte Creek Subbasin GSP to the Department of Water Resources in January 2022. Continued compliance includes annual reporting, 5-year GSP report updates, on-going GSA coordination, and other identified SGMA compliance actions. SGMA compliance activities must be completed by the Wyandotte Creek GSA and submitted to the California Department of Water Resources in a timely manner to show progress toward implementing its GSP and achieving groundwater sustainability by 2042.

Groundwater Sustainability Agencies

Are we required to establish and maintain a GSA?

Yes, as a “medium-priority” Subbasin, the Wyandotte Creek Subbasin is required under SGMA to be managed by local agencies that form a GSA.

What is the Wyandotte Creek GSA?

The Wyandotte Creek GSA was established in 2018 to meet SGMA requirements on behalf of landowners in the Wyandotte Creek Subbasin. Wyandotte Creek GSA manages GSP development and updates, GSP implementation, administration, and SGMA compliance. The Wyandotte Creek GSA is composed of three member agencies (City of Oroville, County of Butte, and Thermalito Water & Sewer District). The Wyandotte Creek GSA is governed by a 5-person board including a representative from each member agency and two community stakeholders (a domestic well and an agricultural well user).

What is GSP implementation?

GSP implementation is the implementation of projects and activities identified in the GSP as required for the Subbasin to achieve sustainability by 2042 as required by SGMA (sgma.water.ca.gov/portal/gsp/preview/86).