Sustainable Groundwater Management in Stanislaus County: A Comprehensive Overview
Long-term groundwater replenishment programs, pumping policies, and the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) are crucial for managing water resources in Stanislaus County. The Modesto Irrigation District's (MID) efforts in conjunctive use, groundwater recharge projects, and public outreach demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and stewardship, benefiting both the environment and local communities.
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Long Long- -Term Groundwater Term Groundwater Replenishment Program Replenishment Program Stanislaus County Water Advisory Committee (WAC) Meeting October 27, 2023
MID Groundwater Pumping Policy MID Groundwater Pumping Policy MID Resolution 89-77 Resolution Approving Groundwater Pumping Policy: establishes the District s strong and effective conjunctive use program and reaffirms the District s commitment to the public to continue to make reasonable and beneficial use of groundwater resources. confirms the District s intent to cooperate with the other users of groundwater resources in and around the District s water service area in the interest of preserving and protecting such groundwater resources and making them available for use in dry periods when surface water is in short supply. 2
Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) In 2022 MID as a member of STRGBA GSA submitted the Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) for the Modesto Subbasin. GSP identified multiple projects and management actions to achieve sustainability goals by 2042 and avoid undesirable results over the 50-year planning and implementation horizon. MID In-Lieu and Direct Recharge Project included in the submitted GSP. This project proposed that MID provide up to 60,000 acre-feet (TAF) of available surface water in Wet and Above Normal water years for groundwater recharge. 3
SGMA (cont.) SGMA (cont.) Expected Benefits Demonstrates stewardship of MID water supply. Supports the STRGBA GSP by allowing groundwater replenishment of Modesto Subbasin. Provides benefits to Sustainability Indicators as required by the GSP consistent with SGMA. Provides direct benefits to Disadvantaged Communities within the Modesto Subbasin. Protects beneficial groundwater use by rural domestic wells which is also expected to broadly benefit all Disadvantaged Communities, Severely Disadvantaged Communities, and Economically Distressed Areas. August 8, 2023 4
Public Outreach and Comments Public Outreach and Comments Discussed in STRGBA meetings during GSP development. Held 5 public meetings/workshops beginning January 2023. January 10, March 14, June 13, 26, 27. Held evening workshop notice sent to MID irrigation customers and landowners within sphere of influence. Posted information on MID s web site and social media channels. Sent multiple MID Water Operations email updates. Highlighted proposed program at Modesto Chamber Sustainability Symposium on June 22. Received multiple phone calls, emails and letters with public input for consideration. 5
Groundwater Replenishment Program Groundwater Replenishment Program Terms and Conditions: Only available when specific hydrologic conditions are met trigger . $1,000 one-time, non-refundable application fee. No guarantee of replenishment water even during trigger years. 20-year term; term and price revisited at 5-year intervals. Groundwater monitoring consistent with GSP monitoring program. 6
GRP Area: Prior years, GRP limited to areas outside MID Boundary but within Sphere of Influence. Long-Term Program Extended to Modesto Subbasin. 7
Groundwater Replenishment Program Groundwater Replenishment Program Water Charges: In-lieu water charge ($200/AF). Conjunctive Use/Groundwater Recharge water charge ($125/AF). Price escalated annually based on Water Operations annual O&M budget. Minimum annual water charge = $500 (when GRP water is available). Volume: Maximum water purchase: 4 Acre-Feet/acre Minimum water purchase: 1 Acre-Feet/acre 8
Next Steps Next Steps MID Board approved Long-term Program contingent on CEQA completion CEQA process currently underway Implement Long-term Program by 2024 Irrigation Season, contingent upon CEQA completion For a copy of the GRP Agreement https://www.mid.org/water/irrigation/default.html#GRP 9
Questions August 8, 2023 10
