[SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Feb. 28, 2022] For the first time in history, California’s Solano Subbasin now has the robust framework needed to help sustainably manage the region’s valuable groundwater resources in such a large and ag-focused state. On Jan. 31, 2022, the Solano Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs) submitted the Solano Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) to the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) on behalf of the Solano Collaborative. As required by the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) of 2014, the GSP describes current groundwater conditions in the Subbasin, sets sustainable management criteria, and identifies projects and management actions to achieve sustainable groundwater management.
The GSP represents three years of collaborative planning efforts among GSAs, a Community Advisory Committee, a technical team, and extensive public outreach across the Subbasin. Signatories to the GSP represent 10 water management entities — including the Solano Irrigation District GSA, Solano GSA, Sacramento County GSA, City of Vacaville GSA, and the Northern Delta GSA — collectively known as the Solano Collaborative, which has recently been joined by several Reclamation Districts.
Consistent with SGMA requirements, DWR has opened a public comment period for all GSPs received. The GSP is now available for public comment on the DWR website here: https://sgma.water.ca.gov/portal/gsp/preview/117
Public comment will be available through April 23, 2022.
As the Solano Subbasin moves to implement the GSP, engaging surrounding communities will be essential in order to understand how to support groundwater sustainability measures.
“Cities like Dixon and Rio Vista rely 100% on groundwater for their domestic needs. The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act allows for local control, which we know is important to keep management of our resources here at the local level,” said Chris Lee, chair of the Solano Collaborative. “Community support and involvement will help us ensure effective and sustainable local management of the water resources — so that the Solano Subbasin’s treasured communities and agriculture can thrive for generations to come.”
To learn more about the Solano Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Plan, visit solanogsp.com.