Recent Assessment of Groundwater Conditions and Management in California

Abstract:

As part of California Water Plan Update, a comprehensive set of data, information, and analysis is developed to help local and regional groundwater managers, as well as individual well owners, better understand California’s hidden and commonly misunderstood resource. The State’s groundwater basins, aquifers, and well infrastructure are characterized through compilation and analysis of readily-available groundwater information. Data and analysis related to groundwater monitoring efforts, aquifer conditions in response to extraction, groundwater management practices, and conjunctive management programs are included. Findings, data gaps, and recommendations to improve groundwater management on a statewide and regional basis are presented. The work expands and enhances baseline groundwater information on a regional scale, identifies challenges associated with sustainable groundwater management, and helps guide implementation of diverse resource management strategies.