Sacramento Central Groundwater Authority

This Periodic Evaluation assesses the implementation of the 2022 Groundwater Sustainability Plan for the South American Subbasin, covering Water Years 2021-2025. It evaluates progress toward achieving sustainability goals by analyzing groundwater conditions across key indicators including groundwater levels, storage, quality, land subsidence, and depletions of interconnected surface water. The evaluation indicates that plan implementation is on track, with stable or improving groundwater conditions, no undesirable results reported, and ongoing efforts to implement projects and management actions, refine monitoring networks, and address DWR's corrective actions.

The Board of Directors discussed a variety of topics including updates on the Sacramento Regional Water Bank and the South American Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Plan 2027 Periodic Evaluation. Business items involved the adoption of the fiscal year 2027 work plan and budget, setting groundwater fees for fiscal year 2027, and establishing policies for board travel, ethics, and conflict of interest. Additionally, the Board approved various professional services agreements for executive, technical, legal, and financial support, as well as an amendment to the South American Subbasin GSP Implementation Memorandum of Understanding.

The board meeting agenda included presentations on the Omochumnee-Hartnell Water District Annexation Plan and a Water Forum update. Administrative and business items featured the filing of the South American Subbasin Annual Report for Water Year 2025, the adoption of a resolution establishing a new Financial Policy, the filing of the February 2026 financial report, and discussions regarding the draft FY 2027 budget and the GSP 2027 periodic evaluation status. Additionally, the meeting included various staff and director updates on agency operations and future items.

The Board of Directors discussed several key items, including presentations on the Omochumnee-Hartnell Water District annexation plan and an update from the Water Forum. The meeting addressed the receipt and filing of the South American Subbasin Annual Report for Water Year 2025. Business items included the adoption of a resolution establishing a new Financial Policy, the reception and filing of the February 2026 financial report, and discussions regarding the Draft FY 2027 Budget and the status of the 2027 Periodic Evaluation of the Groundwater Sustainability Plan. Staff also provided updates on general management, the Water Bank Working Group, ad hoc committee activities, and coordination among Groundwater Sustainability Agencies.

This document details the Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) developed by SCGA for the South American Subbasin (SASb) in compliance with California’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). The plan focuses on balancing water use with recharge, protecting groundwater quality, and planning for future drought and climate shifts. It is driven by a strategic vision, technical data, and community values to ensure long-term groundwater sustainability.