NOTICE: Opportunity to comment on the Draft 2025 Amended Kern County Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Plans – Maven’s Notebook

Report on the Draft 2025 Amended Kern County Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Plan

Introduction

The State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) is scheduled to hold a public hearing on September 17, 2025, to consider the designation of the Kern County Subbasin as probationary under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). This action aims to ensure the sustainable use of groundwater resources, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, which emphasizes the sustainable management of water resources for future generations.

Background and Context

As per Resolution No. 2025-0007, the September 17 hearing is a continuation of the February 20, 2025, public hearing regarding the probationary designation of the Kern County Subbasin. The resolution requested that Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs) submit amended draft Groundwater Sustainability Plans (GSPs) by June 20, 2025.

Submission and Review of Amended Draft GSPs

• The Kern County Subbasin GSAs submitted updated draft GSPs by the requested deadline.
• The State Water Board invites public comments on these draft 2025 amended GSPs.
• Comments will be considered in determining whether to designate the subbasin as probationary.

Implications of Probationary Designation

If designated probationary, the State Water Board will:

1. Identify deficiencies in the submitted GSPs.
2. Recommend potential corrective actions for the GSAs to address these deficiencies.
3. Determine which groundwater pumpers must report extractions and pay fees directly to the Board, supplementing GSA requirements.
4. Potentially require installation of groundwater pumping meters or other reliable measurement methods for specific pumpers.

This process supports SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production by promoting efficient and accountable groundwater use.

Access to Draft 2025 Amended Kern County Subbasin GSPs

• Documents are accessible via the following pathway: 2025 > June > 06202025_SGMA_KernGSPs.

Public Comment Submission

Stakeholders and the public are encouraged to submit comments as follows:

• Email: SGMA-Kern@waterboards.ca.gov (use subject line “Comments – Kern County Subbasin”).
• For files larger than 15 MB, submit via fax at (916) 341-5620, multiple emails, or by mail.
• Mailing Address:
  Courtney Tyler, Clerk to the Board
  State Water Resources Control Board
  P.O. Box 100, Sacramento, CA 95812-2000

Deadline for written comments: 12:00 noon on Thursday, August 7, 2025.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation): Ensuring sustainable groundwater management to secure water availability for communities and ecosystems.
• SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): Promoting efficient use and monitoring of groundwater resources to prevent over-extraction.
• SDG 15 (Life on Land): Protecting terrestrial ecosystems by maintaining groundwater levels and preventing land degradation.

Additional Information

For further details and updates, stakeholders are encouraged to monitor official State Water Board communications and participate in the public hearing process.

Visual Reference

Map of the Kern County Groundwater Subbasin

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • The article focuses on groundwater sustainability, which directly relates to ensuring availability and sustainable management of water resources.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Management of groundwater extraction and monitoring usage aligns with sustainable consumption of natural resources.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Sustainable groundwater management helps protect terrestrial ecosystems dependent on groundwater.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 6 – Target 6.4: “By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity.”
   • The article’s emphasis on groundwater sustainability plans and potential probationary designation aims to ensure sustainable withdrawals.
2. SDG 6 – Target 6.5: “Implement integrated water resources management at all levels.”
   • The Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs) preparing and amending Groundwater Sustainability Plans (GSPs) reflect integrated water resource management efforts.
3. SDG 12 – Target 12.2: “By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.”
   • Monitoring groundwater extraction and requiring meters for pumpers supports efficient and sustainable use.
4. SDG 15 – Target 15.1: “By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems.”
   • Maintaining groundwater levels supports the health of terrestrial ecosystems dependent on groundwater.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Groundwater Extraction Reporting
   • The article mentions that specific groundwater pumpers may be required to report their groundwater extractions to the State Water Board, implying the use of extraction volume as an indicator.
2. Installation and Use of Groundwater Meters
   • Requiring pumpers to install meters or other reliable measurement methods implies monitoring groundwater use as an indicator of sustainable management.
3. Designation Status of the Subbasin (Probationary or Not)
   • The status of the Kern County Subbasin as probationary or not serves as an indicator of groundwater sustainability progress.
4. Amendments and Compliance of Groundwater Sustainability Plans (GSPs)
   • The submission and adequacy of amended draft GSPs by GSAs are implied indicators of progress towards sustainable groundwater management.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: mavensnotebook.com