We need proactive policies like AB 2201 in place so that our taps don't run dry in CA.
Recently, Governor Newsom issued an Executive Order to protect local groundwater supplies during the state’s worsening drought emergency. This is a big win for families statewide as 85% of Californians or 33 million people rely on the water under their feet for drinking and daily use.
As a result of the Order, new agricultural well permits will be required to demonstrate how new wells will not remove more water from already-stressed aquifers than can be replaced. The goals are to reduce impacts on already drought-stressed communities and ensure long-term sustainability of groundwater for future generations of diverse users.
Before this Executive Order, this shared resource had been tapped, largely for profit, with no oversight for decades. For people like Jesus Benitez (below), it means their only water supply is at greater risk of going dry due to a new ag well drilled right across the street.
And this isn’t an isolated incident. Several communities throughout the state are facing this same reality.
The next step to strengthen this temporary protection, is to pass a new bill, the Community Drinking Water Protection Act (AB 2201) by Assemblymember Steve Bennett. AB 2201 builds upon the Governor’s Executive Order, extending vital groundwater protection to those who need it most. We need proactive policies like this one in place permanently to ensure our state has a water supply for the future.
If passed, Groundwater Sustainability Agencies will be required to review new well drilling permits and ensure they align with the sustainability plan for their basin. Counties would have to ensure new wells do not harm communities. Community members would also be notified of new wells that could threaten their water supply. This common sense approach will help keep groundwater management local as it increases the likelihood of groundwater plans succeeding at reaching sustainability in their basins.
If you have questions on this AB 2201, please contact Kyle Jones at kyle.jones@communitywatercenter.org or call 916-539-0133.