Groundwater policies serve as a guideline for local agencies to make decisions, complete projects, and achieve sustainable results. Since there are many policy options that the GSA could pursue, a Policy and Programs assessment is being conducted to identify, prioritize, and research policy options within the authorities of the GSA and local land use agencies that support and advance achieving the sustainability goal for the basin.
This management action will first include an assessment to prepare a prioritized list of potential policy options, including stronger demand management actions that may need to be adopted should the projects not be implementable or successful.
The assessment will include the following components:
(1) refined list of policy options to be assessed;
(2) evaluation of benefits and impacts for each policy option;
(3) estimates of the level of effort and cost to implement the policy options;
(4) assessment of stakeholder perspectives on policy options; and
(5) legal analysis and description of recommended administrative process.
Some possible policies the GSA may consider include reviewing development projects that impact groundwater resources, studying water market programs, and expanding low-impact development and water efficient landscape requirements.
To assess stakeholder perspectives on potential groundwater policies, we are releasing a survey to the general public on November 11th, 2024. In this 20-question survey, participants can make their voice heard on potential programs and policies. This will ensure that the policies we implement will be aligned with the public’s perspective. Participate in the survey here.
This management action is a collaborative effort between the GSA Board, local land use agencies, member agencies, and stakeholders to assess and develop future policy options that may be appropriate for the GSA to consider adopting or recommending for adoption by other agencies.