California: Groups reach agreement on managing Paso Robles groundwater basin

(SLO) -  Two North County groups working toward a solution to stabilize the Paso Robles groundwater basin have reached a compromise on managing the aquifer.

PRO Water Equity and Paso Robles Agricultural Alliance for Groundwater Solutions, also known as PRAAGS, have proposed forming a special district, which would be created by the California Legislature and tailored to fit the needs of the Paso Robles area.

The district would be locally governed through AB 3030, a section of the California water code that allows local agencies to develop groundwater management plans. In addition to managing the local groundwater supply, the district would be able to obtain supplemental water.

The need for a water management district was prompted by a crisis in the sprawling Paso Robles groundwater basin in which water levels have dropped precipitously in recent years.

In August, county supervisors approved a 45-day emergency ordinance — later extended to two years — that prohibits new pumping from the basin unless it is offset by an equal amount of conservation. They did that to stabilize the basin until a permanent solution is developed.

Water levels have gone down by more than 80 feet in some areas. Many rural homeowners report their wells are going dry and they fear losing their homes if they have no water. The crisis has also pitted some rural residents against the North County’s economically important wineries, which use the bulk of the groundwater.

Reaction to news of the agreement was positive among county supervisors.