Sustainable Groundwater Management

Illustration of groundwater

Groundwater is underground in the cracks and spaces in soil, sand, and rock. It is stored in, and moves slowly through, geologic formations called aquifers.

The State of California’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) legislated in 2014 recognizes that: Groundwater provides a significant portion of California’s water supply and that Groundwater resources are most effectively managed at the local or regional level.

Established in 2018, Montecito Groundwater Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency is the official local agency responsible for developing a Groundwater Sustainability Plan for the basin.

Community Involvement is Encouraged! The groundwater sustainability agency shall consider the interests of all beneficial uses and users of groundwater.

Link to Groundwater Informational Video

SGMA Email Updates

Sign up here for SGMA email updates and you will be added to the  Stakeholder and Interested Parties list.

Public Meetings: Current Information

Current Board Agenda

For Meeting Schedule, Agendas, and more information click here

Standing Board Meeting Time is Quarterly (January, April, July, October) Second Tuesday of the month at 9:30 a.m. Please note: Meeting times are subject to change.

Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP)
ADOPTED (May 19, 2023)

> Click here to link to the document (PDF)
> Click here for more information

May 2023 Update

Groundwater Sustainability Plan - Up for Adoption

PRIVATE WELL METERING PROGRAM

Montecito GSA is actively seeking well owners to participate in a grant-funded well metering program.
The private well metering program is voluntary, free, and the data obtained will remain confidential.
Private well owners from sectors such as residential, agricultural, hospitality, and community institutions are already enrolling. For more info please call: 805.324.4207