New Report: Groundwater pumping rate reaches lowest amount in 40 years in Santa Margarita Basin; condition of Basin improving 

Groundwater Agency's 2024 Water Year Annual Report Submitted to the CA Department of Water Resources

(June 2, 2025) SCOTTS VALLEY, CA –The Santa Margarita Groundwater Agency (SMGWA) reports continued progress is being made to ensure sustainable groundwater resources for the region, according to the Annual Report the agency submitted to the State Department of Water Resources (DWR) this spring. 

The 2024 water year, which spanned Oct. 1, 2023, through Sept. 30, 2024, was marked by favorable hydrologic conditions in the Santa Margarita Groundwater Basin. Rainfall levels were near average, stream flows were strong, and groundwater usage reached historic lows—all indicators of continued sustainable management. 

• Rainfall: 44.1 inches in Boulder Creek (88% of average) and 32.7 inches in Scotts Valley (79% of average) 
• San Lorenzo River flow: 115,000 acre-feet (115% of average) 
• Groundwater use: 2,346 acre-feet—the lowest volume recorded since 1985 
• Basin storage: Estimated decrease of 260 acre-feet, remaining within sustainable levels based on indicators determined through the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act 

SMGWA is committed to protecting groundwater resources and ensuring long-term sustainability for the Santa Margarita Groundwater Basin. The agency continues to make significant strides in managing the Santa Margarita Basin’s groundwater resources, which provide approximately 80% of the local water supply in the San Lorenzo Valley and Scotts Valley region and support critical stream habitats. The basin spans 34.8 square miles and serves an estimated 29,000 residents.  

Key accomplishments to date include: 

• Securing $1.6 million in state grant funding to support groundwater sustainability plan (GSP) development and monitoring 
• Submitting a GSP in January 2022, approved by DWR in April 2023, targeting sustainability by 2042 
• Establishing a comprehensive groundwater monitoring network to ensure compliance with the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act 
• Submitting annual reports since 2022 to track basin conditions and progress 

SMGWA’s annual report details the year’s hydrologic conditions, groundwater usage, and the agency’s progress implementing its Groundwater Sustainability Plan. For more information and to view the Annual Report, visit www.smgwa.org/AnnualGSPReports. 

ABOUT SANTA MARGARITA GROUNDWATER AGENCY  

The Santa Margarita Groundwater Agency (SMGWA) oversees groundwater management of the Santa Margarita Groundwater Basin in Santa Cruz County, California. The agency was formed in 2017 by the San Lorenzo Valley Water District, Scotts Valley Water District and the County of Santa Cruz to comply with the requirements of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) of 2014. The SMGWA Board of Directors includes two representatives from each of the member agencies, one from the City of Scotts Valley, one from the City of Santa Cruz, one from the Mount Hermon Association Community Water System and two private well owner representatives. Learn more at www.smgwa.org, on Facebook and on Instagram.  

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