Santa Margarita Groundwater Agency begins groundwater sustainability plan first periodic evaluation

REPORT IS DUE TO CA DEPT. OF WATER RESOURCES IN JANUARY 2027

(Nov. 12, 2025) SCOTTS VALLEY, CA – The Santa Margarita Groundwater Agency (SMGWA) announced today that work has begun on the first Periodic Evaluation (PE) of the Santa Margarita Basin Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP), a required assessment under California’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA).

The Santa Margarita Groundwater Basin provides drinking water to the Scotts Valley Water District, San Lorenzo Valley Water District, numerous small water systems, and an estimated 800 private wells. Sustainable management of the Basin ensures a reliable water supply for local communities and protects the health of connected surface water systems, including the San Lorenzo River.

SGMA requires that a GSP be fully evaluated at least once every five years after submission to ensure it is effectively guiding sustainable groundwater management. The Santa Margarita Basin GSP was submitted to the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) on January 3, 2022. The PE is due by January 3, 2027.

“The Periodic Evaluation is an important checkpoint to ensure our groundwater sustainability efforts are on track,” SMGWA Board Chair Chris Perri said. “It allows us to assess the plan’s performance, address recommendations from the state, and make any necessary updates to continue protecting our water supply and the environment.”

Recent annual reports on the status of the Basin have indicated improved conditions. Despite well below average rainfall in 2025, groundwater levels in the Basin were generally stable thanks in part to near historic low groundwater usage.

The PE involves a comprehensive review of the GSP’s performance, including whether or not amendments are needed. The process will also address recommended corrective actions from DWR’s April 2023 GSP review, which include modifications to three of the four local SGMA indicators: lowering groundwater levels, degraded quality and surface water depletion.

SMGWA’s Board of Directors will receive regular updates on PE progress, provide guidance and gather public input during board meetings. The agency anticipates deciding whether a GSP amendment is needed as part of the PE process in February 2026.

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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