Facing SGMA challenges, Kings County stares down water pumping fees
The Mid-Kings River Groundwater Sustainability Agency is looking to impose a pumping fee of nearly $100 per acre-foot. Mid-Kings River GSA is comprised of the Kings County Water District, the City of Hanford and Kings County. The big picture: The GSA is proposing a pumping fee maximum of $95 per acre-foot. This comes after the State views that the region has not made enough progress through the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). The state wants agriculture and industrial water pumpers to cut back or pay to mitigate the impacts on other users. The state could move to put the subbasin in probation if it does not feel confident in local groundwater management, and could completely take over operations in 2025.
Related article:
- Somach Simmons & Dunn: Blog - SGMA fee lawsuits – California court: “Pay first” rule applies