Program Overview
Background
The SCV-GSA completed its Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) for the Santa Clara River Valley East Groundwater Subbasin (the Basin) in January 2022 and is now working on implementing the GSPs approach to monitoring meter extractions. The GSP outlined a program that would require all non-de minimis extractors to report extractions annually and use a water-measuring method satisfactory to the SCV-GSA that is in accordance with California Water Code § 10725.8.
Non-de minimis extractors include, but may not be limited to, agricultural wells, golf course wells, and other non-municipal supply wells. Well registration and well metering and reporting are important first steps and essential to better manage groundwater resources for current and future uses. The information collected would be used to account for pumping volumes, to quantify current and projected conditions in the Basin, and to complete annual reports and 5-year GSP assessment reports.
Well Registration Requirements
All wells that produce more than 2 AFY within the SCV-GSA boundary must be registered. This applies to both existing and new wells.
Deadlines:
- Existing wells: Must be registered by June 30, 2026
- New wells: Within 30 days of the completion of drilling
Registration Includes:
- Owner/operator contact info
- Well type
- Well location
- Meter information (if applicable)
- Submission through the SCV-GSA Online Registration Form
Well Metering Requirements
All non-de minimis wells must have a flowmeter installed that meets the manufacturers installation requirements.
Meter Specifications
- Meter type: flange, saddle type, or inline
- Meter signal type: electromagnetic flow meter and microprocessor-based signal converter, capable of communicating with remote telemetry
- Flow Sensor Type: Based on Faraday’s Law of electromagnetic induction
- Accuracy: Within ±2% of actual flow
- Data output: Actual flow rate in CFS and contain an aggregate flow totalizer in acre-feet
- Size: Appropriately sized for the production rate and discharge piping of the well
- Measurement Range: Matches the expected range of production rates, based on well installation
Installation must be in accordance with meter manufacturer specifications so that the flowmeter properly records extracted groundwater. Flow meter purchase, installation, maintenance and calibration is the responsibility of the landowner.
Maintenance
- Flow meters must be calibrated at least every 3 years or as specified by the manufacturer
- Records must be retained and submitted upon request
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a non-de-minimis well?
A non-de-minimis well is a groundwater well that extracts more than 2 acre-feet per year (AFY) of water, typically for agricultural, commercial, or industrial purposes.
Why do non-de-minimis well owners need to report groundwater extractions?
Reporting is required under the Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) to monitor and manage groundwater use, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the groundwater basin.
Is reporting mandatory for all non-de-minimis wells?
Yes, reporting groundwater extractions is a mandatory requirement for all non-de-minimis well owners as part of the GSP compliance.
How often do I need to report my groundwater extractions?
Well owners are required to report their extractions annually to provide accurate tracking of groundwater usage.
What information needs to be included in the extraction report?
The report should include the total amount of groundwater extracted, well location, and any other data requested by the SCV Groundwater Sustainability Agency (SCV-GSA).
What is the process for reporting my groundwater extractions?
Well owners will be required to initially fill out a standardized form provided by SCV-GSA, either online or by mail, to register wells. The extraction data will be sent to SCV-GSA staff prior to October 31 of each year through the on-line portal or some other mechanism approved by the SVC-GSA Board.
Is there a specific deadline for submitting the extraction reports?
Yes, SCV-GSA will provide specific deadlines for submission. Reports will be due once a year prior to October 31 covering dates between October 1 and September 30.
How will my reported data be used?
The data will be used to track overall groundwater usage, help maintain the balance of the basin and assess compliance with the GSP.
Will my data be kept private?
Yes, your individual extraction data will be kept confidential and used only for groundwater management purposes. Aggregated data may be made public, but it will not identify individual well owners.
Do I need to install a flowmeter to report extractions?
Yes, flowmeters will be required to be installed for all wells reporting their extractions, as this is the most accurate way to measure water use. SCV-GSA will establish specific guidelines on flowmeter requirements.
Who is responsible for the cost of installing and maintaining a flowmeter?
The well owner will be responsible for the cost of installing, maintaining, and calibrating flowmeters. SCV-GSA may offer guidelines or recommendations on cost-sharing or subsidies in the future.
How often do flowmeters need to be calibrated?
Flowmeters should be calibrated periodically to ensure accuracy. The frequency of recalibration will depend on the manufacturer’s guidelines but SCV-GSA policy is that the flowmeters be calibrated no less than every 3 years.
Can I self-report groundwater extraction without a flowmeter?
Yes, you can self-report without a flowmeter until your flowmeter is installed. Timing of the installation of flowmeters will be finalized by the SCV-GSA on a case by case basis.
What if I already report groundwater use to the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB)?
If you are already reporting to the SWRCB, you will still need to report to SCV-GSA. We are working to streamline reporting requirements to avoid duplication.
What are the penalties for not reporting groundwater extractions?
Failure to comply with reporting requirements may result in penalties, including fines or legal action, as determined by SCV-GSA under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA).
What should I do if I experience technical difficulties when submitting my report?
If you encounter any technical issues, you can contact SCV-GSA for assistance. Help will be available to ensure that you can submit your report on time.
How will SCV-GSA verify the accuracy of reported extractions?
SCV-GSA will require flowmeter verification and may conduct random audits or perform on-site inspections to ensure the accuracy of the reported data.
Can I make changes to my reported data after submission?
Yes, if you realize that a mistake was made, you should contact SCV-GSA as soon as possible to correct the report. However, frequent amendments may raise compliance concerns.
What happens if there is a discrepancy between my reported extraction and SCV GSA’s records?
If discrepancies are found, SCV-GSA will work with the well owner to resolve the issue. This may involve rechecking records, verifying flowmeter data, or conducting a site visit.
How do I sign up to participate in the extraction reporting program?
SCV-GSA will prepare outreach materials explaining how to enroll and submit extraction.
Questions?
For more information or to begin your well registration, please contact info@scvgsa.org or visit our Well Registration Portal.