The Monterey County Water Resources Agency, in collaboration with the Salinas Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency, has started a new Well Registration Program as part of its Groundwater Monitoring Program. The program aims to improve groundwater management across the county.
The Groundwater Monitoring Program includes four main activities: registering wells, monitoring groundwater extraction, tracking groundwater levels, and assessing groundwater quality. Funding for these efforts comes from a fee system that covers various aspects of the program.
Currently, well owners can register their wells without charge until January 31, 2026. After this date, there will be a one-time initial registration fee of $160.16 per well. An annual renewal fee of $21.86 per well will also apply. Tenant farmers are advised to confirm with landowners whether their wells have already been registered.
For those seeking more information or technical support regarding well registration or groundwater issues related to the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), Carly Deitsch serves as the SGMA Technical Assistance and Community Educator and can be reached at cdeitsch@ucanr.edu or (408) 722-6093.
