How does groundwater law regulate inter-basin transfers?

Groundwater law in California regulates inter-basin transfers in two major ways: through the imposition of limitations and the establishment of permits. For limitations, California’s Department of Water Resources (DWR) imposes restrictions on the amount of groundwater that can be diverted from an area to another. These limitations are designed to prevent the depletion of one basin’s water supply, as well as to protect the environment. DWR also requires that permits be secured before an inter-basin transfer can take place. These permits are granted by the relevant local or state water agency and dictate the terms of the transfer, such as the duration, the amount of water being transferred, and the purpose of the transfer. In addition to the limitations and permits, the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) has established a Bay-Delta Plan to protect California’s estuary system, which includes the San Joaquin-Sacramento River Delta. The plan restricts the quantity of water that can be diverted from the delta, prevent any changes in local water flow and salinity levels, and mandate that water be used more efficiently. Lastly, the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) of 2014 requires local agencies to establish Groundwater Sustainability Agencies, which regulate both the amount and quality of water that can be taken from a given region. In sum, California’s water law provides a comprehensive framework for regulating inter-basin transfers. The primary purpose of these regulations is to protect the state’s water supply, as well as its ecosystems, from unnecessary depletion or degradation, while allowing the safe and sustainable use of water resources.

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How does groundwater law regulate inter-basin transfers?

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