East Kaweah GSA is strengthening its decision-making capabilities by filling a key groundwater monitoring data gap in the southwestern portion of the GSA. Construction of two new dedicated monitoring wells will provide the reliable groundwater data needed to:

• better track changing conditions,
• measure progress toward SGMA goals, and
• support informed groundwater management decisions.

Funded through a $200,000 California Department of Water Resources (DWR) Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) Implementation Grant, the project will strengthen the agency’s ability to monitor groundwater conditions by filling a known data gap in the region. Construction is expected to begin in early August and be completed by early October.

Strengthening Groundwater Management with Better Data

The two new monitoring wells will provide a continuous groundwater level dataset from an area where monitoring currently is limited, giving East Kaweah GSA a more complete understanding of groundwater conditions across its service area.

The wells will be located along the southwestern boundary of Lindmore Irrigation District. Each will be equipped with data loggers for staff to take groundwater levels, allowing staff to track changing conditions in near real time.

Unlike production wells, dedicated monitoring wells are used exclusively to measure groundwater conditions. Because they are not pumped for irrigation or other uses, they provide consistent, precise data that helps East Kaweah GSA:

• Track groundwater conditions over time.
• Evaluate how groundwater responds to recharge projects and other Projects and Management Actions (PMAs).
• Measure progress toward SGMA sustainability benchmarks.
• Make informed, data-driven decisions that support long-term groundwater planning.

Expanding the monitoring network reduces uncertainty and strengthens the agency’s ability to manage groundwater using accurate, local information that benefits landowners, growers, and the communities that rely on this shared resource.

Made Possible Through State Grant Funding and Local Landowner Cooperation

The project is funded through DWR’s 2022 SGMA Implementation Grant Program. East Kaweah GSA worked with DWR to redirect a portion of previously awarded grant funding toward the construction of these dedicated monitoring wells to address a higher-priority monitoring need within the GSA.

A private landowner and Lindmore Irrigation District have signed agreement to allow monitoring wells. Local contribution is critical the success of these programs and could not be done without the local landowners. EKGSA greatly appreciates their cooperation in the efforts to manage groundwater resources.

The grant also supports several other SGMA implementation projects throughout the East Kaweah GSA, including channel improvements to Cameron Creek and Cottonwood Creek, groundwater recharge projects, and updates to the Groundwater Sustainability Plan and groundwater model.

What’s Next

Environmental review for the project has been completed, and construction bids are completed. East Kaweah GSA expects drilling to begin in early August.

Once completed, the new monitoring wells will become part of the agency’s long-term monitoring network, providing valuable groundwater data that will help guide local groundwater management for years to come.