Curious about SGMA, SCGA, or how groundwater is managed locally? This section answers frequently asked questions in plain language, offering a helpful starting point for residents, well owners, and water providers alike.

What is SCGA, and what does it do?

SCGA is the local agency responsible for managing groundwater in the South American Subbasin. As a Groundwater Sustainability Agency under California's SGMA law, SCGA leads the development and implementation of the region’s Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP).

What is SGMA, and why does it matter?

The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) is a 2014 state law that requires local agencies to manage groundwater sustainably over the long term. It was passed in response to decades of groundwater overdraft and declining water tables across California.

What is a Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP)?

A GSP is a 20-year plan that outlines how a region will achieve and maintain groundwater sustainability. It includes measurable objectives, projects, monitoring, and a plan for ongoing stakeholder engagement.

Who governs SCGA?

SCGA is governed by a 16-member Board of Directors representing public agencies, private water purveyors, and groundwater users from agriculture, industry, and conservation sectors.

Does SCGA have a physical office I can visit?

No. SCGA does not maintain a public office. All inquiries can be made via email or through the contact form on the website.

Can I attend SCGA meetings?

Yes. SCGA Board meetings are open to the public and usually occur every two months on the second Wednesday of each month. Meeting agendas and materials are posted in advance.

How is SCGA funded?

SCGA is funded through local agency contributions and fees paid by groundwater users as authorized under SGMA.

How can I stay informed or get involved?

You can subscribe to updates, attend meetings, participate in public workshops, or contact the Executive Director with questions.

What is the South American Subbasin?

It is a designated groundwater basin located in Sacramento County and one of several subbasins in the larger Sacramento Valley groundwater system.

What is “sustainable groundwater management”?

It means using groundwater in a way that meets current water needs without causing long-term harm to the basin, such as depletion, water quality issues, or land subsidence.

When was SCGA formed, and how did it evolve?

SCGA was established in 2006 through a Joint Powers Agreement between Sacramento County and the Cities of Sacramento, Elk Grove, Folsom, and Rancho Cordova to manage groundwater in the Central Basin. In 2016, SCGA was formally designated as a Groundwater Sustainability Agency under SGMA.

Why was an Alternative Submittal submitted instead of a GSP?

Under SGMA, SCGA submitted an approved Alternative Submittal by January 2017 because it met SGMA requirements through the existing CASGEM monitoring network and locally approved management plan.

What are Basin Management Objectives (BMOs)?

BMOs are locally established thresholds for sustainable groundwater conditions—such as minimum water levels—used to trigger management actions under the Groundwater Management Plan.

How is SCGA’s monitoring network structured?

SCGA uses a combination of long-term wells monitored originally under CASGEM. About 29 wells are used regularly to monitor trends in groundwater levels.

What policies and procedures govern SCGA operations?

SCGA has an adopted Rules of Procedure and a Policies & Procedures Manual that detail board operations, officer selection, ethics standards, committee structure, fee authority, and JPA governance.