About the Salinas Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency
The Salinas Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency (SVBGSA) is dedicated to protecting and sustaining groundwater resources that support the people, communities and economy of Monterey County. Groundwater is essential not only for agriculture to thrive, but also for homes, businesses and the environment. Through the development and implementation of Groundwater Sustainability Plans for each of six subbasins in the Salinas Valley, SVBGSA is advancing projects and management actions that address critical challenges — from enhancing groundwater recharge and halting seawater intrusion to improving water efficiency and promoting collaborative basin-wide planning. Established in 2017 under California’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, SVBGSA is committed to inclusive, science-based decision-making and active community engagement to ensure a reliable groundwater future for all users in the Salinas Valley.
The SVBGSA represents a wide range of local interests including agriculture, cities, public utilities, disadvantaged communities, the County and environmental stakeholders. The Agency’s six subbasins have all been designated by the Department of Water Resources as medium- or high-priority, with the 180/400-Foot Aquifer Subbasin also designated as critically overdrafted. With Groundwater Sustainability Plans now complete for all six subbasins, SVBGSA is focused on implementing solutions to achieve long-term sustainability by 2040/2042.
The SVBGSA is governed by an 11-member Board of Directors and supported by Subbasin Implementation Committees. These committees bring together community representatives, landowners, agricultural managers, water leaders and technical experts to monitor progress, identify and prioritize local projects, explore funding options and make recommendations to the Board of Directors.