Clarifying the groundwater district’s powers

Thank you to David Sneed and The Tribune for the excellent article of Jan. 23 (“Paso Robles Water District Vote will have Profound Impact on North County”) regarding the upcoming water district vote.

However, there are a couple of things I would like to clarify. The article mentions the proposed water district would have “sweeping powers to tax and regulate property.” The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) gives all Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSA) virtually the same powers as those listed in AB-2453. So any GSA, including the county, will have the powers to tax and regulate, among others. Also, any GSA, whether the proposed water district or the county, will need the funds from the Measure A parcel tax. While the county Flood Control District is currently in charge of managing the basin, they do not have the funds or staff to be the GSA required by SGMA.

This story was originally published February 20, 2016 at 9:38 AM with the headline "Clarifying the groundwater district’s powers."