Groundwater

Exploring Texas Legislation: The Rules and Regulations Overseeing Groundwater Use

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AUSTIN, Texas — In the vast expanse of Texas, water isn’t just a resource but a necessity, driving agriculture, industry, and urban growth. The state’s approach to managing this crucial asset, especially groundwater, is governed by a complex legal framework that shapes how water is accessed and used across various sectors. Texas operates under the “Rule of Capture,” an age-old doctrine with origins in English common law, setting it apart from many other states in how it handles this critical resource. The Rule of Capture allows landowners to pump and utilize the groundwater beneath their … Read more

California Judge Halts State Crackdown on Groundwater Depletion in Farming Heartland

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HANFORD, Calif. — A judge in Kings County has temporarily halted a state enforcement action intended to curb groundwater depletion in California’s prime agricultural region. The ruling, issued Wednesday, provides temporary relief to local farmers from state-mandated groundwater usage monitoring and reporting. This pause will remain in effect until a court hearing scheduled for August, which may extend the injunction. Superior Court Judge Kathy Ciuffini’s decision comes in the wake of the State Water Resources Control Board’s April declaration that placed Kings County water managers on probation. This was a landmark step under California’s comprehensive … Read more

Tehama County Board of Supervisors Address Grand Jury Recommendations, Groundwater Fee Controversy

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Red Bluff, California – The Tehama County Board of Supervisors is set to address the recommendations from the 2024 Grand Jury Report at its upcoming meeting on Tuesday. According to public agency regulations, governing bodies must respond to grand jury reports within 90 days of receiving them. The deadline for Tehama County’s response is March 11. The grand jury report included four recommendations, one of which focuses on compensating individuals who paid the well registration fee. Another recommendation highlights the groundwater sustainability agency’s need to repay a $634,000 loan from the county’s road department, which … Read more

Tehama County Grand Jury Report Unveils Damning Findings Against Groundwater Sustainability Agency

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Red Bluff, California – The recently released 2023 Tehama County Grand Jury Report has exposed various issues within the Tehama County Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA). The report, which sheds light on the agency’s shortcomings, is now available for public access. The report can be found at the following link: [insert link here]. Columnist Shanna Long has done an excellent job summarizing the report and providing an explanation of the new survey mailings for well registration. I encourage readers to refer to her article in Thursday’s edition of our newspaper or access it online for a … Read more