Groundwater aquifers are critical assets for water supply systems across the nation. When managed sustainably, these aquifers provide naturally sourced water supplies and critical storage that reduce reliance on surface water and open reservoirs, providing resilience against hydrologic extremes linked to climate change.
From concept to completion, we collaborate with local, state, tribal, and federal partners to plan, permit, and deliver groundwater management projects that promote long-term groundwater sustainability. ESA incorporates scientific and policy considerations to advance complex groundwater management efforts that link water, land use, ecosystems, and community priorities at watershed scales—with a focus on sustainability, equity, and climate resilience.
With our multidisciplinary expertise in hydrology, ecology, environmental planning, policy, and technology, we are adept at translating complex hydrogeologic, regulatory, and data challenges into operational programs that are transparent, defensible, and sustainable. We provide technical analysis and regulatory support to identify, assess, and manage impacts for a variety of groundwater-related resources and projects including groundwater-dependent ecosystems, interconnected surface waters, groundwater supply and aquifer recovery and recharge projects, indirect potable recharge, managed several aquifer recharge projects (MAR and FloodMAR), stormwater capture, and groundwater desalination projects.
We have also designed demand management programs and provided real-time monitoring and reporting of groundwater management actions through the open-source Groundwater Accounting Platform, developed by ESA and partners.
Since the passage of California’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) in 2014, ESA has partnered with Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs), water districts, and landowners in planning, implementing, and administering groundwater sustainability plans (GSPs). We have prepared multiple technical studies, CEQA and NEPA permitting and support for GSP project implementation.
Ryan will work closely with practice leaders, regional directors, and business group directors to lead...
Our experts will highlight key federal policy updates, including takeaways from the 2026 appropriations, the...
Current Nationwide Permits will expire on March 14, 2026. We detail five NWPs that have...
California’s SB 149 introduces a 270-day target for resolving CEQA litigation on certified infrastructure projects,...
Our experts will highlight key federal policy updates, including takeaways from the 2026 appropriations, the...
If finalized, the Waters of the United States Proposed Rule would reduce the geographic extent...
