Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem Assessment for Santa Clarita Valley GSA

Complying with the 2014 Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), the newly formed Santa Clarita Valley Groundwater Sustainability Agency (SCVGSA) embarked on preparing a Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) to better understand and manage the shallow and deep aquifer systems in the valley that provide critical water supplies for both municipal and agricultural demands. A key element of all GSPs is the consideration of groundwater dependent ecosystems (GDEs) and whether future management actions may adversely affect these important natural resources.

Why does this project matter?

The SCVGSA GSP outlines future groundwater management protocols including the development of measurable objectives, minimum thresholds and action triggers for depth-to-groundwater that are protective of healthy ecosystems.

What is ESA doing to help?

ESA supported the SCVGSA through the identification of GDEs within the valley to be considered in the GSP. ESA developed definitions of “undesirable results” with respect to GDEs and supported the development of “management objectives” and depth-to-groundwater “Minimum Thresholds” that would trigger management actions. ESA also developed a GDE monitoring protocol that the agency currently implements to comply with the GSP’s consideration of potential impacts to GDEs.

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Tom Barnes

"Establishing clear GDE management objectives, action triggers, and monitoring protocols provides the SCVGSA with a clear record of compliance with SGMA."