The California Department of Water Resources has finalized a Best Management Practices document to help local groundwater agencies manage land subsidence and protect water infrastructure.
The guidance provides technical direction on identifying, monitoring, and managing subsidence caused by factors such as excessive groundwater pumping. It supports implementation of California’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act and outlines tools available to groundwater managers, including monitoring methods and technical assistance resources.
Land subsidence has caused damage to canals, pipelines, roads, utilities, and groundwater wells across California. Recent state analyses found that subsidence has reduced water delivery capacity in major conveyance systems, including the State Water Project and the federal Central Valley Project.
The guidance aims to support coordinated state and local actions to reduce subsidence-related risks to communities and water systems.
To access the full report, click here