GUIDE (Groundwater Users Information Data Exchange)
The Groundwater Users Information Data Exchange or GUIDE program was developed to provide the GSAs better information about groundwater use in the valley and to give you and other groundwater users an opportunity to view the available data about your parcel’s assumed groundwater use.
Through the GUIDE program, you can view, correct, or confirm the data the GSAs have assumed for your property by reviewing the steps below and completing the GUIDE survey or by calling the GUIDE information line at (707) 243-8555.
Before You Begin:
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Does your property qualify for the Groundwater Users Information Data Exchange?
- First, determine whether or not your property is located in the Santa Rosa Plain, Sonoma Valley, or Petaluma Valley basin.
- After accepting the Use Disclaimer~ Terms and Conditions, use the map located to the right to enter the APN or address of parcel into the search bar at the top left of the map.
- If your property intersects with the basin area, your property is included in the GSA’s jurisdiction. You can view, correct, or confirm the data we have assumed for your property by completing the GUIDE survey.
- If no portion of your property intersects with the basin area, your property is NOT included in the GSA’s jurisdiction. No further action is needed.
Your property qualifies for the Groundwater Users Information Data Exchange:
- After using the GSA interactive map to search for your parcel using the APN or address, view and click on your parcel to reveal an information screen.
- Review the information the GSAs have on file associated with your property. (Additional resources to locate parcel information can be found further below.) If parcel information is correct, owners can:
- Do nothing
- Provide your GSA with additional details to improve groundwater information in our region by completing the 15 minute GUIDE survey to add additional information or correct information.
Please note, this form must be completed in full, answers cannot be saved to return to later. Only one survey may be submitted for a parcel. If after submitting a survey you wish to provide additional information, corrections, or attachments, please email your GSA, at info@sonomavalleygroundwater.org, info@petalumavalleygroundwater.org, or info@santarosaplaingroundwater.org with the subject line “GUIDE Attachment: APN XXX-XXX-XXX”.
We recommend assembling all necessary resource materials (see bulleted list below) before starting the survey.
Reviewing your groundwater information:
Resource materials needed could include:
- Property owner contact information
- APN (Search parcel information here)
- If the parcel uses groundwater from a nearby parcel, the APN or address of that parcel
- Groundwater user category (commercial, rural residential, agriculture, etc.)
- Water sources (groundwater well, public water, recycled water, etc., including the number of active and inactive wells on the property)
- Well depth, if known
- Site map or aerial photo of the parcel with all active well locations
- If the well uses surface water, the estimated amount of surface water used annually
- If the well uses surface water and the diversion is registered, the registration, water right application, or license number
- Estimated amount of land (square footage) that is irrigated
- If well is used for agricultural irrigation, information on type of crops and acreage
- If well is used for commercial purposes, estimated gallons used annually and number of employees
Filling out a hard copy of the survey:
If you prefer to fill out a hard copy of the survey, download and print the pdf GUIDE survey or visit the Sonoma County Groundwater Sustainability Agencies.
Completed hard copies of the survey can be mailed to the following address:
Groundwater Users Information Data Exchange (GUIDE)
Attn: Sonoma County GSAs
c/o West Yost Associates
2235 Mercury Way, Suite 105
Santa Rosa, CA 95407
If you have any additional questions, or need further assistance regarding GUIDE please call 707-243-8555 or email us at info@sonomavalleygroundwater.org, info@petalumavalleygroundwater.org, or info@santarosaplaingroundwater.org
