Assessment of Potential Policy & Programs Options

Assessment of Policy & Program Options – Update (March 2026)
Groundwater policies provide a framework for local agencies to make informed decisions, implement projects, and achieve long-term sustainability. To support this effort, the Petaluma Valley Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) has completed a Policy and Program Options Assessment in March 2026 (Assessment) to identify, prioritize, and further understand actions within the authority of the GSA and local land use agencies that support the Basin’s sustainability goal.

The Assessment was a collaborative effort between the GSA Board, local land use agencies, member agencies, and stakeholders to assess and develop policy and program options that may be appropriate for the GSA to consider implementing or recommending for adoption by partner agencies. In addition to Board and Advisory Committee discussions, the GSA conducted surveys of groundwater users in 2024 (open to all groundwater users) and 2025 (focused on agricultural users) to better understand community perspectives on potential policies and programs. Survey results highlighted strong interest in incentive-based approaches, support for voluntary metering, and the importance of clear communication, technical assistance, and cost-sharing opportunities. At the same time, respondents expressed concerns about potential regulatory impacts, costs, and equity across different types of groundwater users.

Stakeholder opinions were incorporated to evaluate a broad range of potential approaches that could supplement projects to increase water supply (such as recharge or recycled water projects which are also being pursued by the GSA) to help achieve and maintain sustainability. The result is a prioritized, adaptable, and “living” list of potential policies and programs that will periodically be updated as new information, groundwater conditions, stakeholder input, or future GSA Board priorities evolve.

The Assessment focused on policies and programs that exhibit the potential to achieve one or more of the following objectives:
1. Reduce groundwater demands
2. Fill data gaps
3. Align with existing policies and facilitate coordination with other agencies
4. Improve management of groundwater resources
5. Protect beneficial users

Based on technical evaluation and stakeholder input, the GSA grouped potential policies and programs into three general categories: 1) those to continue or initiate, 2) those to further evaluate, and 3) those to place on hold pending future need or additional information. Each policy or program evaluated in the Assessment includes information on the current status, future recommendations, and costs to implement that option.

Policies or programs to continue or initiate include activities that were conducted as pilot programs in 2024 and 2025 through funding provided to the GSA under the California Department of Water Resources’ Sustainable Groundwater Management Implementation Round 2 Grant, such as voluntary water use efficiency and flow-metering programs, and incentive and education programs. Other options such as alternative water sources, well permitting approaches, and mitigation strategies will continue to be evaluated. More complex actions like groundwater allocations or mandatory limits remain on hold unless future conditions warrant them.

Read the full assessment here to better understand the proposed policies and programs.